Smithsonian Institution, Center for Museum Studies I would like to add to this thread from my perspective as a former intern (undergrad & grad, paid & unpaid) as well as an intern coordinator. Internships are a neutral time to help make very important career decisions without making a long-term commitment. This is especially important if you discover that what you thought would be a perfect job isn't so ideal after all. That alone makes for a very valuable experience. The experience I gained as a result of internships was worth more than any classes I could have taken and worth the price - both tangible and intangible. To rationalize the lack of stipend and cost of tuition for credit received, I thought of internships as classes without textbooks or exams. Yes, I put in a lot of time, but it was fun and satisfying and REAL experience to put on a resume. While doing the graduate internship (long-term), I also took other classes and worked full-time; not being a traditional student, I also had family responsibilities of which to take care. It was tough and tiring, but temporary. It was an investment in myself. Having said that, I agree that the lack of stipends leads to a lack of economic diversity within the field. Not everyone can afford to do an unstipended internship at the Smithsonian (I sure couldn't) or other major institution. But, there are other opportunities you can make for yourself to get the kind of experience which leads to a job in the field. And, keep in mind that sympathetic intern supervisors will work with your schedule to make an internship happen. This summer, I will be supervising an intern (unpaid) who will need to get a part-time job to pay her expenses; she will work here 20-25 hours/week. You have to set your priorities. And, DO APPLY to those highly competitive stipened programs. The worst that can happen is that you won't get selected. It's certainly worth the time and effort. As an intern coordinator, I am working with various organizations to find intern funding. , but there will never be enough money, I suspect. Someone mentioned tuition sharing, whereby the academic institution shares the tuition with the internship sponsor. I know of museums that use this money to provide stipends for interns. All in all, internships are an excellent way to gain experience, network and learn. Though sometimes far from ideal, they are better than having no opportunity. Elena Piquer Mayberry A & I, Suite 2235 MRC 427 Intern Services Coordinator Washington, DC 20560 Center for Museum Studies 202/357-3102 voice [log in to unmask] email 202/357-3346 fax