Frequently Asked Questions: About the ICYF Service Learning Internship Program

Do I get paid?
Funds are currently not available to provide students with financial compensation. Sometimes organizations have funds that they may choose to pay an intern, but students are not typically paid. Special scholarship funds are often available for students participating in the summer. If students receive Federal Work Study funds as a part of their Student Financial Aid package, they may be able to receive the funds while working in a community organization. Talk with the Service Learning Coordinator about this option.

Where will I do my internship?
Students have many options for placement. Students will choose their own placement from a list of community partner organizations, and contact each site to arrange an interview. This website has a listing of our community partner sites. If the student is interested in an alternative placement, she/he will need to speak with the Service Learning Coordinator.

What hours will I work?
Interns are required to work 9-10 hours per week for each University unit that they earn, for a total of 135 hours for the semester. Work days and hours will be determined through an agreement between the student and the community mentor. Interns may only count hours spent working at or on behalf of the program or organization. Interns may not count hours spent traveling from home to the worksite, or hours spent working on course assignments. A detailed timesheet must be signed by the student and supervisor, and submitted at the middle and at the end of the semester.

How much work will I be doing?
Service learning students quickly become an integral part of the organizations where they are placed. Organizations depend on the work that interns provide for them. Students will be involved in direct service, administrative work, special projects, and many other kinds of activities. Students and the organization supervisor decide together on goals and activities.

How do I get involved?
Make an appointment to see the Service Learning Coordinator to discuss the right time to do an internship, placement options, and how to get started. You will complete a search and placement process. Fill out an application and submit all the necessary components by the due date for the semester in which you wish to begin.

How important is my GPA?
The internship is a competitive experience that demands a high degree of commitment. Students must meet the requirement of a 2.25 GPA at the time of application in order to be considered for the internship. Participation in the service learning internship earns credit, but does not necessarily improve GPA.

Can I get credit for the work I am already doing?
Students may not get credit for the work they are already doing as an employee at a community organization. However, if a student wishes to do their internship at their place of work, they may be able to use some of their work hours in a different position or doing different activities to fulfill the requirements. Talk with the Service Learning Coordinator for these special arrangements.

How do I write a résumé?
There are many options right here on campus for learning how to create a résumé. UA Career Services can help you get started, as well as introduce you to many other resources available to assist you. There are books in the library on résumé writing that give you suggestions, ideas, and models for creating your own.

Do I have to do the internship for two semesters?
No. You may participate for one or two semesters. You may complete up to 6 units at one organization.

For more information about the internship program, check out the Internship Program page or contact the ICYF Service Learning Coordinator.