Internship Program Frequently Asked Questions
WHO CAN APPLY TO HMEI’S ENVIRONMENTAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
Current Princeton University first-year students, sophomores, and juniors (not conducting senior thesis research) with an interest in environmental topics, regardless of academic major, or certificate program, can apply to participate in HMEI internships. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled and matriculated from the time of application through the following fall.
WHAT TYPES OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH HMEI’S INTERNSHIP PROGRAM?
HMEI’s Environmental Internship Program offers Princeton undergraduate students the opportunity to complement their academic course of study with hands-on research and project experiences during the summer months. HMEI internships are available with faculty-led research groups and with local and international NGOs, non-profit, government, industry, and community enterprises. Program topics include alternative energy, climate science, biodiversity and conservation, urban adaptation and resilience, environmental policy, and water and agriculture.
WHERE ARE HMEI INTERNSHIPS LOCATED?
Internships are located on-campus, throughout the U.S., and in various countries around the world. International locations have included Bermuda, Bolivia, Kenya, Madagascar, and Switzerland (to name a few).
ARE HMEI INTERNSHIPS PAID?
No. However, HMEI internships are fully-funded. Students are provided a weekly stipend to help defray the cost of living during the summer, and for the duration of the internship. Additionally, students with international assignments are provided with an international travel award, as appropriate.
HOW LONG ARE HMEI INTERNSHIPS?
Internships are full-time (35 hours/week minimum) and last a minimum of eight (8) continuous weeks. Students can intern for up to 12 weeks during the summer months.
IS HOUSING PROVIDED?
Students are responsible for finding accommodations, with the exception of internships at Mpala Research Centre in Kenya. Many live in on-campus housing if interning in Princeton during the summer. Internship hosts can provide suggestions, if outside of Princeton or in an international location.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
Applications for HMEI-established opportunities can be found through Global Programs System (GPS) each November, with a mid-January deadline. Princeton sophomores and juniors may apply for funding to support a student-initiated internship (positions that have been identified by the applicant and are otherwise ‘unfunded’), through the Student Funding and Activities (SAFE) engine. Students interested in proposing an internship opportunity will have a mid-February deadline.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH HMEI RELATED TO INTERNSHIPS?
Yes – HMEI’s Environmental Scholars Program. This program provides students with up to $16,000 over a two-year period to pursue an independent research project supervised and mentored by a member of the Princeton faculty in the summer following their sophomore year and on a continuous basis, culminating field study as an integral component of their junior and senior independent work. Students who participate in a HMEI internship preceding their sophomore year are eligible to apply.
WHOM CAN I SPEAK WITH TO LEARN MORE?
If you’re interested in learning more, you can speak with Emily Ahmetaj, HMEI’s Internship Program Manager. She can be reached via email (eahmetaj@princeton.edu) or by phone (609-258-3698).