Yes, applicants can submit one application and may apply for up to a maximum of two internship positions within their application. Incomplete applications and applications without selected positions may not be considered.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the Office of Internship Programs(OIP) as opportunities become available. Please know that if an internship does not become available that fits your interests and timeframe, you will not be contacted. If you have a specific interest, you are encouraged to apply for that specific internship as well.

Smithsonian internships and fellowships are very competitive; the Smithsonian receives thousands of applications each year—but don’t let that discourage you from applying. We work to make sure Smithsonian internships are prestigious, but not exclusive.

Applicants can anticipate receiving an update on their application status either way three to four weeks after the application deadline via the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).

No, housing is not provided. Interns are responsible for their own housing during the internship.

Yes, stipends are awarded for internships based on available funding. Part-time internships can be awarded up to $450/week and full-time internships awarded up to $850/week. Exact amounts will be stated in the internship descriptions.

Yes, international students within the Continental US are eligible for internships. The Office of Internship Programs (OIP) has provided a FAQ section on their website for international applicants.

Applications are sometimes reviewed by multiple individuals so using generic addresses such as “Selection Committee” or “Intern Manager” will suffice.

Your essay should be able to make a compelling connection between your goals (personal, professional, and/or academic), experiences and the applied internship(s). Be able to demonstrate that you understand the details of the internship(s), and clearly state your learning objectives for the experience NMAAHC has to offer. Any skills, coursework, qualifications, or aptitudes that would benefit the project are also good to include.

No, extensions are not offered for any reason. All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the application deadline. Our program has a strict timeline to ensure interns can begin their internships on time as scheduled. Begin the application process early to give yourself and your references ample time to submit documents, and let your references know the deadline well in advance.

We strive to include as much detail as possible in the position descriptions. We cannot provide any further information about specific projects.

Applications submitted via SOLAA are not confirmed by individual e-mails because applicants can login to the system at any time and directly see if their applications are marked as submitted. SOLAA will not alert applicants if all the necessary documents are not submitted. It is a good idea to double-check the list of requirements prior to submitting the application.

Applicants can login to SOLAA any time during the application period to see if the letters of recommendation are present. We recommend checking the system in the days leading up to the deadline to confirm the two required letters have been submitted.

Letters are submitted directly by references via SOLAA. Applicants can also upload the recommendation letters directly into SOLAA.

Yes, letters can be submitted confidentially via the SOLAA portal.

Recommendation letters can be uploaded their letter shortly after you submit your application before the application deadline. As a reminder, you should check your application in SOLAA to see if your references have been submitted.

If one of your referees does not see the email request from SOLAA (solaa_sc@si.edu), please advise them to double check their spam/junk mail. If they are still not able to locate the email request, please contact 202-633-4000 or OCIOServiceDesk@si.edu and include “SOLAA” in the subject line of your email.

Most fellowship programs are open to international students. Check individual program eligibility.

There is a one year waiting period between when you end your employment or contract before you are eligible to apply.

A list of NMAAHC research staff and affiliated research staff can be found on the Office of Internship Programs website.

American History, American Material and Folk Culture, and the History of Music and Musical Instruments; Anthropology, Archaeology, Linguistics, and Ethnic Studies; and Materials Characterization and Conservation.

Yes, fellows can select and collaborate with advisors from across the Institution to suit their research needs.

No, extensions are not offered. All application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the application deadline. Begin the application process early to give yourself and your references ample time to submit documents, and let your references know the deadline well in advance.

Letters are submitted directly by references via SOLAA. Applicants can also upload the recommendation letters directly into SOLAA.

Yes, letters can be submitted confidentially via the SOLAA portal.

If they cannot upload their letter to the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA), please contact 202-633-4000 or OCIOServiceDesk@si.edu and include “SOLAA” in the subject line of your email.

Your referee will still be able to upload their letter shortly after you submit your application. As a reminder, you should check your application in SOLAA to see if your references have been submitted.

If one of your referees does not see the email request from SOLAA (solaa_sc@si.edu), please advise them to double check their spam/junk mail. If they are still not able to locate the email request, please contact 202-633-4000 or OCIOServiceDesk@si.edu and include “SOLAA” in the subject line of your email.