Not only are there more options for students, but students are more aware of these opportunities than ever before. Internships have been a key component of the leisure service field over the past 40 years, but we know relatively little about them. Each component makes a contribution and expects to receive particular benefits from their participation. Agencies sacrifice time and energy to acquire good, young professionals and to support the field in general. Students contribute their time usually about 12 weeks to receive a unique educational and professional experience and to fulfill the university requirements.
Universities coordinate, supervise and evaluate the relationship between students and agencies.
Researchers gathered data from three primary sources. First questioned were therapeutic recreation agencies in institutional settings, special recreation associations, municipal recreation departments, forest preserves, conservation districts and park districts. Secondly, students who were currently doing an internship or anticipating undertaking an internship within the next few months offered perspectives based on their own expectations and resources. Finally, internship coordinators at several Illinois universities that have park and recreation programs contributed their ideas and concerns about internships and leisure service agencies. The agencies responded conscientiously to the request for information.