The internship usually begins the summer after the first year of course work. Prior to the internship, students receive extensive advising. During the internship, advisors maintain close contact with the interns and their on-site supervisors. Projects are clearly specified and result in a detailed portfolio and report. Typically, students complete two or three internships at different institutions, working on projects related to their specialization.
Some students find paid internship positions, while others are unpaid.
Students who hold professional positions in museums may arrange to complete their internships at their place of employment. Summer 2000 internship sites included the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the San Diego Zoo, Field Museum of Natural History, an independent study in Cuba, Lawrence Hall of Science, California Historical Society, among others.