Internships & Community Service

Whittier Scholars' academic studies are integrated with practical, hands-on experience through internships and community service and study abroad. Through the interaction of classroom study and a work-based, off-campus experience, students can apply their classroom learning to enhance their personal development and better prepare for a rewarding professional future. By study abroad, students enhance their education through exposure to different points of view and, in turn, improve their critical thinking skills. The off-campus program allows students to also have the opportunity to assess their experience and follow a career path of their interest. The experiential learning component of the Whittier Scholars Program permits WSP advisors, faculty, and on-site supervisors to share in this invaluable educational process.

Internship Overview

  • Each student receives one-to-one guidance and is encouraged to do so early in the sophomore year.
  • An internship must relate to each student's particular academic and/or professional goals and interests, as set forth in his/her Educational Design.
  • We encourage students to be proactive and use the Internet, build networking contacts, and use alumni resources in their search for an internship or volunteer position.
  • We strongly recommend that students use the guidance and resources of the Office of Internships & International Programs, located in Philadelphia House.

Study Abroad Overview

  • To study abroad during academic semesters, a student MUST choose a Whittier College affiliated or approved program, in order to use the Whittier College grant money included in a financial aid package.
  • Studying abroad for more than one semester is discouraged and students who wish to do so will not be granted their College grant money.
  • Each student must formally apply to their program of choice, along with submitting an essay and other documents required by the College to Katie Hunter, Assistant Director of Foreign Study, in Platner Hall. (Approval for study abroad is not automatically granted.)
  • Summer or Jan-Term programs qualify only after you receive approval from the Office of Internships & International Study. (No application process necessary to Whittier College during summer term however, you MUST notify WSP, Office of International Programs, and Registrar's Office.)
  • Completing a WSP Contact Information & Checklist Form must be done before the end of the semester preceding your date of departure (or as soon as possible after your arrival).
  • Keep in mind that volunteering is a crucial way to advocate change and progress in the Whittier community.
  • If you decide to study abroad, we encourage you to become involved in a community service activity when you return from abroad; service for the greater good is without question, a meaningful, satisfying and enduring endeavor.

However, if you do not plan to study abroad, you must complete at least one semester interning or volunteer for community service work to fulfill the WSP requirement. WSP students are expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per semester in order to receive one unit of academic credit. You may choose to do your off-campus work for credit or not-for-credit. To receive credit(s) for your work, you must enroll in WSP 399 (Internship).