In our world, information is not enough – you need to know how to put it all together. People do not come in the boxes of academic disciplines – so if you want to work with people, you will need to know how to integrate information and perspectives so that you can treat people whole. An internship can teach you how!
All students in religion are encouraged to speak with the department chair and devise an internship that explores your area of interest. Consider:
- Health care. Become a chaplaincy intern at Long Island Jewish Hospital or at the Zen Center for Contemplative Care in Manhattan. You could even help interview patients at a Brooklyn hospital to determine their satisfaction with the incorporation of acupuncture in labor and delivery. Spanish and Chinese speakers are especially (but not only) needed!
- Interfaith. Interns have worked at the Interfaith Center of New York in Brooklyn as well as with the Interfaith Community of Long Island, which is dedicated to teaching children K-6 from dual-faith families about Judaism and Christianity.
- Public policy. Interested in learning how government agencies as well as nongovernmental organizations and faith-based initiatives are shaping the future of NY, the US and the world – as well as religion? Intern with local, national, and international agencies to help re-imagine the future.
- Museum work and curatorship. Possibilities range from the Rubin Museum of Art, which focuses on Himalayan art, religion, and culture, to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.
- Women and gender issues. Students have worked with Planned Parenthood of Nassau County, as well as in a domestic violence shelter.
- Religion and violence. Concerned about the rise of hate crimes and intolerance? Work with one of several local nonprofits dedicated to this issue.
- Create an internship that is perfect for you!
Take what you learn in class and make it your own!
Contact Info
How to Obtain an Internship
Students in religion or Jewish studies can register for RELI 192. Before you do that, you must meet with the faculty member whom you want to serve as your mentor. Together, you will devise an internship prospectus. The prospectus must include:
- A precise site where you want to work.
- A list of possible readings and assignments that will best help you meet your goals for this internship.
RELI 192 Internship in Religious Studies
1-6 semester hours
Fall, Spring, Summer
This internship provides students with an opportunity to apply the academic study of religion to practical situations. For each credit hour, students will work a minimum of 28 hours on site in addition to a minimum of 10 hours academic work that will include reading, research, and a final paper or project that situates the internship experience within the broader framework of the academic study of religion. Also required, but not counted as part of the 10 hours of academic work, are a minimum of three (3) meetings with a faculty advisor – one at the beginning, one at mid-term, and one at the end of the work experience. Prerequisites/Course Notes: RELI 10, minimum GPA of 2.5 and screening interview with instructor. Grades will be based on both on-site evaluation and on academic work. An on-site evaluation of “poor” will result in a grade no higher than a C. May not be taken on a Pass/D+/D/Fail basis.
For more information about internships in the Department of Religion, contact Dr. John Teehan at 516-463-6412 or via email.