OUR PROGRAM

Semester in the City is a fully-credited fellowship program that gives undergraduate students the opportunity to spend a semester in Boston learning hands-on through well-supported internships in the social sector. Participating students join us as Social Innovation Fellows and participate in a transformative 15-week program that allows them to address current social issues while developing essential skills and networks that prepare them for life and work after graduation. Learn more here.

SOCIAL INNOVATION FELLOWSHIP

During their Semester in the City, Fellows will intern with a nonprofit, social mission business, or government agency for 30 hours per week. Fellows will gain work-based experience, allowing them to learn more about themselves and their passions while also building their skills and networks. 

We work with students to place them in an internship aligned with their interests, be it criminal justice reform, education, gender equality, environmental sustainability, or beyond. While every placement will be a little different, each Fellow will have a dedicated mentor to help them thrive.

Check out where we've placed our Fellows.

WHAT MAKES OUR INTERNSHIPS GREAT

Some aspects that make our program unique include the fact that we match students with their internship based on a variety of factors such as their passions and interests, there is a dedicated mentor at the internship site, and students focus on a special project throughout the semester. We do the heavy lifting of finding students an internship placement, and we put supports in place to make sure students and the host organizations can thrive. This allows students to immerse themselves into the culture of their internship sites and make a meaningful contribution.

APPLICATION

Thank you for your interest in Semester in the City! We can’t wait to learn more about you!

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

Step 1: Application. Fill out our online application, which should take you about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Eligibility. Every college/university has its own eligibility process that students must complete before participating in a study away program. Enrollment in Semester in the City is contingent upon completion of this process. Please contact your college’s program liaison for information about the eligibility process and deadlines. To find out who to contact at your school, click here. 

Step 3: Interview. Our interview lasts about 30 minutes and is an opportunity for us to get to know you better, while leaving room for you to ask more questions about the program. We will also ask questions to begin to get a sense of what a great internship placement could look like for you! 

Step 4: Selection. Students will be notified if they are accepted into the program approximately 1-2 weeks after being interviewed. 

Step 5: Enrollment. Students must confirm their participation by submitting an enrollment form by the enrollment deadline. At this time, students will also be asked to complete an internship matching questionnaire.

Step 6: Matching. Matching occurs after all application deadlines for the semester pass. Students applying for a Spring semester will know their internship match by late November. Students applying for a Fall semester will be informed of their match in late April. Next steps to confirm the match will follow. 

If you have any questions, please email us at sitc@collegeforsocialinnovation.org.

Interested in Semester in the City and an additional leadership opportunity?
Apply to be a Community Advisor today!

WELCOME TO A NEW KIND OF CLASSROOM

As a Social Innovation Fellow, you’ll also take two courses, taught by our staff. Curriculum focuses on social innovation and the social impact sector, and also gives you ample time to reflect on your internship work. Our classes are a key part of our holistic approach to experiential learning and internships: you’ll learn theory in class and put it to practice at your internship, maximizing your growth both inside and outside the classroom.