Unfortunately, summer always ends. But I still want to know how you spent it!

Did you go to Paris with your sweetheart? Work an internship in a biology lab? Make some extra cash? We want to know what you did this summer! Take a minute to tell us, and give us more details in the comments so that we can live vicariously through you and your (hopefully) awesome summer memories.

1. Get a Foot in the Door

An unpaid internship is the easiest way to get your foot in the door of any industry. If you’re lucky, you’ll get real hands-on experience and be able to learn all about the field from professionals who have loads of experience.

This is also a great way to explore potential career options. A temporary internship will give you a taste of what life in a certain job might be like, without committing you to anything permanent –- sort of like a free sample (and who doesn’t love those?).

2. Pump up Your Resume

Many people are saying that a bachelor’s degree is the new high school diploma, as in everyone has one. Meaning? Scoring a cushy post-grad job with just an undergrad degree may not be as easy as you’d hope.

Unpaid internships can help set your entry-level post-grad resume apart from the pack. Having relevant work experience on your resume – even if it’s in the form of an unpaid student internship – can play a huge factor in getting the job after graduation.

3. Build a Network

In addition to looking great on your resume, unpaid internships are a huge help in making contacts that will help you find work down the line. A single (unpaid) magazine internship I did during undergrad not only gave me my first hands-on journalism experience, it helped me score work after school was over.

Thanks to that one internship, I already had significant experience which helped me score my first journalism job after school. What’s more, I got a great reference letter from the editor-in-chief of the magazine I interned for and, to this day, she helps me out by providing me with contacts and recommending me for jobs.

4. Get College Credit

If the idea of unpaid student internships is still totally difficult to stomach, be aware that you may be able to count your internship as college credit, making the benefits a little more immediately tangible.

Most schools offer credit for relevant internships. Find out about your school’s policy and talk to a departmental adviser about which types of internships can be counted for credit toward your degree.

5. Have Fun (Seriously!)

Yeah, working for free in an unpaid student internship — especially over summer break — seems like the furthest thing from fun. However internships can offer amazing experiences, as you’ll have the chance to learn new skills and simply do things you’ve never done before.

My magazine internship was full-time, sort of scary at times and totally frustrating at others -– and it was all gratis. But I loved it. I was given responsibilities that I never thought I would have, like writing little blurbs for the magazine. Before the gig was up, I even got to write a longer article and see my name in print –- which made the whole summer of work totally worth it.

If you find an internship in a field you’re interested in, these kinds of perks can make the blood, sweat and tears (kidding!) of an unpaid internship well worth the work. There are so many types of internships available — you can even do internships abroad! You’re sure to find something you want to do.

5. Backpack

Rule #1 of student travel is simple: pack light! There is nothing worse than over-packing, particularly if you’re not planning on staying in one place. So avoid bags on wheels and get a backpack — it’ll be easier to carry and will force you to pack as lightly as possible.

4. 150-Country Travel Adapter and Converter

Not only can this gadget charge any AC powered device, it also has USB plugs, which save you from having to carry around multiple chargers for all of your electronic devices. So throw your iPod, cell phone or digital camera on the charger all at the same time, and go out and enjoy some scenery!

3. Stash Sandals

Though your hostels may be state of the art, you can never be too careful! Traveler, meet stash sandals. They appear to be regular sandals, but have a little tray in the heel that slides out to hold valuables (i.e. cash, credit cards, passport) you’d rather keep on you at all times. Pretty nifty, huh?

2. Tide Stick

When traveling, you’ll likely only be doing your laundry one or two times, if that. You shouldn’t have to find a laundromat and wash a load just because you got a little gelato on your favorite shirt. Bring a Tide stick! It’ll get you out of otherwise sticky situations.

1. Travel-Sized Packs of Tissues

As you will soon discover, many bathrooms, particularly public ones, do not have toilet paper. Need we say more? When considering what to pack when traveling, don’t forget to keep this fact in mind. Leave the giant rolls of toilet paper at home, and carry some travel-sized tissues!

Remember — the less you’re carrying, the more easily you’ll be able to get around, both on foot and in the air. So when you’re deciding on what to pack when traveling, be a minimalist!

Don’t let these warm months pass you by. Check out this list of fun and helpful things to do the summer before college.

6. Go to Orientation

In the summer before college, schools host orientations for incoming freshmen. Make sure you go! The orientation will quite literally orient you around the school — you’ll find out where the library is, where to get your morning coffee and a bunch of other useful tips about your new college life. Also, you might get to register for classes that will be full come Labor Day!

5. Friend Your Roommate on Facebook

Nervous about how you’ll get along with your college roommate? Initiate a beautiful friendship by making contact online the summer before college! You might just find that you and your roommate have a lot in common and begin to set some ground rules for sharing a living space (i.e. visitors, noise levels, and lights out).

4. Enrich Your Mind

Are the books you intended to read getting dusty on your shelf? Read some classics the summer before college and enrich your mind! Plus, you’ll have some insight to impress your new classmates with once classes begin!

3. Learn a Language

Knowing more than one language is not only a great resume skill, but something that allows you to connect with more people. And who has ever wished for fewer friends in college? The summer before college, brush up on your language skills! You might just meet a fellow freshman cutie who speaks your language!

2. Buy a Laptop

It is customary for students to purchase a laptop when they are beginning their freshman year in college. It’ll come in handy with note-taking, homework, studying for finals and staying in touch with friends back home. So save up some money this summer and buy a laptop for college!

1. Make a Deal With Your Parents

Avert future disaster by deciding on visits, phone calls and holiday drives home during the summer before college. Make sure you agree on all of the above — it will save you a lot of grief in the future!

Is your summer shaping up to be as lazy as ever? Don’t miss your opportunity to get better acquainted with what awaits you in the next four years. Spend your summer before college having fun and preparing!

Not sure where to look for one? Depending on the career you intend to pursue, the answer to that question might change. However, here are a few student summer internship ideas that are sure to look great on any resume — no matter what job you want after you graduate.

1. Write for Your Local Paper

A lot of small, local papers will host student summer internships for those who are interested in writing, journalism and media. Depending on your interest and college major, you might get to cover a local event, take photos or help out in production. There’s never a shortage of news, so these student summer internships are often available.

2. Volunteer at a Charity

There are plenty of charities out there, and they can always use an extra hand! Find a charity that interests you and apply for a student summer internship there. Though you might primarily be carrying files and going on coffee runs, you’ll be boosting your resume and helping out a good cause. Plus, learning how to handle paperwork and use basic office software (Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.) are internship skills that will seriously pay off later on in your career.

3. Fundraise

Fundraisers happen rather sporadically, and for many reasons. Scour Craigslist for upcoming fundraisers for the arts, sports, schools, and anything else that is relevant to your career. Offer to make cold calls, help design programs, and anything else they need help with. This student summer internship will give you great sales experience, and allow you to network with many people.

No matter where you intern this summer, it’s better than sitting at home and doing nothing. You may be able to get college credit as well as experience in your field!  So, what are you waiting for? Make the most of your months off by doing a student summer internship this year!

Taking the time to find a summer internship in advance can give you the upper hand and help you land the job, especially for students looking at competitive positions or internship programs with early deadlines.

Many recruiters try to find interns ahead of time – since the summer break is only a few months, employers want interns to be ready to go when vacation starts.

But how do you find a summer internship? Remember these 4 steps when you start your search:

1) Know What You’re Looking For

Before you start your internship search, take some time to think about what you want from the position.

You might be trying to find a summer internship in a certain field or with a specific company. Maybe you only want to look for internships close to home, or near your college town.

Knowing what you want from your internship can make the search more manageable – and help you find a summer internship that you can’t wait to start!

2) Visit Your School’s Career Services

Many colleges and universities have career centers – a great resource to help you find a summer internship!

Your school’s career counselors can tell you what’s available, keep you informed about deadlines, look over your applications, or tell you about upcoming job fairs.

Especially when summer is approaching, career centers can be flooded with students trying to find a summer internship last-minute. Beat the rush and stop by your school’s career services now – you’ll get more attention and have more time to find an internship!

3) Browse Your Favorite Websites

Some of the best resources to help you find a summer internship are right at your fingertips. Check out the websites of your favorite companies or organizations to see what internship opportunities they offer.

Some businesses have organized programs for interns that might require an application, an essay or professional recommendations – along with your internship resume and cover letter.

These programs often have early deadlines, so keep those dates in mind when you’re out to find a summer internship.

Other companies might not offer internship programs, but could still be open to hiring interns. Send an email to the department you’re interested in and ask if you could find a summer internship with their company. It never hurts to ask!

4) Spread the Word

Letting people know about your search is one of the best (and easiest!) ways to find a summer internship.

Talk to your professors, family members, friends and past employers about what you’re looking for. They’ll remember you if they hear of an opportunity – and getting the word out early will give them time to find a summer internship that fits the bill.

Many schools give students access to their alumni network – a database of professional alumni that you can call for information about your field.

Contact these alums and chat with them about their company and their positions. They could give you some useful tips – or know how to find a summer internship in the field.

Starting your search early can help you stay on track to find a summer internship. Take some time between classes – or over your winter break – to brush up your resume and find a summer internship that’s right for you!

Even if you’re considering an unpaid internship – and more students than ever are working for free – getting internship credit gives you a  reward for your efforts.

Internship credit might allow you to take more challenging and interesting classes later on, or let you bypass some of your school’s course requirements. Many colleges have different policies about getting internship credit – so remember to look up your school’s requirements before you start!

Not sure if you can get academic credit for your internship? Try these ways to make your internship credit count:

Look at your course catalog.

If you’re trying to get internship credit, check out your college’s course catalog. Some schools already offer existing college courses that give credit for the real-world experience you get through internships or independent studies.

Think about which academic department best fits your internship – if you’re writing for a newspaper, maybe English is your best bet – and browse the course requirements in the catalog.

Internship courses are often upper-level classes and might only be available in your last few semesters in college. Set up a meeting with the head of the department to work out the details.

Petition for internship credit.

Some colleges require students to ask for internship credit through a petition instead of offering it through an existing class. Schools with petitions might have additional requirements for students wanting internship credit – you might need a certain GPA, for example.

Each college major usually has its own requirements for internship credit petitions, so talk with your academic adviser about what your internship should include. You’ll need to get some signatures before your petition is approved, so start thinking ahead!

Create a class.

If your school doesn’t have a process for getting internship credit, never fear! It’s still possible to get credit for your internship by talking to your academic adviser or department chair.

Some academic departments will grant you internship credit as long as you have a plan in advance, or will let you count an internship as an independent study. Schedule a meeting and come prepared with an academic plan that shows how the internship will support your work at school.

Know your goals and offer suggestions for a final project at the end of the internship – be it a final presentation, paper or exam. Coming in with a plan will show your professors you’re serious about your internship!

More Tips for Your Next Internship

• Check out your college’s career services to find internship opportunities that fit your interests and skills.
• Longer internships during the school year can be less competitive than those during the summer – and working with your adviser to get internship credit can be easier when classes are in session.
• Talk with your employer about getting school credit for your internship. Ask them to sign a letter of agreement – before you start the job – to make sure they’re on board with your internship credit!

UPDATE:

Other posts you may be interested in:

http://www.universitylanguage.com/blog/09/internship-abroad-benefits/

http://www.universitylanguage.com/blog/13/internship-resume/

http://www.universitylanguage.com/blog/16/find-a-summer-internship/

Wait. Prepare for the SAT?

Yep. It’s the perfect time! In the summer you can concentrate on preparing for the SAT without the stress of schoolwork and college applications.

Every student is unique. When you prepare for the SAT, make sure you take a track that is right for you. If vocabulary is your weakness, study word lists and make a special effort to read good books. If math is your problem, review the basic math concepts you’ll need to know for the SAT.

In any case, get started studying for the SAT exam early and take advantage of the free time you have right now. Here are 5 tips to help you get started:

1. Buy a Practice Book.

An SAT practice book is a worthwhile investment. These generally include lists of vocabulary words and math concepts you are likely to see on the test, SAT practice problems with answers and explanations, and at least one full-length practice test. If you can’t afford a formal prep course or a private tutor, simply going through SAT books and doing as many practice problems as possible will help you prepare for the SAT on your own.

2. Boost Your Vocabulary.

Increasing your vocabulary is one thing that can help you score higher on the SAT. Most practice books include vocabulary lists of frequently used SAT words. Reading will improve both vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Read a little every day, challenge yourself with difficult reading, and look up words you don’t know.

3. Study Math Skills.

There are a number of basic math skills that you are sure to see on the SAT. Most SAT prep books provide an index of math skills that the SAT includes. These are all things that you should have learned in school, so odds are you won’t have to learn new concepts. Just make sure you review math concepts you may have forgotten as you prepare for the SAT.

4. Take a Prep Class.

If you are having trouble studying on your own as you prepare for the SAT, consider taking a formal SAT prep class. Most SAT prep classes meet once or twice a week and include practice problems for homework. You’ll be assigned vocabulary words to learn, review math concepts in class, and you may also get the chance to take an in-class practice test.

5. Get a Private Tutor.

If you are particularly weak in a certain area, a private tutor may provide individual specialized attention you can’t get in a group class. For example, if you discover you never mastered the math skills tested on the SAT, a private tutor can help you. You’ll have a better idea of whether a tutor is necessary after you have already begun to prepare for the SAT and have found your weaknesses.

Think You Don’t Need to Study?

Even if you got a killer score on the PSAT and don’t think you need to prepare for the SAT over the summer, don’t neglect SAT studying! You want to keep your brain sharp over the summer months. You also may want to consider taking one or more SAT II subject tests, which you also can start studying for.

College testing is an important part of the admissions process, and the summer is the ideal time to begin to prepare for the SAT.

Students who consider early where they want to apply will avoid becoming overwhelmed when the time comes to start sending out applications in just a few months.

So what can you do now to start preparing to apply to college?

Take the Time to Think

Figuring out what you want from a school is the first step, and it’s also something you can do long before you fill out your first application.

• What are you looking for in the way of college academics?
• How important are the size of your college classes, the college curriculum, and the academic resources?
• Would you prefer a co-ed school or a single sex school?
• Are factors like college sports and the location of the college important?

These are all questions to ask yourself as you are preparing to fill out college applications. Taking the time in the summer before senior year to consider these questions will allow you plenty of time to figure out where you would like to apply.

Narrow Down Where to Apply

Once you’ve figured out the answers to some of these basic questions, it will be easier to decide how many colleges you should apply to. Most students send anywhere from six to ten applications – sometimes more, sometimes less.

If you find that you are still having trouble narrowing down your list by the end of the summer, you can speak to a school guidance counselor in the fall. Coming in with a list of schools you are interested in will help your guidance counselor advise you as you are preparing for college applications.

Start Visiting Schools

If you already have a list of schools you are considering, summer vacation before senior year is an ideal time visit college campuses.

A campus visit is an important step in preparing for college because it is one of the best ways to determine if a school is a good fit for you. You can explore a school’s campus and location, meet current students, and even talk to admission counselors.

If you visit a school you were interested in and it turns out that you don’t like it at all, don’t get discouraged or think that the visit was a waste of time. Part of preparing for college is determining which school is right for you. You probably won’t like every school, but with thousands of colleges to choose from, you have plenty of options!

Prepare for Admissions Testing

The summer before senior year is also a great time to start scheduling tests you will need to take as you are preparing for college applications. Deciding whether you will be taking the SAT or ACT test and when you will take the test is the first step.

Find out what tests the schools you are thinking of applying to require. You can even start to prepare for the SAT over the summer.

You may also want to take an SAT subject test, which allows you to show your expertise in a specific field, like world history or a language. Some college programs may even require applicants to take a certain SAT subject test.

International students should also remember that taking the TOEFL or equivalent English language test will likely be a requirement to attend a US college.

Preparing for College Applications

Preparing for the college application process doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. If you start preparing for college applications during the summer, you will have not only an edge on all of the other applicants, but also a more relaxing senior year of high school.

Admissions officers want to see high school students do something productive and constructive over the summer months, instead of just lounging by the pool all summer. In fact, your summer activities are a great way to make your application stand out.

Check out these five fun summer activities for college and start planning!

1. Go Back to Camp.

Summer camp is just for kids right? Not really.

Many former campers go back to work at summer camp in their teens. This can be a really fun way to spend your summer, make a little money, and show off your leadership skills.

There are also fun camps for older students that allow you to develop special skills, from athletics to music.

2. Get a Job.

A summer job shows that you are responsible, and (of course!) is useful if you want some extra spending money over the summer months. Summer jobs also strengthen your college application in another way: Your superiors may be willing to write college recommendation letters for you later. This is a great way to diversify your list of references and can be especially useful if you’re not an academic star who can rely fully on teacher references.

3. Do Volunteer Work.

Volunteer work is another fantastic way to spend your summer. You will not only contribute to your local community, but also add something valuable to your list of extracurricular activities in preparation for college application time. Like summer jobs, volunteer work can also be a great way to make contact with people who can write you reference letters in the future.

4. Start Prepping for the SAT.

Okay, we know this option definitely sounds unappealing! Who wants to spend those sunny summer months studying for the SAT?!

Here’s the thing though: odds are that you’ll have to do some studying before taking the SAT exam. Trying to take on SAT studying during the school year, when you’ll be juggling homework and extracurricular activities for college, can be just a bit overwhelming.

So why not put in some study time over the summer and get it out of the way? Besides, you can always bring your SAT vocabulary flash cards with you to the pool!

5. Take a Class.

Again, at first glance this might be one of those activities for college that sounds completely uninteresting. You just spent all year in class, so why would you take a class over the summer? But this is your chance to take a class on something that interests you.

Whether you’ve always wanted to give photography a try, or you’re dying to learn another language, summer is your chance to take a class on whatever you’re passionate about.

Have Fun with Summer Activities for College!

Summer activities for college are an essential part of college prep. Colleges will like to see that you are ready to take the initiative to go out and learn on your own, without someone forcing you to do it.

Best of all, while you’re having fun, your summer activities will show colleges that you are mature and motivated enough to pursue your own interests.