Summer Experience

The summer experience is an important opportunity for students to apply knowledge and skills gained during their first year of study, to gain professional experience, build networks and to investigate potential career paths first-hand.

• Research project or work experience between 10 and 12 weeks, minimum of 30 hours, typically between the summer of first and second year of the program.
• Students individually design a summer practicum closely aligned with individual academic and career goals.
• Students are responsible for securing their own internship or developing a relevant research project with appropriate faculty supervision.
• Students apply for and secure their own summer funding. Please note, students interning with for-profit organizations are expected to secure partial funding from them.
• Students must complete appropriate online forms before and after the experience in order to receive course credit.
• Required for all master’s candidates. 0 Credits.

Students are required to complete a two-step process to register for and report on completion of the Summer Experience YSE006. Students will receive individual e-mails through Qualtrics for Step One and Step Two. Please contact Maya Sanyal with questions.

Step One: Tracking Survey
Due 5/15, the survey will be sent via email through Qualtrics in April.

Important Note: Career Development will email all supervisors/advisors an evaluation form at the end of the summer to obtain feedback. Be sure to include name, title and contact information.

Step Two: Student Evaluation
Due 9/1, the survey will be sent via email through Qualtrics.

After students complete both required surveys, CPD will confirm with YSE Registrar Rosanne Stoddard to update your transcript with an “SC” for Satisfactory Completion. Students must have an “SC” for YSE006 to graduate.
For International Students
International students conducting summer experiences in the US are required to fill out paperwork for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Please check in with the Office of International Students and Scholars regarding your individual status and requirements.

For Domestic and International Travel:Print Your Yale UHC Global Card
UHC Global provides International and Domestic emergency medical, security and travel assistance services any where in the world.
Coverage applies to business and personal travel 100 miles or more away from your permanent residence.
UHC Global is not health insurance and should not be confused with coverage by University Health Services.

Sexual Harassment and Assault Response & Education (SHARE)
SHARE is available to members of the Yale community who are dealing with sexual misconduct of any kind. The 24/7 hotline number is U.S. 203-432-2000SHARE Center Website

Yale Health: Travel Health Services for Students

For International Travel
If you are traveling outside of the United States, please take a few minutes to complete Yale’s ISOS Travel Tracker form. The information you provide will be used by the Office of the Secretary to reach you in the event of an emergency.

Register your travel with Yale

Yale’s International Travel Toolkit

The ILGA website can be used to research legislation by country on lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex rights.

ILGA Website

CPD coordinates and hosts information sessions for students completing their summer experience requirement, acts as liaison with YSE and campus partners annually, administers the YSE Supplemental Summer Fund, processes award distribution, and coordinates donor stewardship.

Information and deadlines on the following funds are updated early in the spring semester. 

YSE students participate in on-ground, hybrid, and remote research projects, entrepreneurial endeavors, and traditional work opportunities with host organizations around the world for their summer experiences.