Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER) 2009 PEER Summer Internship Opportunities FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many hours will I work a week?: You will work a regular 40-hour work week over a 10-week period. Schedules may vary, and are agreed upon by the mentor and intern in advance.

The program dates are May 15 to September 15. What if my classes don't end until mid-June or they start again in mid-August?: There is a four-month period in which interns are given to put in their 400 hours/10 weeks. This allows for flexibility to accomodate students on both quarter and semester systems.

Can I take a class during my internship, or hold a job?: Schedules are to be arranged between the intern and mentor, and any proposed classes or outside employment would need to be discussed and approved by the mentor in advance.; Interns who are student employees at the host institution where they will intern must terminate their student employee status before their internship start date.

Is the $6,000 stipend given as one lump sum?: No. As soon as your mentor confirms that you have started your internship, your first stipend payment of $5,500 will be initiated. This process takes 2-3 weeks. A final stipend payment of $500 will be generated once you have successfully completed the internship.

What does the 6,000 stipend cover?: The $6,000 stipend amount is intended to cover travel expenses (getting to and from your host institution's city) and living/subsistence expenses for the duration of the internship.

Are income taxes withheld from my stipend payments?: Stipend payments will be generated from the University of California, Berkeley. Those students who are residents of states other than Calfornia will have California income taxes deducted from the gross stipend amount. They will have to file a California State Income Tax Return the following year in order to request a refund (if eligible) of that amount. Those with F-1 visas may have federal taxes deduced, depending on whether a tax treaty is in effect between the US and their home country.

Is there any assistance in finding living accomodations?: You will be responsible for finding your own living accomodations, but we can help you get in touch with contacts and resources at each host institution that may provide assistance.

Who makes the travel arrangements and pays the expenses for attending the NEES Conference with the Communication Skills Workshop and the Symposium at the conclusion of the internship?: PEER makes all arrangements and covers all expenses.

If I'm not selected for the PEER internship program, what are some other options?: NEESreu Program: Research Experiences for Undergraduates, Summer 2009
– Application review for NEES REU begins March 16 and ends by May 4.
– NEESreu Flyer (PDF file)

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