FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

I am a graduating senior. Can I still apply?

You may apply

if you are returning to school to complete degree requirements at the end of your internship OR
if the internship will serve as needed academic credit to complete degree requirements OR
if you have been accepted into graduate school.

Interns visiting a chicken-processing plant. Do I have to be an environmental health major?

Yes. You must be an environmental health major in a program accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) to be eligible for the SUPEH internship.

Can I receive school credit for this internship?

Yes, depending on the guidelines your school has established for receiving academic credit. Inquiries about academic credit are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, this internship may satisfy your accredited environmental health program’s internship requirement. Check with your academic advisor or other appropriate office.

Does the internship include housing or travel reimbursement?

No. Interns must arrange their own housing and travel to and from Atlanta. SUPEH interns and interns in the Collegiate Leaders for Environmental Health (CLEH) attend field trips and other activities together. The Housing and Transportation page on the CLEH Web site provides information about Atlanta summer housing.

What is the weekly schedule?

The first week is filled with orientation exercises, processing into the CDC system, setting up your office, meeting coworkers, and learning about projects. Weeks 2–8 are filled with ongoing projects and weekly activities. Week 9 is spent putting together a final presentation, and Week 10 includes the final presentation and wrap-up activities.

Will I be able to have any personal days off during the internship period?

Yes. We recognize that interns may have important events to attend over the summer and may need time off for personal reasons. We allow 2 days of absence. If an intern misses more than 2 days, he or she must make up the hours missed before the internship ends. Note that JRCOSTEP rules about absences may differ.

Interns at the National Environmental Health Association conference in 2009.

What type of attire is required while participating in this internship?

CDC is a professional environment with a business casual dress code. This means men should plan to wear trousers and short or long-sleeve shirts with a collar (knit or woven shirts with collars are both acceptable). Women should wear dresses or blouses with skirts or trousers. Shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, or t-shirts with sayings are not allowed in the office. On some Friday activities and on activities in the field, more casual attire is appropriate. JRCOSTEP participants are expected to follow their uniform regulations.

What is my status as a student intern at CDC?

You are considered a guest researcher. You have rights and privileges similar to CDC contractors. With approval of your mentor, you are allowed to attend all open-enrollment seminars and lectures, as well as use CDC facilities such as the gym and cafeterias. After you receive your badge and your vehicle registration is complete—which should occur during the first week—you will have full access to CDC facilities.

On which CDC campus will the internship be based?

The internship will be based on CDC's Chamblee Campus (4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30341), where the National Center for Environmental Health is located.

What are the important dates for me to know for this year’s internship? (All dates are 2010.)