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Smith College Fellowships Program Research Directory and Guide
As of 5/5/2023
INTRODUCTION
Research is an integral aspect of any Smith student’s experience, be it to better understand academic interests or to secure essential experience for winning a competitive fellowship, a research grant or getting into a top graduate program. There is myriad information available throughout Smith College websites about where and how to go about doing research, and this guide—compiled and edited by the Wurtele Center for Work & Life and the Fellowships Program—is intended to serve as a helpful synthesis.
This guide is divided into three sections:Where To Start, Established Smith Programs for Research Opportunities, and Academic Department Research Opportunities Survey.
WHERE TO START
Before beginning a research project, it is important to keep in mind the many routes to obtaining experience depending upon your background, skill level and future objectives. When considering where to begin, it is important to remember certain factors.
1. Reach out to professors:
You don’t have to be taking a class with a professor to ask about their research. Do a little groundwork and see what Smith faculty members are working on. Research them. Look into the work they’ve done first. Then, when you ask to meet you can discuss their work and show that your seriousness.
2. Take a research seminar
The research you do in classes absolutely counts as research experience so don’t be afraid to enroll in research seminars.
3. Visit department web sites
Very often research opportunities within the departments are listed on their website, as well as past student research (to get a sense of what’s been done). Two good examples include: Chemistry: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Chem/resops.phpComputer Science: http://cs.smith.edu/student_research.php
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ESTABLISHED SMITH PROGRAMS FOR RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond independent pursuit of a research project alongside faculty, Smith offers a number of structured programs through other offices and departments on campus. Consultation with your advisor/s, faculty members and administrators of these programs is highly recommended.
1. PRAXIS Internships
Administered by the Career Development Office, the PRAXIS program gives each Smith sophomore or junior access to a one-time stipend that ensures she can afford to participate in a summer internship that draws on her academic background and builds on her career goals. http://www.smith.edu/acad_specialpraxis.php
2. Special Studies or Honors Thesis
The Class Deans Office provides information for students considering a Special Studies course designed by a sophomore, junior or senior student and a member of the Smith or Five College faculty member.Rules about special studies vary by department so students should check with their department heads for further information.
Any student with a strong academic background may apply to complete an honors project in the department or program of her major. Again, rules vary by department about what constitutes an honors thesis, so students should check-in with their department early.
General information about both opportunities are here:Special Studies: http://www.smith.edu/classdeans/guidelines_special.phpHonors Thesis: http://www.smith.edu/classdeans/honors.php.
3. Kahn Fellowship
The Kahn Liberal Arts Institute provides opportunities for students to work intimately with professors at Smith on projects of their own making. There are semester or year-long projects available.
4. SURF
Smith’s SURF program offers science and engineering students the opportunity for independent research in collaboration with a faculty adviser during the summer.
5. AEMES
The AEMES program at Smith works with students in historically underrepresented social groups to obtain research experiences in the STEM fields.
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6. Early Research
Early Research pairs students who wish to participate in research with faculty mentors engaged in research on campus.
7. Collaborations
Collaborations is an opportunity for students in all departments to showcase their work in the form of science posters, presentations, performance, etc. Not only is research experience important but so is learning how to talk about your work publicly. http://www.smith.edu/academics/academic-life/researchhttp://www.smith.edu/events/collaborations_applicants.php
8. The STRIDE Program
Smith’s STRIDE program enables high-achieving students during their first two years at Smith to team up with Smith faculty as paid research assistants.
9. Smith Scholars
The Smith Scholars Program provides a framework for highly motivated and talented students to spend one or two years working on projects of their own devising, freed (in varying degrees) from normal college requirements. http://www.smith.edu/classdeans/major_scholars.php
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES SURVEY
The remainder of this guide provides an overview of research opportunities listed or detailed throughout the websites of Smith’s academic departments. In some cases, information about research opportunities might show up on a webpage that details prizes/awards, internships or special projects.
While a prize or internship might not at first glance appear as an opportunity to conduct research, gathering professional experience and/or an academic prize can lead to or include research projects for inclusion on your CV/resume.
Use the jump-down table below to learn about academic departments that discuss potential research opportunities on their websites. Our survey does not provide detailed instruction for each department but points you in the direction you need to go.
Above all, one should be thorough when visiting a department’s website and never hesitate to contact the department when questions arise.
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Departments reserve the final word on anything published on their sites.
American Studies Anthropology Arabic Archeology Art
Astronomy Biochemistry Biological Sciences
Biomathematical Sciences Book Studies
Buddhist Studies CEEDS Chemistry ClassicsCommunity
Engagement & Social Change
Computer Science
East Asian Languages & Literatures
East Asian Studies Economics Education
& Child Study
Engineering English Language & Literature
Environmental Science & Policy French Studies Geosciences
German Studies Government History Jewish Studies Mathematics
Museums Music Physics Poetry Psychology
Religion Sociology South Asia Statistical & Data Sciences
Study of Women and Gender
Translation Studies Womens Education
Department: American Studies http://www.smith.edu/ams/
Honors Option: Yes
Study/ResearchOptions: JYA opportunities, The Smithsonian Program, Diploma Program and
Certificate Program in Asian/Pacific/American Studies
Prizes/Awards: Newton Arvin Prize in American StudiesGladys Lampert '28 and Edward Beenstock PrizeEleanor Flexner PrizeNancy Boyd Gardner PrizeDonald H. Sheehan Memorial Prize
Department : Anthropology http://www.smith.edu/anthro/
Honors Option: Yes
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Study/ResearchOptions: The “Opportunities” tab under the department’s website lists annual avenues for
research projects, highlighting further opportunities through “Five Colleges,” “Summer Study,” and other links therein.
Prizes/Awards: The Samuel Bowles Prize is awarded to the most distinguished project/paper in anthropological research.
Funding Available: The Nancy "Penny" Schwartz Fund offers up to $500 to help cover expenses associated with acquiring competence in a foreign language.
Department: Arabic http://www.smith.edu/mes/minor.php
Study Options: Lists a variety of summer language and other study abroad programs here: http://www.smith.edu/mes/summer.php
Department: Archeology http://www.smith.edu/arch/
Research Opps: “Fieldwork Opportunities” tab holds extensive information on research projects: http://www.smith.edu/arch/fieldwork.php
Internships: Internships that can lead to research/publishing opportunities also listed under “Fieldwork Opportunites.”
Funding Available: Funding sources for research listed also under “Fieldwork Opportunities.”
Department: Art: Architecure, Studio Art & Art History http://www.smith.edu/art/
Honors Option: Yes
Study/Research Options: The department lists over a dozen opportunities for studying abroad in
specialty areas of Architecture, Studio Art and Art History.
Prizes/Awards: Megan Hart Jones Studio Art PrizePhyllis Williams Lehmann Travel AwardElizabeth Killian Roberts PrizeEnid Silver Winslow ’54 Prize in Art HistoryAlice Williams Carson Endowed Summer Internship at the Toledo
Museum of ArtElizabeth Schroder Hoxie '69 Memorial Fund Internship Grant
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Department: Astronomy http://www.smith.edu/astronomy/
Study/Research Options: National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates
NASA Student EmploymentPathways to Science: Summer Research Experiences for Undergrads Summer Internships from American Astronomical Society
Department: Biochemistry http://www.smith.edu/biochemistry/index.php
Study/Research Options: The department offers extensive support and assistance developing
individual/team projects and working with faculty. Students have multiple options to learn how science is completed—from experimental design to troubleshooting to writing and critical review of their research. Students learn and read about research interests of faculty on their individual web page and contact them directly for more information.
Research projects might also happen through collaborations with other departments and through the Life Science Centers (Center for Molecular
Biology, Center for Proteomics, and Center for Microscopy and Imaging). Teaching Opps: Opportunities for paid positions as research or teaching assistant are sometimes
offered by faculty in biochemistry through a faculty member directly or through JobX.
Biochemistry and other Life Science majors can be involved in the Interterm Science Teaching Internship to experience teaching science in a high
school classroom. In this program, students teach a laboratory to 9th grade biology students at Northampton High School. The interns teach the students at the
high school and then host the NHS students at Smith where they complete the experiment and tour the College’s Life Science Centers. This
internship is a great opportunity for Smith undergraduates to explore teaching and see if it might be a future career for them.
Department: Biological Sciences http://www.smith.edu/biology/index.php
Study/Research Options: Biology and other Life Science majors are encouraged and supported to get
involved in independent research—a critically important component of undergraduate science education at Smith College. Interested
students are invited to contact the department or individual faculty for specific projects.
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Prizes/Awards: Margaret Wemple Brigham Prize is given to a senior for excellence in the study of microbiology or immunology.
The Amey Randall Brown Prize is awarded for the best essay on a botanical subject.
The Esther Carpenter Biology Prize in general biology is awarded to a first-year woman graduate student.
The Harriet R. Foote Memorial Prize is awarded for outstanding work in botany based on a paper, course work or other contribution to the plant sciences at
Smith.
Department: Biomathematical Sciences Concentration http://www.smith.edu/biomath/
Research Opps: The NSF funded Four College Biomath Consortium lists research and funding opportunities here: http://sophia.smith.edu/blog/4cbc/research-
opportunities/
Department: Book Studies Concentration http://www.smith.edu/bookstudies/
Internships: Link to current internships are here: http://www.smith.edu/bookstudies/internships_current.php
Department: Buddhist Studies Concentration http://www.smith.edu/buddhism/
Internships: Current internships and practical work experiences are listed here: http://www.smith.edu/buddhism/practical_learning.php
Department: CEEDS: Center for Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainabilityhttp://www.smith.edu/ceeds/index.php
Research Opps: Students are actively engaged in research at the Ada and Archibald MacLeish Field Station as well as through projects along the Mill River. Contact the
department for more information on getting involved.
Department: Chemistry http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/chem/
Honors Option Yes
Research Opps: Undergraduate research is integral to the department’s pedagogy. As such, current research projects underway by department faculty or associated centers flow off
this webpage: http://www.science.smith.edu/departments/Chem/research.php
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Depart ment: Classical Languages & Literatureshttp://www.smith.edu/classics/index.php
Study Options: The department offers study programs in Italy and Greece
Prizes/Awards: John Everett Brady PrizeThe John Everett Brady Prize is open to all classes and is awarded for excellence
in the translation of Latin at sight; a second prize is awarded for the best performance in the beginning Latin course.
Julia Harwood Caverno PrizeThe Julia Harwood Caverno Prize is awarded for the best performance in the
beginning Greek course.
Alice Hubbard Derby PrizeThe Alice Hubbard Derby Prize is awarded to a member of the junior or senior
class for excellence in the translation of Greek at sight; a second prize is awarded to a member of the junior or senior class for excellence in the study of Greek literature in the year in which the award is made.
George E. Dimock Memorial PrizeThe George E. Dimock Memorial Prize is awarded for the best essay on a
classical subject submitted by a Smith College undergraduate.
The Rhorer FundThe Department of Classical Languages and Literatures has limited funds
available from the Catherine Campbell Rhorer Fund, to be awarded to students in their junior year or for summer work at another college or university.
Department: Community Engagement & Social Change Concetration http://www.smith.edu/ccc/concentration.php
Research Opps: Students involved in the concentration are encouraged to participate in community-based participatory research projects independently or
alongside faculty members. Emphasis is also placed on practical experience through the Center for Community Collaboration (CCC).
Internships: For a list of organizations that need volunteers or have internship opportunities, see the Community Service Office, Center for Community
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Collaboration’s Directory of Projects and Internships via the CCC website:
http://www.smith.edu/ccc/index.php
Department: Computer Science http://cs.smith.edu/
Honors Option: Yes
Research Opps: Many students complete independent research projects in computer science under the supervision of a faculty member. Often these are undertaken over the
summer, or they may be completed during the academic year as a special studies or honors thesis.
Computer Science students are very active in the department. Two liaisons attend department faculty meetings, and run monthly social gatherings such as
movie night and game night. Many students work as teaching assistants, running help sessions, grading, and aiding students during teaching labs. Many students also do research as special studies, as research grant assistants, or as honors theses. Most faculty have summer research projects available for motivated and interested students. For more information, contact a faculty member as early as January of the spring semester.
Department: East Asian Languages & Culture http://www.smith.edu/eall/
Study Options: The department maintains a list of study opportunities, including grants, fellowships and intensive/immersive language study here:
http://www.smith.edu/eall/opportunities.php
Department: East Asian Studies http://www.smith.edu/eas/index.php
Research Opps: Opportunities for students to conduct research, find internships and other awards/grants is listed here: http://www.smith.edu/eas/undergrad.php
Department: Economics http://www.smith.edu/economics/
Prizes/Awards: Samuel Bowles Prize, awarded to majors in the graduating class for the most distinguished paper in economics.
Fellowships/9
Scholarships/Resources: The IDEX Fellowship in Social Enterprise (formerly known as FIAPS).
The Fellowship is open to graduating seniors of an undergraduate or masters program, and those who have graduated from an accredited
college/university with less than two years experience and have an interest in economics, business, management, international development, social entrepreneurship/enterprise or education. The fellowship is paid and is in India for a nine month duration.
www.oglethorpe.edu/idex
Columbia Journal of Politics and Society’s Undergraduate Call for Papers
Council on Undergraduate Research hosts a Registry of Undergraduate Researchers
The Mountbatten Institute is now accepting applications Mountbatten Institute Notice
The Women and Financial Independence Program here at Smith College has an investment club. For more information, please see:
http://www.smith.edu/wfi/inv_club/ssic.htm
Funding Available: The department accepts applications from economics majors or minors who wish to pursue activities that will enhance their academic experience. Funding
can be secured for honors research theses, and for internships if an academic research project is a primary component of the internship.
Department: Education & Child Study http://www.smith.edu/education/
Research Opps: Students interest in research opportunities with faculty are invited to inquire with the department as soon as possible.
Students can also gain practical experience through programs like the Urban Education Initiative, Project Coach, the Pistoia Program and through the
Museums Concentration.
Department: Engineering http://www.smith.edu/engineering/
Research Opps: Research with Faculty During Academic YearIndividual faculty members often involve students to work within their research
lab. Students should inquire directly with faculty whose work interests them.
Other opportunities are available here: http://www.smith.edu/engineering/opportunities.php
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Department: English Language & Literature http://smith.edu/english/
Honors Option: Yes
Prizes/Awards: http://www.smith.edu/english/prizes.php
Department: Environmental Science & Policy http://www.smith.edu/env/
Research Opps: Environmental education at Smith reaches beyond the classroom. Many students are engaged in field research in internships, with faculty or independently.
Their work has been used by scientists and policy-makers alike, within local and international arenas. A Smith student may pursue her research project
further through an honors thesis or special studies project. "About the Program" has a tab that lists Student Research Projects
Resources: http://www.smith.edu/env/resources.php lists current internships.
Department: French Studies http://www.smith.edu/french/index.php
Fellowships/Scholarships: Blumberg Fellowship
Funds up to five students on the Smith College JYA programs who design a project to be carried out during the summer after their academic year on
the JYA program. The fellowship provides the opportunity for students to travel widely in the country of their program.
Baer FundSponsors a student wishing to undertake a full-time internship during the summer
after her studies on the JYA program in Geneva.
France Internship FundSponsors a student wishing to undertake an internship during the summer after her studies on the JYA program in Paris, or in Geneva, if there should be no
candidates from the Paris program.
Killam FellowshipEnables a Smith student to study in a Canadian university either for a year or for a semester.
Prizes/Awards: Prizes and fellowships are available to students studying French at Smith and on Junior Year Abroad (JYA) programs. Students interested in information
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about these prizes should consult the director of honors, or in the case of prizes and fellowships award.
Department: Geosciences http://www.smith.edu/geosciences/
Research Opps: The department especially encourages students to pursue research projects, either with department faculty or through external opportunities and provides
options for both here:http://www.smith.edu/geosciences/research.php
Fellowships/Scholarships: The following sources are frequently utilized by geoscience students for research
projects: Praxis, Schalk Funds, STRIDE, Geological Society of America (GSA),
Association of Women Geoscientists (AWG), Amercian Geophysical Union (AGU), SMART Scholarship and International Experience.
Department: German Studies http://www.smith.edu/german/
Fellowships/Scholarships: Smith College is ranked as one of the top institutions nationally in the number of
Fulbright Fellowships awarded to its students each year. The German Studies Department is proud of having been an integral part of Smith's success in this area.
German Studies students are also regularly awarded prestigious fellowships such as DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) research fellowships and undergraduate fellowships as well as Calkins Fellowships in the sciences.
Department: Government http://www.smith.edu/government/
Study Options: Jean Picker Semester-in-Washington Program
Fellowships/Scholarships: Fox-Boorstein International Internship
The Smith College Department of Government announces the annual competition for the Fox-Boorstein International Internship Fellowship. This fellowship
of between $300 and $800, made possible by her bequest and through the generosity of family members, is intended to support Smith students working at summer internships in governmental or nongovernmental/profit or nonprofit international organizations. All students are invited to apply. Application forms are also available in Wright Hall 226. The deadline for application is usually mid-April.
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Leanna Brown FellowshipThe Smith College Department of Government announces the annual competition
for the Leanna Brown '56 Fellowship. This fellowship (normally between $500 and $1,000), made possible by the generosity of her father, Harold Young, is intended to support Smith students working at summer internships in state or local government or in organizations (government or nongovernment) focused on issues of particular concern to women. All students are invited to apply.
Application forms are also available in Wright Hall 226. The deadline for application is usually mid-April.
Harry S. Truman ScholarshipStudents interested in careers of public service are invited to register for
nomination for a Harry S. Truman Scholarship. The award of $30,000 is for graduate or professional education. Smith College may nominate up to four juniors for the national competition. It is best to begin the process early in the spring of the sophomore year (especially if you will be abroad in your junior year). Registrations are accepted up to early fall of the junior year, but the earlier you begin, the better your chances.
For more information, visit the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation or the Smith Fellowships Program office.
Alumnae: Current majors can use the Alumnae page to identify alums who have worked in fields that interest them, or have done graduate work or who can provide
tips about internships.
Department: History http://www.smith.edu/history/
Honors Option: Yes
Prizes/Awards: The Thomas Corwin Mendenhall PrizeThis prize is awarded annually for an essay written within the current or the three
preceding semesters in a regular history course.
Gladys Lampert and Edward Beenstock PrizeThis prize is awarded for the best honors thesis in American studies or American
history.
Vera Lee Brown PrizeThis prize is awarded for excellence in history to a senior majoring in history in
the regular course.
The Merle Curti PrizeThis prize is awarded for the best piece of writing on any aspect of American
civilization.
Hazel L. Edgerly Prize
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This prize is awarded to a senior honors history student for distinguished work in that subject.
Department: Jewish Studies http://www.smith.edu/jewishstudies/
Fellowships/Scholarships: Extensive opportunities to gain academic and professional experiences in Jewish
Studies listed here: http://www.smith.edu/jewishstudies/internships.php
Prizes/Awards: The Sidney Balman PrizeThe Sidney Balman Prize is awarded annually for outstanding work in the Jewish
studies program. Faculty within the program nominate candidates for the prize, with priority given to graduating seniors.
The Jochanan H. A. Wijnhoven PrizeThe Jochanan H. A. Wijnhoven Prize is awarded for the best essay on a subject in
Jewish religious thought written for a course in the Department of Religion or in the Program in Jewish Studies.
Department: Mathematics http://www.math.smith.edu/
Research Opps: The department believes that purposeful inquiry—a deliberate and organized set of experiences where a student identifies an idea, engages in meaningful
pursuit and exploration, and creates a product that reflects that effort—lies at the core of a Smith education. Thus, they’ve designed a series of research opportunities to foster this inquiry, including coursework, special studies and summer research. For more information, visit http://www.math.smith.edu/opportunities.php
Department: Museums Concentration http://www.smith.edu/museums/
Internships: On the resources tab, includes links to potential places for internships http://www.smith.edu/museums/resources.php
Department: Music http://www.smith.edu/music/
Internships: Susan Rose Internships in MusicSmith music students have the opportunity to pursue wide ranging internships in
performance, academic musical study, music administration and the real world of the business of music.
Prizes/Awards: The Smith College Department of Music awards annual prizes for excellent work in the areas of music history, theory, composition and performance. In
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some cases these prizes offer substantial amounts that may cover the expense of summer musical study or tuition at an institution of higher learning.
Department: Physics http://www.smith.edu/physics/
Research Opps: For information about summer research programs in physics as well as other professional practice, visit h ttp://tinyurl.com/smith-physics-opps
Department: Poetry Concentration http://www.smith.edu/poetry/
Internships: Poetry concentrators are required to complete two poetry-related internships. For a list of current internships visit http://www.smith.edu/poetry/internships.php
Department: Psychology http://www.smith.edu/psychology/
Research Opps: The department offers a number of ways and pointers to gain psychology research skills and experience here http://www.smith.edu/psychology/research.php
Department: Religion http://www.smith.edu/religion/index.php
Honors Option: Yes
Fellowships/Scholarships: Clara Willoughby Davidson Scholarship
Scholarship for a Smith College senior or recent graduate pursuing an advanced degree in biblical studies, philosophy of religion or a related field
involving coursework in one or both of these disciplines.
Prizes/Awards: James Gardner Buttrick PrizeThis is awarded annually for the best essay, written by a Smith undergraduate, on
a subject in the field of religious studies.
Henry Lewis Foote Memorial PrizeThis is awarded annually for the best essay, written by a Smith undergraduate, in
the field of biblical studies.
Department: Sociology http://www.smith.edu/sociology/
Honors Option: Yes
Fellowships/15
Scholarships: Wahrsager ScholarshipScholarship awareded to sociology majors who demonstrate high level of
scholarship, intellectual promise, character and leadership. The scholarship fund makes a significant contribution toward the tuition fees of the recipients during the senior year at Smith.
Prizes/Awards: The Samuel Bowles PrizeEach spring, the sociology department awards the Bowles Prize to a major for the
most distinguished paper written by a senior during the academic year.
The Arthur Shattuck Parsons Memorial PrizeThe sociology department awards the prize each year to student(s) with
outstanding paper(s) in sociological theory or its application.
Department: South Asia Concentration http://www.smith.edu/southasia/
Internships: Extensive list of internships: http://www.smith.edu/southasia/internships.php
Prizes/Awards: S. Mona Ghosh Sinha PrizeThis prize is awarded annually for the best academic paper written by a Smith
undergraduate on a subject that concerns South Asia.
Department: Statistical & Data Sciences http://www.smith.edu/statistics/
Awards/Competitions: A listing of competitions and awards for students in statistics and data sciences is
listed here: http://www.smith.edu/statistics/awards.php
Department: Study of Women and Gender http://www.smith.edu/swg/
Fellowships/Scholarships: Quigley Research Fellowship
Quigley fellowships are awarded to majors to work one-on-one with SWG faculty, participating in ongoing or new projects as part of a faculty
member’s research or development of SWG course materials.
The Jeanne McFarland and Valeria Dean Burgess Stevens Prizes are awarded annually by the program and the Project on Women and Social Change for excellent work in the study of women and gender.
The Schuster Van Dyne Prize in Queer Studies is awarded annually by the program for excellent work in queer studies.
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Department: Translation Studies Concentration http://www.smith.edu/translation/
Experiences/Internships: Concentrators are required to gain two practical experiences studying abroad in a
foreign language and an internship or independent research project focusing on translation/interpretation of cross-cultural issues. For more information, visit
http://www.smith.edu/translation/experiences.php
Department: Womens Education Concentration
Internships: Lists a lot of internships: http://www.smith.edu/wex/internships.php
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