Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When's the best time for Internship Year?
A. Most students come to Dynamy right after high school to be better prepared for higher education. Others come after a year or two of college or work to put them on a more confident path. Whatever your recent history, you should apply if you feel ready! The most important factor for a successful Internship Year is that you are motivated and prepared to work with our supportive advisors to get the most out of it!
Q. Can I enroll for just a semester?
A. Yes, you can enroll in Internship Year for one semester. Some choose this option as they prefer to combine Internship Year with another semester-long gap year experience. As you make this decision, you’ll want to be aware that there are a couple of differences between our fall and spring semester options. For example, those who enroll only in our fall semester participate in one internship. Those who enroll only for the spring semester, participate in either one or two internships that are shorter than the fall. Also, the majority of our students enroll for the full year. Please see How to Apply for application deadlines and more information about the timing of the semesters and full year. And if you have specific questions, please contact our admissions office.
Q. What kind of students chose Internship Year? Who are you looking for, and who's looking for you?
A. Dynamy interns come from all over the country (and some internationally!) and have a wide range of backgrounds. Some were high achievers in high school but want to explore a different and exciting kind of educationfor a year, or need a break from the traditional academic atmosphere. Others have had a difficult time with traditional schooling and are eager to show their strengths in an environment that works for students of all learning styles (please see Support Services for more information on how we support students with AD\HD, an LD, etc.). Despite their different backgrounds, all interns share one thing – they are excited to learn in real world situations. They’re motivated to act on their own unique vision and to work with supportive educators. They want to take ownership of their lives and are eager to become active members in a new community. Most importantly, Internship Year is a hands-on gap year focused on you, your talents, interests and goals. If you’re prepared to make the most of the opportunities at Dynamy, then we’re interested in you!
Q. Why not just get an apartment and job on my own?
A. For one thing, getting a good job and a decent place to live is far easier said than done. Finding similarly motivated peers to join you makes it even more difficult. Most important, however, is the combination of responsibility and support you’ll experience at Internship Year. Dynamy Internships are mentored. You will work closely with seasoned professionals on the job whose role is to make your internship meaningful and educational. Additionally, you’ll have the support and counsel of Dynamy’s educational staff, who guide and mentor you as you work toward your goals, encourage you and teach you to take on more responsibilities, and advise you through challenging situations and help you evaluate the decisions you’ve made. At the end of your Internship Year you’ll have completed a significant program that higher educational institutions and future employers will respect, and you’ll feel much more confident in your abilities to lead a successful and exciting life.
Q. How will Dynamy affect my prospects of getting into college?
A. Positively! By actively exploring your talents and pursuing your interests, you'll have a better sense of what you want out of college. Also, with the assistance of the Internship Year educational staff and college counselor, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the higher education options available to you in your fields of interest. Finally, with real work experience under your belt, you’ll be even more mature, independent and responsible for your own education and life. Colleges find all of those qualities appealing!
Q. How can I be sure that I'll want to go back to school later?
A. We've found that students are so motivated and focused by their Internship Year that education takes on a new meaning. By seeking input from the professionals who you work with, you’ll see, first hand, the educational paths you can take to pursue your interests and hone your talents. When you connect your education to a greater purpose, you’ll find all the motivation you’ll need to make the most of the tremendous investment in your future that college represents. Most students find greater motivation for school as an adult as they go through their Internship Year.
Q. Can I earn academic credit?
A. Yes, if you want to. It’s not a requirement. There are two ways:
One - In collaboration with Clark University’s Office of Professional and Continuing Education in Worcester, Dynamy offers three college credit seminar courses, one in each internship period. In each of the seminars (Organizational Behavior, Issues of Race, Class, and Gender, and Social Identity and Individual Action) you'll explore issues which will deepen your understanding of your internship experience and the world. Each seminar is worth 1 unit (the equivalent of 4 credit hours). If you participate during all three of your internships, you can earn up to 3 units or 12 college credits.
Two - An intern with a specific academic interest may arrange to enroll in a course at one of the fourteen undergraduate colleges in Worcester.
Q. Do Dynamy students travel to Clark University for their seminar classes?
A. No, one of the great benefits of these discussion-based courses is that they focus on the relationship between your internship experience and relevant academic topics. You can imagine the great value to the Dynamy students in a class as each shares insight into his or her internship during lively discussion and debate. Dynamy seminar courses are taught at Dynamy by some of our educational staff.
Q. How do you pronounce "Worcester"?
A. Worcester is commonly mispronounced "Wor- chester". It may take a little practice, but you'll want to use the correct pronunciation: "Wú-ster". Call it "Wú-stah" if you really want to sound like a native New Englander!
