SITC is a unique and immersive internship experience that requires a high level of independence. Students must manage everyday responsibilities on their own, including cooking meals, grocery shopping, cleaning, doing laundry, navigating public transit, and adapting to professional work environments. While we offer support throughout the program, including a dedicated CFSI advisor and an on-site internship mentor, students are expected to be largely self-reliant in their day-to-day city living and working situations.
To ensure the best possible experience for students in our internship program, we require that all participants be over the age of 18 and demonstrate the level of independence necessary for success in a young adult environment.
Student Expectations & Policies
Things to Keep in Mind:
Because the SITC internship program immerses you in city living and a professional work environment in Boston, you must be prepared for a high level of independence. To succeed in this program, you will need to:
Manage Shared Living Spaces: If you choose to utilize SITC housing, you will live in an apartment with other members of the cohort. Whether you have a single or double room, you will share the kitchen and common areas. It is vital that you respect your roommates and do your part to keep these shared spaces clean.
Handle Daily Responsibilities: Be prepared to manage personal tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. While the SITC staff is always available to provide guidance and pointers, you will ultimately be responsible for navigating your day-to-day life independently.
Navigate Public Transportation: In Boston, city life and commuting go hand in hand. You should be prepared to navigate the MBTA (the "T" and city buses) for your daily commute. Travel times can average 40 to 60+ minutes each way and often require transferring between different train lines or bus routes, so planning ahead is key. Please note: MBTA Pass doesn't cover commuter rail lines.
Financial Budgeting in an Expensive City: In terms of benefits, students participating in our program receive a cost-of-living stipend ($595) and food and wellness reimbursement ($585). The cost-of-living stipend is distributed in smaller increments throughout the semester, and students will need to save their receipts to verify qualified expenses for the reimbursement. Given the cost of city living, students should be mindful of spending and budgeting so that they can make the most out of their benefits. We also cover local transportation fees for commuting to internships and SITC classes, provided students use the MBTA (Public Transit System). For a better sense of how to map out the semester, students can reference this Sample Budget Sheet. Please note that the MBTA pass is provided by us and what is shown in the sample budget worksheet is equivalent value. MBTA benefits are not paid out as cash.
Safety & Urban Awareness: Boston is generally a very safe city, but like any major metropolitan area, you should be alert and attentive when moving about the city. Remember to use common sense and always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking at night or using public transit. In our SITC program, we have several safety measures in place, you can review our emergency protocols here.
Professionalism & Workplace Culture: The heart of SITC is your internship experience. Because you will be an integral team member at your host site, you are expected to show up professionally, bring a genuine curiosity to learn, and adhere to your organization's work culture, dress code, and internal policies. You should also proactively communicate your needs with your mentor to ensure you receive the appropriate support.
Student Policy Expectations:
At CFSI, we strive to provide an inclusive, equitable, accessible, and supportive internship and learning environment. In return, we expect the following from you during your participation in the SITC Internship Program:
Honesty and Willingness to Learn:
We understand that this may be your first experience in an internship and living independently. That’s why we value students who come into this program with an open mind, a willingness to grow beyond their comfort zones, and the flexibility to navigate new situations and challenges. Because you will be working in a professional setting and living with your cohort, it’s important that you communicate honestly. If you experience any challenges during the internship, please let your assigned SITC advisor know as soon as possible so we can provide support and help make your internship experience as smooth and successful as possible.
Professional Integrity & Workplace Conduct: You are expected to maintain professional behavior at your internship sites. This includes respecting host organization property, maintaining strict confidentiality regarding workplace data/clients, adhering to the site's dress code, and using company technology (emails, computers, internet) strictly for work-related purposes.
Commitment to Attendance and Active Participation:
In addition to your SITC internship, you will be enrolled in two SITC classes (located at the NonProfit Center in downtown Boston) taught by our in-house faculty to support your growth as a professional and social innovator. It is important that you arrive on time for both your classes and internship placement and actively engage in all activities with curiosity and enthusiasm. We expect you to put forth your best effort in completing your internship and coursework, and to communicate any challenges you may experience with your SITC advisor or mentor so we can support your success.
Health and wellness:
Your success at SITC goes hand-in-hand with taking an active role in managing your health and wellness. We ask that you always follow our safety protocols and make your physical and mental well-being a daily priority. To assist you, Robin Slavin, LICSW, is available to provide short term coaching, career planning, psychoeducation, case management, skill development, and referral to outside services as needed. While this resource is available to you, it is also your responsibility to reach out and communicate your needs to our staff if you are struggling with your well-being in any way, this allows us to offer guidance and support to help you succeed.
Responsibility to others:
As an inclusive and supportive community, SITC is committed to an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and violence. We expect you to treat cohort members, staff, internship mentors, and community partners with respect and dignity. Because you will be working alongside people from all walks of life, entering conversations with cultural humility and an open mind is essential. Please be intentional with your words and actions, and join us in fostering a community where every individual is respected, heard, and valued.
Dangerous Behavior & Violence: SITC is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students, staff, and community partners. All participants must strictly adhere to program safety guidelines. Engaging in any behavior that compromises the physical safety of yourself or others is strictly prohibited.
Abusive Language, Bullying, and Harassment: Bullying, harassment, and abusive language, whether delivered in person, online, or via personal social media posts, will not be tolerated. SITC is committed to an inclusive environment, and any behavior that promotes hate speech or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or nationality is strictly prohibited.
Sexual Misconduct: Non-consensual touching, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any other form of non-consensual sexual activity is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. You can review the CFSI Title IX Policy here.
The unauthorized possession, use, or distribution of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited. Please review our Code of Conduct in the Student Support Binder for a full and more detailed policy expectations, including reporting procedures, suspension, dismissal, and grave misconduct policies.
Mental Health & Well-Being Agreement: While SITC has a dedicated Career Coach, Robin Slavin, LICSW, on staff, the internship program is not therapeutic in nature. Students are expected to take responsibility for their own mental health and seek support when needed. Our team will do our best to offer guidance and appropriate support throughout the program.
CFSI knows that finding a new therapist or specialist can be a lengthy process, so please don't wait until you arrive to get started; we encourage you to look into your options ahead of the semester. If you are currently seeing a mental health professional or taking prescribed medication, we strongly recommend coordinating with your provider to establish a continuity of care plan (such as setting up virtual therapy sessions) before the program begins. Additionally, CFSI offers you access to TelusHealth, an online platform that offers access to a therapist 24/7 via chat or telephone free of cost. This service is available to you even prior to the semester starting.
Participants are expected to communicate openly and proactively with SITC staff about mental health needs before and during the program so appropriate support can be planned.
While in the program, students are expected to actively care for their mental well-being through healthy routines such as adequate sleep, nutrition, movement, reflection, and seeking support when needed.
Students are entirely responsible for managing their own mental health care. This includes independently maintaining any prescribed medication regimens or treatment plans, and adhering to the recommendations of their personal medical or mental health providers
Students may only possess medications that are legally prescribed to them.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
When a student officially withdraws from the program two weeks or more prior to the start of the program, CFSI will issue a 100% refund on tuition and housing fees to the student or parent/guardian, depending on who paid CFSI. Between the two weeks prior to the start of the program and the end of the Friday of the second week of the program, CFSI will issue a 50% tuition and housing refund to the student or parent/guardian, depending on who paid. There are no tuition and housing refunds after the end of the Friday of the second week of the program.
Note: Inspired by the Seguinland Institute Student Policies & Expectations