Note: some of these are sponsored by Montclair State, some are hosted by other institutions; some of these are local, some are more distant; and this list is anything but comprehensive, so be sure to look around elsewhere, but all of the opportunities listed below have a good track record of accepting and/or employing Montclair State students. And remember, if you find a really great opportunity, consider applying for a Bigel grant to help pay for it!
Archaeology students should also contact Prof Siegel and Prof Matthews about other current and upcoming opportunities for Montclair State University students!
Internships & Field Schools – Details
American Anthropological Association (AAA)
Internships — The AAA hosts a list of invaluable opportunities to help students gain experience in their chosen field. Please see their site for additional opportunities to the ones posted below.
Field School Opportunities — The AAA also hosts a list of field school opportunities for students. Check them out!
American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)
The Anthropology Internship Program at the AMNH offers internships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in careers in anthropology, museums, or related fields. Anthropology interns work on various projects relating to the collections or to the ongoing research interests of the staff. Acceptance to the internship program is competitive. The number of interns accepted in any given session varies and is based on staff projects.
Andean Action Research
The Center for Social Well Being hosts 3 week training program in ethnographic field methods, as well as Spanish and Quechua language classes, in the Peruvian Andes. The combined undergraduate and graduate level seminar is held at the center’s rural base, an adobe lodge on an ecological ranch in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, 7 hours northeast of Lima. Coursework provides in-depth orientation to theory and practice in anthropological investigation that emphasizes methods in Participatory Action Research and Andean Ethnography centered on themes of Climate Change with respect to Ecology, Health, Education, Community Organization and related topics. Students have the opportunity to actively engage in ongoing investigations in local agricultural communities to develop effective field research techniques, and to acquire language skills. In addition, the program provides excursions to museums, archaeological sites, glacial lakes, and optional outdoor recreational activities. The total cost is $3,200 US dollars, which includes all in-country travel, food and accommodations at the center, and course materials. The program is under the direction of Applied Medical Anthropologist, Patricia J. Hammer, Ph.D., and Ecologist, Flor de María Barreto Tosi. Program dates vary annually, but the field school runs programs throughout the year and in the summer.
Balinese Macaque Ethnoprimatology Field Project
This ethnoprimatological field school provides students the opportunity to study free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) at the Ubud Monkey Forest located in Bali, Indonesia. The site is a ~800 year old Hindu temple complex situated on a tropical rainforest fragment within the village of Ubud. Students will learn skills in the method and theory of both primatology and cultural anthropology, requisite for understanding human-macaque interfaces. Participants will gain insights into human and nonhuman primate behavior and learn how humans and wildlife co-exist on shared landscapes. As a field school, we will live with a Balinese family and engage in local cultural activities resulting in a truly experiential learning opportunity. Program runs June 23 – July 14, 2025. Check out the flyer to learn more or apply!
Belize Foundation for Research & Environmental Education (BFREE)
Since 1995, over 100 interns and long-term volunteers have stayed at their tropical research station in the middle of one of Central America’s largest remaining tracts of intact rainforest (over a million acres). Not only have volunteers benefited from the unique experience of living and working in the tropical rainforest, but their creative contributions and hard work have helped tremendously with our wildlands conservation, sustainable living, and environmental research and education efforts. BFREE volunteers have assisted in a wide range of programs from wildlife documentation to participation in environmental education programs to working in the organic garden and assisting in scientific research programs. They currently need volunteers to assist with the following on-going projects:
- Sustainable agriculture – Learn agroforestry techniques on the BFREE coffee/cacao farm or develop soil management skills in the organic garden
- Trail system development – Work alongside BFREE staff to maintain existing rainforest and river-walk trails and develop new ones
- Environmental education and outreach – Develop educational materials and lesson plans for Belizean and international student groups
Learn more about BFREE volunteer opportunities
Comitas Institute for Anthropological Study (CIFAS) – Field School in Ethnographic Methods
The goal of the CIFAS Field School in Ethnographic Methods is to offer training in the foundations and practice of ethnographic methods. The faculty works closely with participants to identify the required field methods needed to address their academic or professional needs. The Field School is designed for people with little or no experience in ethnographic research, or those who want a refresher course. It is suitable for graduate and undergraduate students in social sciences and other fields of study that use qualitative approaches (such as education, communication, cultural studies, health, social work, human ecology, development studies, consumer behavior, among others), applied social scientists, professionals, and researchers who have an interest in learning more about ethnographic methods and their applications.
HungerVolunteer.org – Ending Hunger Through Citizen Service
You can engage in effective voluntary citizen service to fight hunger, ranging from food drives to contacting elected officials about policy changes that will help families in need. HungerVolunteer.org hosts a wealth of information all in one place, and makes it easy to learn how you can take action and find opportunities in your area.
National Association of Practicing Anthropologists (NAPA) – The NAPA-OT Field School in Guatemala
The NAPA-OT Field School in Guatemala nurtures leaders in medical and applied anthropology and occupational therapy to promote social justice. Students work intensively in clinical and community settings gaining skill in research, observation, communication, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Within small groups integrating students from occupational therapy and anthropology backgrounds, participants have the opportunity to spend focused research time with faculty in: craftwork across the lifespan, pediatric nutrition and development, and NGOs and NGO networks. Seminars emphasize critical theories in applied medical anthropology, approaches to social and occupational justice, and human rights. Students also study Spanish one-on-one with individual instructors at their own level and pace. Living in a home stay increases language fluency and understanding of Guatemalan culture. Occupational therapy students may fulfill a portion of their Level II professional degree requirements with approval from their graduate program.
National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC)
NBDC is a non-profit organization located in New Jersey that addresses issues facing African-Americans with disabilities in America. Their goals are to promote unity among the Black community with disabilities, their families, and communities; to advance equity within the disability movement and their communities; and to foster opportunities for the Black community with disabilities. Their emphasis is on people who live in poverty.
NJ Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services (DDS)
Contact: Joe Amoroso
Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture
The mission of Stone Barns – a unique, non-profit, four-season farm – is to create a healthy and sustainable food system. Through their Growing Farmers Initiative, children’s education programs, and diverse public awareness programs, they aim to improve the way America eats and farms. Stone Barns Center welcomes interns who are dedicated to their mission. Interns will focus on one component of their work: livestock, four seasons growing, education programs, or Growing Farmers Initiative. In addition, interns are encouraged to participate in a variety of agricultural courses and field trips offered to Stone Barns staff. View Stone Barns Internship Opportunities
YAI Network
YAI offers a variety of internship programs in the field of developmental and learning disabilities. YAI Network internships provide individuals with hands-on experience, supportive supervision, and state-of-the-art training in many exciting fields. If you are an undergraduate or graduate looking to meet specific educational requirements in health and human services, or you are interested in gaining practical experience, at the YAI Network you can get the exposure you need. Interns can also train in one of our administrative departments (Research, Professional Information, Human Resources, Special Events, Fundraising/Development, Office Management) and obtain the skills needed to become successful in the social services/not-for-profit field. All majors are considered.
Past field opportunities offered by Montclair State:
1. “A Long Time Coming”: Community-Based Historical Archaeology in Setauket, New York
Montclair State University and Higher Ground Intercultural and Heritage Association offered students the opportunity to work with ALTC project directors in a historical archaeological field school. Field school participants contributed to three research projects.
To learn more about the project, please visit: http://msuweb.montclair.edu/~matthewsc/ALTC.html
2. Sustainability in Action: A Service Learning Class
Sustainability in Action combined research and action within a hybrid course structure: this was a service learning class for students who understand the importance of environmental sustainability and want to work proactively on solutions for the challenges of our time.
For information about “Sustainability in Action,” contact Dr. Kate McCaffrey: mccaffreyk@montclair.edu.