Getting hands-on experience in a field of your interest is one of the most valuable steps you can take as a high school student. Not only do internships offer a glimpse into a possible future career, but they also help you develop skills that set you apart from your peers. 

For those interested in language and communication, an early introduction to the field of linguistics can be particularly rewarding. Exploring linguistics through internships deepens your understanding of how languages work and strengthens your college applications by showcasing your commitment to a specialized field of study. Note that the following information is based on the most recent program, with dates subject to change but generally similar from year to year.

Here’s our list of 3 linguistics internships for high school students.

1. SHTEM: Summer Internships at Stanford University

The Summer Internships for High Schoolers and Community College Students at Stanford University offer an immersive experience in research and hands-on projects across various fields, including science, humanities, technology, engineering, and mathematics (SHTEM). Over eight weeks, interns work on multifaceted research projects that integrate multiple disciplines such as engineering, linguistics, psychology, and neuroscience.

Students are grouped into teams of 2-5 and are mentored by Stanford students and faculty. Interns commit 30-40 hours per week to their projects, gaining valuable research experience and exposure to Stanford's academic environment.

Location: Virtual

Program Dates: June 17 – August 9

Cost/Stipend: Apart from the $50 application fee, there is no cost to participate, and the internship doesn’t offer a stipend either. Limited financial assistance is available for those who face financial burdens.

Eligibility: 

• Current high school juniors and seniors

• Must be at least 14 years old by the beginning of the program

• International students can apply

Application Deadline: February 23

2. City University of New York (CUNY) Language Acquisition Research Lab Internship

CUNY’s language acquisition internships offer diverse projects in language analysis for children and adults and explore language learning processes. Although unpaid, interns receive comprehensive training under Dr. Valian and graduate students, participating in discussions on research methodologies and theoretical frameworks. Essential qualities for applicants include maturity, the ability to work with different age groups, strong teamwork skills, meticulous organizational abilities, and a knack for precise transcription work. The commitment demands approximately 18 hours per week in the summer and 14 hours per week during the semester.

Location: Hunter College, Lexington Ave, New York, NY

Program Dates: Internships run throughout the year, might be full-time or half-time, and have a minimum duration of 8 weeks

Cost/Stipend: Unpaid

Eligibility: 

• Applications from high school juniors, current college students, and individuals holding a BA or pursuing other degrees are welcome

• Proficiency in English along with Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, or Hebrew is recommended

• Interest or prior experience in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or Linguistics is recommended

• Proficiency in word processing, database management, graph and slide presentations, basic programming (e.g., E-prime), and website maintenance

• Knowledge of Python or similar programming languages and proficiency in Excel, SPSS, or R are recommended

Application Deadline: N/A

3. Ohio State University’s Summer Linguistic Institute for Youth Scholars (SLIYS)

SLIYS, a one- to two-week online summer program by The Ohio State University's Department of Linguistics, offers high school students an introduction to the scientific study of language. Although not a traditional internship, this program will give you a useful introduction to the field of linguistics. You'll explore the complexities of language, comparing similarities and differences among various languages. The program covers linguistic data collection methods and includes consultations with native speakers of languages such as Chinese, German, Greek, Serbo-Croatian, Korean, and more.

Location: Remote

Program Dates: TBA. The previous dates were:  

• SLIYS I (June session): June 10 – 14

• SLIYS II (June session): June 24 – 28

• SLIYS I (July session): July 8 – 12

• SLIYS II (July session): July 15 – 19

Applicants can apply to just SLIYS I, to both SLIYS I and SLIYS II, or just to SLIYS II if they have completed SLIYS I in a previous year.

Cost/Stipend: Each week of SLIYS is $525. You can either opt for $25 (non-refundable deposit) + $500 for one session, or $25 (non-refundable deposit) + $1,025 for both SLIYS I and II. Need-based financial aid is available

Eligibility: High school students (entering 9th-12th grade) from around the world. A minimum 3.0 GPA is recommended 

Application Deadline: May 8

One other option — the Lumiere Research Scholar Program

If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, you could also consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.

Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.