By Michaelle Bond > University of Maryland

No one said you have to give up your vacation if you get an internship over summer break. In fact, if you pick the right one, it may feel like the ultimate retreat.

Resorts: Work under the sun and on the beach. And by “work,” we mean organizing volleyball games and samba competitions (sort of like in that Saved by the Bell episode). Check out:

ResortQuest Northwest Florida: This real estate and property management company in Destin, FL is looking for seniors and juniors majoring in recreation or a related field to work for 12 weeks at a beachfront resort and participate in activities and programs for children, teenagers and adults.

Cool Perks: $10/hour. BEACHFRONT resort. Participating in recreation programs.

Website: www.resortquestnwfl.com

Theme Parks: Like a resort, except with roller coasters. These operations are usually bigger, meaning unglamorous office jobs, but they also attract a more diverse clientele—maybe some summer romance? Check out:

Disney: Professional internships at both their Florida and California locations are offered for a wide range of majors and fields, including architecture, human resources, resort and hotel operations, finance and accounting and communications.
Jobs vary widely from working behind the scenes to interacting with guests.

Cool Perks: Paid. Admission to the theme parks. Discounts on hotel stays. Sneak previews of attractions. Meeting people from all over the world.

Website: disney.go.com/disneycareers/internships/home.html

Camps: They aren’t just for junior high. Camps primarily hire students with experience in recreation or education, but former experience as a camp counselor or youth coach can be a huge plus. Don’t be afraid to look far from home. Check out:

Girl Scouts of West Florida: Interns participate in and supervise activities for girls and young adults. Experience working in a camp or recreational setting is required.

Cool Perks: Paid (amount depends on position). Participating in such activities as swimming, canoeing, archery and other sports.

Website: www.gswcf.org/camps-and-facilities/rescamp-employ.aspx

Nature Centers: Especially rewarding for the green at heart, nature centers need interns for public education programs, marketing and event planning. Check out:

The Greenbelt Nature Center: Interns hike with the public, plan summer events and help with nature-themed birthday parties and environmental education in Staten Island, New York. Students must be majoring in education, communications or science production.

Cool Perks: Great for outdoors types. Office jobs are also offered.

Website: www.nycgovparks.org/sub_opportunities/internships/greenbelt_nature_center.html

Don’t forget to consult your school’s career center or websites such as CoolWorks.com (coolworks.com/internships). You can also apply for programs that guarantee internships for every accepted student, such as the Washington Internship Program, Fast Track Internships and the University of Dreams. Some of these programs can place you in internships all over the world (Hong King? Chicago? Costa Rica?), but the fees can also be steep and not all the internships are paid.

Websites:

Washington Internship Program: www.washingtoninternship.com/

Fast Track Internships: www.fasttrackinternships.com/

University of Dreams: www.summerinternships.com/