In operation since 1965, the interior design internship program at Iowa State University is one of the first required internship programs in the country. As a part of the interior design program of study students are required to complete an eight to nine week internship (320 hours) during the summer following their junior year. Students are encouraged to use this opportunity to experience design in a new location. Internship placements are often found in large metropolitan areas both within the United States as well as overseas. A seminar course is held fall and spring semester of the junior year to prepare students for their internship job search and to discuss expectations of both students and employers.