According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fewer students worked last July than at any time since 1966. Though working summers is less popular, many unpaid internships offer students valuable experience, connections, and practical field knowledge. Others sound promising but may consist of tasks that are of little value to the student. To find the right position, students need to be careful and ask a lot of questions.
See "Summer dilemma: Get the experience - or the cash?", Annette Varnier, The Christian Science Monitor, June 5, 2005