<p>I understand that the best answer to this question is "ask your employer," but, short of that, I'm interested in what the consensus is on asking for time off during an unpaid summer internship. Let's also say that there is no valid excuse for this time (no "family emergency" or similar situation) and that the time would be roughly a week.</p>
<p>Legally speaking, an unpaid internship is supposed to be almost entirely for the benefit of the intern, so taking time off would only hurt you, not the company.</p>
<p>Realistically speaking, it depends entirely on the company/organization/government entity, so your thought of just asking your employer is a good one.</p>