Why stay? Seems like you'd just incur more debt and even further delay getting "done" (although, in actuality, I'm wondering if there is such a thing as "done"...so many hoops...). Also, it's always been my impression that a VA internship is a great catch. Excellent benefits, pays okay (relative only to other internships, of course -- they all suck as far as pay goes), and you're in the VA system in the event you want to continue on with them. I don't know why any "type" of internship would necessarily hurt your chances of getting a good post-doc. They're going to look at your entire history, not just your internship year. Only thought about not staying a 5th year is to keep in mind how difficult it can be to do a dissertation long-distance.
