Monday, June 24, 2013

U.S. Foreign Affairs Agency-Spring 2014 Internships

Dear Students:

The leading U.S. foreign affairs agency responsible for advancing freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community with over 265 locations overseas and throughout the United States is seeking interns for spring 2014. This program offers undergraduate and graduate U.S. citizen students the opportunity to participate in full-time (40 hours/week), 10-week, unpaid internships that provide intensive educational and professional experience within America’s principle foreign affairs agency.  Course credit may be available with approval.  Internships are available at many of the over 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as Washington, D.C. and other locations throughout the U.S.  Participants gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in – and with – Foreign and Civil Service professionals who are at the forefront of America’s diplomatic efforts.  Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 1, 2013.  (Students are encouraged to apply early.) 
Responsibilities (duties will vary based on location and office):
  • Participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials;
  • Draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points, or other materials used by policy makers in furthering U.S. foreign policy objectives;
  • Help organize and support events, including international and/or multi-lateral meetings and conferences on critical global issues;
  • Contribute to the management and administration of the agency and America’s foreign policy; and
  • Engage directly with U.S. or foreign audiences to promote U.S. foreign policy and improve understanding of U.S. culture and society.
Eligibility Requirements:
·         U.S. citizenship
·         Undergraduates (juniors and seniors) and Graduate Students in various majors are eligible to apply (there are many opportunities in a wide variety of fields)
·         An applicant is considered a junior if he/she will have completed all sophomore credits (60 or more semester hours or 90 quarter hours) by the time the internship begins and will be entering at least the junior year immediately following completion of the internship
·         Minimum 2.5 GPA
·         Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
·         Students placed overseas are responsibility for having medical insurance coverage that is valid abroad, to include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage.
·         Students placed overseas are responsible for obtaining a U.S. passport with validity at least six (6) months beyond their proposed stay and a travel visa as required by the country.
Housing/Transportation information:
Housing is not provided for domestic program participants; students are responsible for identifying their own housing.  When serving abroad, many U.S. embassies and consulates make every effort to provide housing for students at no cost. However, because circumstances and post resources vary from country to country, housing is not guaranteed.  For domestic and placements abroad, travel expenses and all travel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant.
·         Regions where embassies/consulates often can provide housing: Africa, Latin America, Middle East, South and Central Asia, East Asia
·         Regions with limited opportunities for embassy/consulate housing: Western Europe
Interested students are asked to contact Cheryl Rink or Barbara Zarnick in the Center for Experiential Education at 871-7680 or via e-mail.  An approved resume and other supporting application documents are required.




Submitted by:  Barbara Zarnick
Internship/ Co-op Coordinator
The Center for Experiential Education
Gannon University