Student Internships

PLEASE NOTE:
All applications for the Summer 2003 Internship Program must be postmarked by Nov. 1, 2002. The Office of Recruitment WILL NOT ACCEPT any applications delivered by hand or postmarked after this date.

Eligibility requirements

Competitive candidates for Student Internships have foreign language ability and are full- or part-time junior, senior or graduate students completing studies relevant to the type of work in which they are interested. 60 or more semester hours, or 90-quarter hours must be completed by the time the internship begins. A broad range of academic majors is sought in areas such as Business, Public Administration, Social Work, Economics, Information Management, Journalism and Biological, Physical or Engineering Sciences; intern duties and responsibilities vary according to post or office assignment, from scientific/technical tasks to administrative projects to logistical support.

For overseas assignments, applicants must present evidence of medical insurance coverage. All students must be available to begin their internship within the appropriate timetable Application Timetable. Interns typically serve for one semester or quarter during their academic year, or for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer, and work 40 hours per week. U.S. citizenship and good academic standing are required, along with the successful completion of a background investigation, and the ability to receive either a Secret or Top Secret clearance. Random employee drug testing will be performed.

How to apply

Once you have established your eligibility and are ready to apply, you must submit three copies of the following: a completed Application Form for Employment; a one-page statement of interest, describing your motivation for pursuing an internship; transcripts documenting your education; and a financial aid transcript or Student Aid Report, if you wish to be considered for a paid internship.

Each participating office or bureau offers internships at various times throughout the year. You may apply for an internship at two offices or bureaus, and must indicate in which geographic region you are willing to work, if it is outside of the Washington, DC area. See bureau descriptions for a complete list of choices. You will need to indicate the acronym of your selected bureau(s) in Item 8 of the Application Form.

For further details on eligibility, submission requirements and deadlines, please review the Application Process Instructions and Forms.

Learn more about Student Internships

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The Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation, marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity.