Internship Program Details

Duties of an Intern

The Department is looking for students with a broad range of majors, such as Business or Public Administration, Social Work, Economics, Information Management, Journalism, and the Biological and Physical and Engineering Sciences, as well as those majors more traditionally identified with international affairs. Intern duties and responsibilities may vary according to post or office of assignment. For instance, interns may write reports on human rights issues, assist with trade negotiations, assist with citizen’s services or visa work, help Americans in distress abroad, or organize conferences or visits of high-level officials. Others may research economic or environmental issues, write news stories, work on web pages or help produce electronic journals.

Interns with scientific and technical backgrounds might work with issues such as arms control, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), infectious diseases, and remote sensing.

Those interested in administrative management may use their expertise working on projects involving budgets, human resources, information systems, or general logistical support to posts abroad. Some may be involved in educational and cultural exchange activities. Interns are also instrumental in the recruiting of U.S. speakers and specialists for overseas programs. Internships are excellent preparation for future careers in international affairs, both for the Civil Service and the Foreign Service.

Types of Internships

• Domestic - About half of the internships are in Washington, D.C. From time to time, intern positions may be available at Department offices in other large cities in the United States.
  
  
• Overseas - The remaining internships are at our embassies and consulates abroad. Not all overseas posts are able to participate in the program, and participation may vary from year to year. For more information, please refer to participating bureaus.

IMPORTANT: Applicants who wish to intern abroad must present evidence of medical insurance coverage that is valid abroad, to include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains coverage. This proof must be presented to the Intern Coordinator or Bureau Coordinator before traveling to post.

Length of Internships

Students must be available to begin their internship within the timetable. Interns usually serve for one semester or quarter during the academic year, or for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer; they are expected to work a 40-hour week.

Salary and Benefits

• The majority of all internships are UNPAID.
  
  
• Pending the availability of funding, a limited number of PAID internships are available to students who can demonstrate financial need. To apply for a paid internship, students must include in their internship application package one copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR) which indicates your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number. This report is generated from the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. Student Aid Reports submitted without the EFC number will not be considered.
  
  
• Paid interns receive a temporary appointment at the GS-4 through GS-7 grade level, based on education, work experience, and availability of funds. If the appointment is for 90 days or more, the intern earns annual and sick leave at the rate of four hours per bi-weekly pay period plus paid Federal holidays during the period worked. Paid interns contribute to Social Security.
  
  
• Unless otherwise stipulated in the bureau descriptions, which begins on page 13, transportation to and from Washington or overseas posts is the responsibility of the intern.
  
  
• Although unpaid interns are not Federal Government employees, and are not entitled to any employee benefits, they are protected in the event of job-related injuries under the Federal Torts Claims Act.
  
  
• Many educational institutions grant academic credit for internships and/or offer financial aid for internships.

Housing

Housing is not provided in the Washington, D.C. area and arrangements and associated costs are the responsibility of the interns. A listing of suggested housing alternatives in Washington, D.C. is mailed with the selection package. Abroad, every effort is made to provide housing at no cost to interns, but, because circumstances may vary at different posts, this cannot be guaranteed. The bureau descriptions include available guidance on bureau housing policies.

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.