Questions and Answers

Q. What are some of the responsibilities assigned to interns?

A. Interns may be assigned to do research on political, economic, environmental or other issues. They may write reports and correspondence; assist with citizens' services or visa work; or use their expertise in information systems, procurement or budget and fiscal operations. Some may help to organize a conference or visit of high-level officials. Some interns write news stories, work on web pages or help produce electronic journals. Others may be involved in educational and cultural exchange activities. Interns also help in the recruiting of U.S. speakers and specialists for overseas programs.

Q. I am studying business and my friend is studying international relations; will it be possible for both of us to serve as interns?

A. 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 Sciences, as well as those majors more traditionally identified with international affairs. It is important to remember that those who manage the Department's considerable resources and provide consular services are also diplomats and other professionals with skills that are critical to the conduct of foreign relations.

Q. If I am selected to go abroad for an internship, do I need medical insurance?

A. Yes. Interns selected for internships abroad must provide proof of medical insurance coverage, to include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, to the Intern Office or bureau coordinator prior to departure.

Q. Is housing provided by the Department of State for interns?

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

Q. Do all U.S. embassies and consulates participate in the program?

A. No, not all posts are able to participate in the program, and participation may vary year to year. For more information, please refer to participating bureaus.

Q. How long does it take to get a security clearance? What is involved?

A. Students tentatively selected for the internship program must undergo a background investigation and receive either a Secret or Top Secret security clearance. The clearance process takes approximately 90-120 days to complete from the time the forms are received by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). Investigations may take substantially longer than 120 days if you have had extensive travel, education, residence and/or employment overseas, or if you have dual citizenship, foreign contacts, immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse or if there is a security, suitability, or medical issue to resolve. These issues could include a current or past history of drugs or alcohol abuse, as well as a recent history of credit problems. Further information regarding issues of dual citizenship and foreign influence is available at www.careers.state.gov. Although these problems will not necessarily preclude you from receiving a security clearance, they will lengthen the time required to complete the clearance process. The appropriate security forms you will need to complete will be included with your preliminary notification of acceptance. When you receive these forms, please complete, sign, and return them by the date indicated in the letter. This is important! DS may be unable to process your security clearance if you fail to meet that deadline.

Note: A recent Federal law requires denial of passports to any spouse certified by the Department of Health and Human Services as being more than $5,000 in arrears on child support.

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.