Internships & Fellowships

International Relations Council

This internship was created as a partnership between the International Relations Council (IRC) and KU’s Global & International Studies Program. The IRC, a 60-year-old nonprofit organization, leads conversations around foreign affairs, global issues, and international relations and their connection to the local community. The IRC works in partnership with businesses, universities, community organizations, and K-12 schools to bring a global perspective to Kansas City.

Students may intern in one of the following areas: communications, community, events, global education, social media/web, marketing, digital resources, audio/video production, or fund development. This is an unpaid internship but the student may receive academic credit by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.Learn more about the International Relations Council. Visit the IRC internships page for details on specific positions.

Requirements

Student must be a KU junior or senior in good standing, enrolled in no more than 15 credits. The internship will take place in downtown Kansas City, MO for 10-15 hours/week during the fall and winter semesters and 15-20 hours/week during summer semesters. When you apply, please be sure to make clear the internship(s) and semester(s) for which you would like to be considered. You may apply for up to two different positions with the same application; please be sure to follow instructions for each position. ​To apply, please send your resume, a letter of interest, and if required, a work sample (see individual descriptions for requirements) to mhughes@irckc.org. 

Apply

March and October

People to People International

This internship was created as a partnership between People to People International (PTPI) and KU’s Global & International Studies Program. PTPI creates lasting cross-cultural connections between citizens around the world to help them explore global issues and enrich their communities. PTPI’s network of chapters and members spans across 160 countries.

Interns may do any of the following: assist in organization/coordination of events, assist in communication with chapters around the world, collect/track data on projects, edit reports, and implement strategic planning. This is an unpaid internship but students can receive academic credit by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.

Requirements

be a KU undergraduate student in good standing, enrolled in no more than 15 credits. Preferences: junior/senior status, study abroad experience. The internship will occur in downtown Kansas City, MO for 15 hours per week during the fall, winter, and summer semesters. To apply, please send your resume and a letter of interest to nicolerandall@ptpi.org.

Apply

March and October

Jewish Vocational Services (JVS)

JVS was established in 1949 to assist Holocaust survivors, refugees and those returning from WWII, enabling them to build better lives in the United States. Today, JVS works to empower people to address challenges to their self-sufficiency. JVS assists individuals and families in achieving self-reliance by providing support, personal development, employment, and training services. JVS promotes independence by encouraging clients to participate in decisions and activities affecting their lives and JVS eases in the transition to the United States for refugees and their families. JVS internships are a one-of-a kind learning experience. They provide individuals with meaningful jobs that make an impact firsthand. Interns are given a specific position or project that they are responsible for completing. Interns may work in refugee cultural orientation, refugee children services, or refugee resettlement support. Internships are unpaid.

Requirements

a 3-month minimum commitment.Learn more about JVS internships.

Apply

any time

U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program

This program provides students the chance to work in Washington DC and in US Embassies and Consulates overseas. Through this program, students gain insight into US foreign policy and diplomatic facilities around the globe. Internship responsibilities vary according to placement. Tasks can include writing reports on human rights issues, researching environmental and economic issues, helping to coordinate international conferences or visits by high-level officials, creating/updating web pages, assisting US citizens with services abroad, and supporting educational/cultural exchange activities. There are 3 programs—Spring (January-April), Summer (May-August), and Fall (September-December). Each internship lasts 10 weeks. Interns work full-time, 40 hours a week.

Requirements

US citizenship, at least a 2.5 GPA, completed at least 60 credit hours (college junior, senior or graduate student). Be enrolled in school the semester prior to and immediately following your internship. You must receive security clearance. Housing: Students selected for domestic placement are responsible for finding and paying for their own housing. A listing of housing possibilities in Washington, DC will be mailed with the selection package. Abroad, every effort is made to provide housing at no cost to interns, but circumstances vary from post to post, so this cannot be guaranteed. Travel: For domestic and overseas placements, travel expenses and arrangements are the responsibility of the participant. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship. Learn more about the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program.

Apply

November (for summer internship) February (for fall internship) July (for spring internship)

Virtual Student Foreign Service Internships (VSFS)

This internship is completed remote--participants can work from KU while continuing to take classes. VSFS interns (eInterns) are paired with a domestic Department of State office, diplomatic post or other government agency (ex: NSF, NIH, USAID). Interns are given a project to complete during the academic year. Students are sought from every major and background because projects are extremely varied. Some have language requirements. VSFS interns are unpaid and volunteer 10 hours a week from September to May.

Requirements

US citizens who are enrolled in at least one college level course. This course can be taken on campus, online, in the US or abroad. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship. Learn more about Virtual Student Foreign Service Internships.

Apply

July (for academic year) Application is only open for 3 weeks!

KU’s DC Intern Program

KU’s Department of Political Science has organized this intensive DC experience for decades. During the spring semester, students work at full-time internships and attend weekly seminars which feature notable speakers. In the past, these ranged from former Senator Bob Dole to Washington Post reporters to think-tank scholars. Former KU students have worked for a number or internationally-related units (such as Amnesty International, United Nations Association, United Nations Development Programme, Cato Institute, Middle East Institute, International Rescue Committee, INTERPOL).

Learn more about internships, academic credit, requirements, cost, and living arrangements by contacting Dr. Patrick Miller at patrick.miller@ku.edu. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.

Apply

October-November

Humanity in Action

The Humanity in Action Fellowship brings together international groups of Fellows to study minority rights and produce original research exploring how and why individuals and societies, past and present, have resisted intolerance and protected democratic values. Humanity in Action is an international educational organization that educates, inspires and connects a global network of students, young professionals and established leaders committed to promoting human rights, diversity and active citizenship—in their own communities and around the world.

Separate programs take place for five weeks every summer in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Copenhagen, Sarajevo, and Warsaw. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship. Learn more about the Humanity in Action Fellowship.

Apply

January (for summer fellowship)

The Borgen Project

This is an innovative, national campaign that works with US leaders to improve their response to the global poverty crisis. Interns telecommute from home to write 2 articles per week (these will appear in BORGEN Magazine or The Borgen Project Blog). In addition, interns may be asked to research topics and assist with advocacy and fundraising efforts.

Requirements

Strong research and writing skills, be able to work independently and meet deadlines with very little supervision. Experience writing SEO friendly content is helpful, but not required. The hiring process is very competitive; they look for a diverse range of backgrounds and focuses on finding great individuals, with a strong work ethic and passion for righting wrongs. This is a 12-week, part-time internship. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship. Learn more about the The Borgen Project.

Apply

Ongoing: new programs begin the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month

U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP)

The USFSIP is designed to increase the diversity of the US Department of State by attracting students of various ethnic/racial, economic, gender, geographic, etc., backgrounds to “try” Foreign Service on for two summer internships and hopefully consider a career as a Foreign Service officer. This is a paid internship and is very selective. Only about 20-25 students across the US are awarded this prestigious internship. 

Requirements

US citizenship, at least a 3.2 GPA, be a current sophomore or junior. Learn more about the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program.

Apply

August-September (for two summers) Application is only open for 1 week!

NATO Internship Programme

NATO Headquarters introduced its Internship Programme in 2004 in order to provide a small number of current or recent students with the opportunity to intern with the International Staff at NATO Headquarters in Brussels and in a few other NATO bodies. Internships are offered in public diplomacy, political affairs, and security policy, as well as other divisions. Typical tasks of interns include assisting in drafting and preparing official documents, attending and summarizing meetings or conferences, research, supporting public relations, analyzing media, and supporting technical and administrative services. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.

Requirements

Citizen of a NATO member state, junior status or recent graduate (within a year). Internships last 6 months. Learn more about the NATO Internship Programme. 

Apply

April (for March and September of following year)

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Dublin

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience Irish culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city of Dublin, and earn academic credit from KU. Explore Dublin and/or travel during 3-day weekends. KU has partnered with EUSA, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Dublin. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communication, economics, journalism, politics, healthcare, social policy, and hospitality. Internships are open to all majors. Business is conducted in English. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.

Requirements

Be a sophomore, have at least a 2.75 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Dublin (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Prague

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, live in one of the most beautiful, historic cities, in the heart of Europe, and explore Prague and/or travel during 3-day weekends. Prague’s modern economy and significant English speaking business and cultural community make it an ideal location to gain work experience. KU has partnered with EUSA, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communication, computer science, economics, environmental engineering, film, journalism, politics, law and social policy. Internships are open to many majors. Business is conducted in English. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.

Requirements

Be a sophomore, have at least a 2.75 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Prague (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Shanghai

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program and learn about Chinese culture first-hand while living in Shanghai. KU has partnered with ISA, an internship and study abroad program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Shanghai, China. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communication, economics, journalism, politics, healthcare, social policy, and hospitality. Business is conducted in English. $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more! Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship.

Requirements

Be a sophomore, have at least a 2.75 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Shanghai (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in London

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience diverse culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city of London, and earn academic credit from KU. Explore London and/or travel during weekends. KU has partnered with CAPA, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in London. The internships are unpaid but students receive 6 academic credits from KU. Students intern 20 hours per week while taking the Global Internship Program (GIP) course and a second course of their choosing. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communication, economics, journalism, politics, healthcare, social policy, and hospitality. Internships are open to all majors. Unpaid.

Requirements

Be a sophomore, 2.75 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in London.

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Sydney

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience Australian culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city of Sydney, and earn academic credit from KU. Explore Sydney and/or travel during weekends. KU has partnered with CAPA, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Sydney. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communication, economics, journalism, politics, healthcare, social policy, and hospitality. Internships are open to all majors. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship or other.

Requirements

Be a sophomore, 2.75 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Sydney (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Hong Kong

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience Chinese culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city of Hong Kong, and earn academic credit from KU. Explore Hong Kong and/or travel during weekends. KU has partnered with CIEE, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Hong Kong. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields. Internships are open to all majors. Business is conducted in English. $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more! Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship or other.

Requirements

Be a sophomore, 2.5 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Hong Kong (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Singapore

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience diverse culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city-state of Singapore, and earn academic credit from KU. Explore Singapore and/or travel during weekends. KU has partnered with CIEE, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Singapore. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields. Participation in the integrated academic seminar is mandatory for all participants. Business is conducted in English. $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more! Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship or other.

Requirements

Be a sophomore between the ages of 18 and 25, 2.5 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Singapore (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Seoul

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience South Korean culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city of Seoul, and earn academic credit from KU. Explore Seoul and/or travel during weekends. KU has partnered with ISA, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Seoul. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU. Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including the arts, business, communications, education, events, fashion, hospitality, information technology and computer science, media, and PR. In addition to interning, students will take ISA’s Global Internship Course. Business is conducted in English. $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more! Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship or other.

Requirements

Be a sophomore at least 18 years old, 2.5 GPA, proficient in English or Korean. Learn more aboutKU SAGE Summer Internship in Seoul.

Apply

February

KU SAGE Summer Internship in Tokyo

This opportunity allows students to gain in-demand global skills and hands-on experience in their field during this 8-week summer program, experience Japanese culture first-hand by living and working in the exciting international city of Tokyo, and earn academic credit from KU KU has partnered with CRCC Asia, an internship program provider, to offer high-quality placements in Tokyo. The internships are unpaid but students receive academic credit from KU (1-5 credits). Internships are available in a wide-range of fields including architecture and real estate, business, engineering, finance and accounting, green technology, logistics, legal, information and technology, hospitality, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, marketing, public relations, advertising, media and creative industries, NGOs, charities, non-profits, travel and tourism. Business is conducted in English. $2,500-$5,000 scholarships are available to participants in this program. Visit Freeman East Asia Internship Scholarships to learn more! Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship or other.

Requirements

Have a 2.5 GPA. Learn more about KU SAGE Summer Internship in Tokyo (log in with your KU online ID).

Apply

February

Center for Experimental Economic in Education (CEEE)

During this 6-week summer field research internship in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, students will work with Center for Experimental Economic in Education (CEEE) at Shaanxi Normal University. The CEEE is a national and internationally known non-profit and non-government organization that works improve rural education and health care in China. Interns will learn to conduct field interviews, edit and help write research papers and also communicate with rural residents who have participated in CEEE projects. Students will learn about what China’s development means for rural families, gain valuable hands-on field research experience, and contribute to various projects targeting rural education, healthcare and economics. Reports from past interns have been used in academic papers, new project proposals, and outreach materials about our work. Undergraduates who are interested in applied social science research and contemporary China are encouraged to apply. All majors are welcome! Mandarin Chinese language skills are not required, but are highly preferred. This internship program is run through Shaanxi Nornal University and the University of Kansas.

Requirements

Be a sophomore or above (exceptional freshmen will be considered), have strong English writing skills, be self-motivated and inquisitive, 2.75 GPA. Learn more about the internship with Center for Experimental Economic in Education (CEEE), Shaanxi, China.

Apply

January

America’s Unofficial Ambassadors

This is a citizen diplomacy initiative, which builds mutual understanding and enhances people-to-people partnerships between the US and the Muslim World. This is accomplished by placing Americans in volunteer positions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and helping them share their experiences upon their return. Two programs are geared towards students: Semester Abroad and Summer Service Internship. Through these programs, students are placed in an internship with a school or an NGO specializing in areas of human development. In addition, students have the chance to pursue language classes, academic credit, a Certificate in Citizen Diplomacy, and a professional mentoring program. The ambassadors work with local leaders to address basic, universal challenges such as in education, human rights, and public health. In doing so, people-to-people partnerships are formed which help dispel commonly held stereotypes of “the other.” After the internship, students publish articles, post blogs and deliver presentations on campuses, at schools, and at public libraries throughout the United States to inform people about their experiences and help reduce stereotypes here at home. This program is administered by Creative Learning, a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC.

Length of program, start date and application deadline vary according to country and NGO. Fees and tuition costs are associated with the programs. See website for more details. Unpaid. Earn academic credit at KU by enrolling in GIST 495: Global Internship. Learn more about America’s Unofficial Ambassadors.

Apply

Application deadlines vary. April (for summer), June (for spring and fall semester)

KU Security Affairs Research Fellowship (Paid & Unpaid)

This semester-long fellowship provides students with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the global security environment and how the U.S. military determines the operational environment. The fellowship is a cooperative project of the Foreign Military Studies Office (FMSO) at Fort Leavenworth, KU Center for Global and International Studies (CGIS), and KU Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (CREES).

The goal of FMSO is to examine unconsidered and understudied foreign perspectives (i.e. non-American perspectives) related to defense and security issues. The selected student will conduct research using unclassified, open source materials, select pertinent foreign-language articles, translate an appropriate excerpt, and then write about the importance of the topic in understanding the operational environment.

The FMSO-KU Fellowship requirement will entail selected students to produce a monthly analyst note that highlights at least one foreign media source (journal or mass media article, social media, television, or other open source) with source citation in English and the foreign language, copyright free images, and succinct commentary (between 2-4 paragraphs) that highlights a short background and explanation of the foreign perspective to the topic. Broadly speaking, the topics will be on defense and security issues that are worked out with FMSO’s representative at KU. These unclassified analyst notes will be provided to analysts in FMSO, the Global Cultural Knowledge Network, the Operational Environment Lab, and the Operational Environment & Threats Analysis directorates of the TRADOC G2. Individual analyst notes may be disseminated to other groups and individuals depending on the topics and timings. The notes will be used by TRADOC analysts to further their research, overall expertise, and source enhancement. Additionally, the notes, along with all of FMSO’s other work, will populate the Operational Enterprise database.

There are two types of Security Affairs Research Fellowships at this time. They differ in two ways—monetary award and regional focus.

• The unpaid fellowship focuses on Russia and Russia, Balkans, Eurasia, and Central Asia. 
• The paid fellowship focuses on other world regions, specifically Asia Pacific, Northeast Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. The successful applicant will receive $1,000 for tuition at KU. This amount will be paid directly to Student Account Services at the beginning of the semester.

Requirements

KU graduate student or exceptionally well-prepared undergraduate student with deep knowledge of a specific geographic region, foreign language skills of that region, and excellent research and writing skills. Preference will be given to students enrolled in a program through CGIS or CREES.

All fellows, whether paid or unpaid, will receive the same benefits regarding learning opportunities and access to FMSO staff. As mentioned previously, the student will be expected to submit a minimum of one commentary per month. The student will make a presentation on their overall work and key foreign perspective insights. Successful students will receive an official letter of appreciation as “contributing analysts” from the FMSO director. This fellowship will be conducted remotely however the student will be asked to attend approximately three meetings per semester on the KU Lawrence campus to discuss the writing process and focus with FMSO staff.

Apply

• Deadline:  Typically, the end of May
  Send resume, transcript (unofficial or official), and short statement on how this fellowship relates to your academic and professional goals.