Foreign Policy Research Institute A Nation Must Think Before it Acts Internship Opportunities

Internship Opportunities

FPRI offers internships for students during the Summer, Fall, and Spring terms. Our interns have the opportunity to connect with members of the foreign relations community and gain experience working for a prestigious think tank. Each intern is paired with a scholar or professional in the field who will work with them to develop industry-specific skills as well as sharpen general skills that come from working in a professional environment such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and time management. Summer interns have the opportunity to attend weekly foreign policy and career-focused seminars with guest speakers. Interns gain access to all of FPRI’s in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, enriching their experience. Additionally, interns have the opportunity to work on a research paper to be considered for publication on FPRI’s Intern Corner. We value and strive to maintain relationships with former interns years after their internship term with us.

FPRI offers in-person and remote internships. Please carefully read the directions below before submitting an application. Due to the volume of inquiries and applications, you will only be contacted if you have been selected for an interview.

Internship Schedule and Application Dates:

Fall
Duration: September – December 
Fall Application Deadline: (Application Closed)
Fall Decision: August 18th

Spring 
Duration: February – May 
Spring Application Deadline: (Application Closed)
Spring Decision: December 15th

Summer 
Duration: June – August 

Summer Application Deadline: (Application Closed)
Summer Decision: April 15th – May 1st

 

Application Notice

            You will be asked to submit one single PDF file that includes a cover letter stating which internship you are applying for – Operations, Development, Communications, Editorial, Eurasia, Middle East, Africa, or Asia, a resume, and a writing sample of 3-5 pages of work most relevant to the internship you are applying for (Research and editorial applicants only).

Please Note

  • Due to the volume of inquiries and applications, you will only be contacted if you have been selected for an interview.
  • There are a limited number of paid part-time internships available. We have ten (10) paid internship stipends available for the Summer 2024 term. Stipend awards are determined by financial need after interns are selected for their program.
  • We also offer part-time unpaid internships. Many interns have been successful in securing work-study grants through their university’s financial aid office. 
  • Please read all directions carefully before submitting an application. Your application will not be reviewed if you do not submit all the materials required in one single PDF file, or do not select the type of internship you are applying for (Research, Operations, etc.).
  • Internships will be offered in-office or remotely. 
  • Applications are not reviewed on a rolling basis. Please see the submission dates above.
  • There are no restrictions on nationality, and one need not be a U.S. citizen to apply. However, FPRI does not sponsor VISA applications.

Types of Internships at FPRI

Please apply to the position below that best describes the experience you would like to gain at FPRI. 

Research Interns work under the direct supervision of an FPRI staffer and alongside scholars in one of the following research areas: Middle East, Eurasia, Africa, or Asia. Duties and availability vary between programs, so applicants should specify which research program they are interested in and will be matched with a scholar in that program upon acceptance. This position currently allows for remote interns who can communicate with their supervisor via Zoom, email, and/or phone. Research internships often require advanced foreign language skills, data analysis skills, and study abroad or field research experience.

Special Events/Development Interns work with the Development Director and Event Manager on all event-related tasks.  Special Events and Development Interns are required to work the majority of events that FPRI hosts or co-hosts. Interns must have flexible school and work schedules and may be asked occasionally to work weekday evenings. This position is intended for individuals local to the Philadelphia, PA area.

Communications Interns assist the Assistant Director of Communications on content development for social media platforms cognizant of content trends. This position requires familiarity with International Relations/Global Affairs/US Foreign Policy, particularly with Eurasia studies, content creation on varied platforms, Adobe Express, Hootsuite, and content management systems. Attention to detail is also required.

Operations Interns will assist FPRI’s management staff with a variety of projects related to our internship program, and other operations-related tasks.