Applications are open for the U.S. Department of State Paid Student Internship Program for the Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 cohorts. The program offers eligible U.S. citizen students, recent graduates and military veterans an opportunity to gain practical experience in foreign policy, diplomacy and international affairs.

Interns can be placed in domestic offices or overseas assignments, where they may contribute to areas such as policy research, economic analysis, public diplomacy, consular services, international conferences, communications, management, information systems and other diplomatic activities.

About the Internship

The program offers students an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into how the U.S. Department of State develops and implements foreign policy. Depending on their placement, interns may support diplomatic missions, conduct research, assist with U.S. citizen services, monitor international media, contribute to high-level engagements or work on technical and administrative projects.

The internship is designed as a full-time professional experience, with participants expected to work 40 hours per week. Interns must also attend a mandatory orientation in Washington, D.C. Reasonable travel expenses to and from the orientation and internship location are covered.

Internship Details

• Organization: U.S. Department of State
• Program: Student Internship Program
• Cohorts: Spring 2027 and Summer 2027
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Work schedule: 40 hours per week
• Location: Washington, D.C., domestic offices and overseas assignments
• Status: Paid internship
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens, eligible students, recent graduates and U.S. military veterans
• Application deadline: September 1, 2026

Areas of Experience

Internship assignments can cover a wide range of functions, including:

• Foreign policy and international affairs
• Research and policy analysis
• Public diplomacy
• Consular services
• Economic research
• International development
• Communications and media monitoring
• International conferences and high-level engagements
• Scientific and technical issues
• Information systems
• Human resources
• Budget and financial management
• Administration and logistical support
• Overseas diplomatic operations

Required  Documents

Applicants must submit:

• A resume
• Current or most recent academic transcript, either official or unofficial
• Completed online internship application
• Required statements of interest and application questionnaire

The statements of interest are an important part of the selection process and should explain the applicant's motivation, relevant experience, what they can contribute and what they hope to gain from the internship.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 1 September 2026 , at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity.