Deadline:
November 29, 2026
Program Starts: May 01, 2027
Program Ends: August 30, 2027
Location(s)
France Germany Japan Switzerland United Kingdom United States of America Worldwide
Leading research and development organizations around the world.
Overview
Details
The prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship provides students a unique professional experience working with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research and development organizations around the world.
Since 1998, The World Food Prize Foundation has placed 460 students on Borlaug-Ruan International Internships at leading agricultural research and development organizations around the world in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, including: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turkey.
The Borlaug-Ruan International Internship differs from other study abroad and internship programs in that students have the opportunity to complete original research projects alongside World Food Prize Laureates and acclaimed international researchers and practitioners in the field to improve food security and solve the most pressing agricultural, nutritional, health, economic and environmental problems around the world. The student becomes an integral member of their team, spending significant time in the laboratory, in the field and in local communities conducting research and gathering data.
Important Participation Information:
- There is no fee to apply or participate, and the World Food Prize Foundation and host organizations will provide the intern research project, weekly mentorship and supervision and access to specialized trainings, virtual tours and cultural immersion experiences;
- The Borlaug-Ruan Internship is an unpaid experience; and
- Borlaug-Ruan International Interns will be required to commit to a full-time, international internship which requires an 8-week minimum commitment during the summer of 2027, during which they will not return home except in case of emergency. Specific dates will be determined with host organizations, if selected.
TIMEFRAME: The 2027 Borlaug-Ruan International Internships are planned to take between May 1 - August 30, 2027. The timeline for candidate review and selection is outlined below:
- November 29, 2026: Applications are due.
- December 9, 2026: Applicants notified of their application status.
- December 11 - 18, 2026: Interviews, held virtually.
- March 1, 2027: Candidates notified of their selection.
- April 10, 2027: Internship Orientation, held in-person in Des Moines, IA.
- May 1 - August 30, 2027: Internships take place during this timeframe, dependent upon intern's availability.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility Requirements:
Any student who has participated in, volunteered for or has other involvement with a World Food Prize Foundation program and is 17 years old or older (on June 1, 2027) is eligible to apply.
Dates
Deadline: November 29, 2026
Program starts:
May 01, 2027
Program ends:
August 30, 2027
Program Starts: May 01, 2027
Program Ends: August 30, 2027
Cost/funding for participants
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
