Foreign Policy Research Institute - Internship Program

Types of Internships at FPRI

Please apply to the position below that best describes the experience you would like to gain at FPRI. Applicants who apply to only one position have the best chance of being selected:

• Research Interns work under the direct supervision of the Institute’s scholars. Students help maintain data files, conduct literature searches, compile indices, or produce other material. The number of internships for the term is dependent upon the scholars’ schedules and research load. Each accepted intern will be matched with a scholar with similar areas of research. Research interns who anticipate working remotely will be considered, along with local applicants, and will communicate throughout the course of their internship via skype and/or phone.
• Editorial Interns assist the president in analyzing scholarly articles, fact checking, copy-editing, and proofreading. Only applicants local to Philadelphia will be considered for Editorial Internships.
• Operations Interns help with conference preparation, development, public relations, and research for various operations/administrative-related projects as they arise. A familiarity with word-processing programs and conducting research is also desirable. Only applicants local to Philadelphia will be considered for Operations Internships.
• Special Events Interns provide day-to-day administrative support and work to plan events alongside the Events Coordinator. They will gain experience in creating promotional content related to events, venue/catering logistics, on-site event preparation, and communication with guest speakers regarding the event. Only applicants local to Philadelphia will be considered for Special Events Internships. Flexible schedules that allow for hours during morning and evening events are appreciated.
• All Internships are available for an academic year, a semester, a summer, or by agreement, for a shorter time. Although we prefer for interns to begin and end in correspondence with the academic spring semester/summer/fall semester schedule, there are no firm start or end dates. A minimum commitment of 20 hours per week is required. High School interns are accepted on a case-by-case basis and should apply with a resume and cover letter to intern@fpri.org. 

Intern schedule:

Fall 
Duration: September – December 
Deadline: August 15
Decision: August 31

Spring 
Duration: February – May 
Deadline: January 7
Decision: January 25

Summer 
Duration: June – August  
Deadline: May 1
Decision: May 20

To apply:

Please submit the following to Jess Taylor at intern@fpri.org in one PDF file, including the type of internship you are applying for in the subject line:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating which internship you are applying for – and research interest if applicable
• Availability – including both start and end dates and days of the week (minimum of 10-20 hours required per week)
• A short writing sample – about 3-5 pages of work that you find most relevant to the internship you are applying for (Research and editorial applicants only)

About FPRI 

• Mission: The Foreign Policy Research Institute is dedicated to producing the highest quality scholarship and nonpartisan policy analysis focused on crucial foreign policy and national security challenges facing the United States. We educate those who make and influence policy, as well as the public at large, through the lens of history, geography, and culture. 
• Offering Ideas: In an increasingly polarized world, we pride ourselves on our tradition of nonpartisan scholarship. We count among our ranks over 100 affiliated scholars located throughout the nation and the world who appear regularly in national and international media, testify on Capitol Hill, and are consulted by U.S. government agencies. 
• Educating the American Public: FPRI was founded on the premise that an informed and educated citizenry is paramount for the U.S. to conduct a coherent foreign policy. Through in-depth research and events on issues spanning the geopolitical spectrum, FPRI offers insights to help the public understand our volatile world.  
• Championing Civic Literacy: We believe that a robust civic education is a national imperative. FPRI aims to provide teachers with the tools they need in developing civic literacy, and works to enrich young people’s understanding of the institutions and ideas that shape American political life and our role in the world.