Internship at Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST)

Internship Opportunities

An internship at ADST is an exciting opportunity to learn about U.S. diplomatic history and today’s Foreign Service. ADST has the world’s largest collection of U.S. diplomatic oral history – and we’re still collecting! From our offices on the grounds of the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, interns work with oral history practitioners and Foreign Service Officers at all stages of their careers. 

Interns contribute directly to our series Moments in U.S. Diplomatic History, conduct research projects, and attend seminars and presentations at the State Department and other locations around Washington, D.C. We welcome students interested in international relations, history, politics, library science and many other fields. We also welcome expertise in website maintenance and design, social media, and non-profit management.

More About Our Internships . . . 

At left:  Former Secretary Colin Powell with interns at an ADST gala dinner.

• Our interns gain a better understanding of U.S. diplomacy, the inner workings of the Department of State, and the realities of Foreign Service life. They also gain valuable contacts and work experience.
• Through special arrangements with academic institutions, the majority of our interns receive college credit for their work.
• Interns work on a wide variety of projects.  In addition to contributing to our series Moments in U.S. Diplomatic History, interns have helped edit book manuscripts and oral histories, contributed to our Country Reader and Subject Reader series, helped design and maintain our website, expanded our use of social media, helped organize Washington outreach through galas, book launches and other events, and conducted independent research.
• Interns have significant interaction with Department of State personnel representing multiple career tracks in both the Foreign and Civil Service.  Interns also sit in on our interviews with retired Foreign Service Officers and ambassadors, and get an opportunity to speak candidly with them.
• ADST is an independent, non-profit organization located at the Department of State’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in Arlington, Virginia.

How to Apply

We accept interns during the summer and during the academic year. Special appointments during academic recesses may also be considered. Although the positions are unpaid, we do offer a modest stipend to help cover transportation costs.

About ADST

ADST has the world’s largest collection of U.S. diplomatic oral history.  We have over 2500 oral histories at ADST.org – and it’s growing every day!  But that’s not all we do.

• Our web series of 800 “Moments in Diplomatic History” captures key historical events – and humorous aspects of diplomatic life.
• The ADST.org website attracts over one million visits annually – everyone from journalists to practicing diplomats, distinguished academics and students from around the world.
• Our 70+ podcasts are available through iTunes and Podbean.

• ADST has facilitated the publication of over 100 books by members of the Foreign Service.
• We are committed to educational outreach. ADST’s website has sample lesson plans for high schools and universities on a broad range of topics. We also work closely with local and national partners to strengthen the understanding of and support for diplomacy in the education system.
• We support the work of the State Department’s Foreign Service Institute, providing critical source material for those who are training today’s diplomats – and tomorrow’s.
• Our oral histories cover almost eight decades, including histories of pioneering African-American, Hispanic, and Women diplomats.
• Check out our page focusing on American diplomats of Hispanic descent HERE and our page about African-American diplomats.