The U.S. Department of State offers a Paid Student Internship Program for Summer 2025, providing U.S. citizen students with an exciting opportunity to participate in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Interns will gain educational and professional experience in various bureaus and offices of the Department, offering valuable insights into U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State.
Program Overview
The internship program allows students to engage in substantive tasks, such as:
- Participating in meetings with senior-level U.S. and foreign government officials.
- Drafting, editing, and contributing to reports, talking points, and communications.
- Supporting international events and conferences.
- Helping explain the work of the U.S. Department of State to U.S. and foreign audiences.
While the program primarily offers significant responsibilities, interns may also perform routine administrative tasks.
Requirements
To be eligible for the U.S. Department of State Paid Internship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. citizenship at the time of application.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must be in good academic standing with a 3.2 GPA or higher.
- Must be pursuing an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree and be a continuing student returning to an academic program after the internship.
- Must have earned at least 60 credit hours by the start of the internship.
Students who have previously participated in the Department of State’s Student Internship, Foreign Service Internship, or Foreign Service Fellowship Program are not eligible.
Program Details
- Appointment Type: Interns will be required to serve a 10-week period during Summer 2025, working full-time (40 hours per week).
- Locations: Internships are available at various U.S. Department of State Posts, both domestic and overseas.
- Salary: Interns will receive $19.33 per hour.
Application Process
The application process is divided into three parts:
- Applicant Profile: New applicants must create a USAJOBS profile.
- Internship Application: Applicants will complete a detailed questionnaire specific to the internship program.
- Required Documents: Applicants must submit their academic transcript and build a resume within USAJOBS.
Applicants are encouraged to ensure their application is complete with all required documents attached by the deadline. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but an official transcript may be requested before the internship begins.
Security Clearance
Interns are required to undergo a Secret-level security clearance before their internship begins. This process may take 120 to 150 days or longer, depending on various factors such as overseas travel history or dual citizenship.
Reasonable Accommodations
The U.S. Department of State provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis. For assistance, applicants can contact the Disability/Reasonable Accommodations Division at OAA@state.gov.
Equal Opportunity
The U.S. Department of State is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other non-merit factors.
Important Dates
- Open & Closing Dates: 09/30/2024 to 10/07/2024.
- The job will close once 4000 applications have been received, which may be sooner than the closing date.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Gateway to State system by clicking the “Apply Online” button in USAJOBS. Applications will not be considered if they lack the required documents.
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State careers page and start your journey in public service!
