Paid Internships at the Council on Foreign Relations, USA
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Blavatnik Internship Program Spring 2027 is now accepting applications for paid internships in New York, Washington, DC, and selected remote positions. Interns receive $18.50 per hour, gain practical experience in foreign policy and international affairs, and participate in professional development training. Applicants can select up to five teams for consideration, and applications must be submitted by Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. EST.
Key Details
- Host Organization: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
- Program: Blavatnik Internship Program
- Season: Spring 2027
- Location: New York, Washington, DC, and selected remote positions
- Compensation: $18.50 per hour
- Hours: Approximately 14–18 hours per week
- Duration: Generally 10–12 weeks
- Deadline: October 11, 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students; eligible recent graduates
- International Students: Eligible with valid U.S. work authorization
- Application: Résumé + one general cover letter
- Teams: Applicants may select up to five
About the CFR Blavatnik Internship Program
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher focused on increasing understanding of global affairs and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. Founded in 1921, CFR has headquarters in New York and an office in Washington, DC, and publishes Foreign Affairs, a leading magazine on global issues.
The Blavatnik Internship Program provides students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and foreign policy experts while developing practical skills in research, writing, editing, communications, program planning, and event coordination.
Interns are paid a competitive hourly wage and receive professional development training designed to support future careers in foreign policy, international affairs, government, academia, media, and related fields.
CFR Blavatnik Internship Program Spring 2027
The Spring 2027 internship program offers opportunities across a broad range of departments and policy areas. Interns may work in CFR’s New York or Washington, DC offices, while some positions may allow fully remote participation.
Available opportunities include:
Corporate and CEO Programs
Development
Digital
- Intern, AI Engineering
- Intern, Data Visualization
- Intern, Digital Content, Editorial
- Intern, Product Development
Education
Executive Office
Foreign Affairs
Global Communication and Media Relations
David Rockefeller Studies Program
CFR also offers a wide selection of policy and research internships, including:
- Intern, Asia Studies
- Intern, China Strategy Initiative
- Intern, Chinese History
- Intern, Defense and National Security
- Intern, Director’s Office, Center for Geoeconomics
- Intern, Finance, Business, and Technology
- Intern, Food Security, China
- Intern, Geoeconomics
- Intern, Global Health Studies
- Intern, History, Foreign Policy, and International Economics
- Intern, International Economics
- Intern, International Political Economy
- Intern, Latin America and Geoeconomics
- Intern, LEAD AI
- Intern, Publications
- Intern, Technology and National Security
- Intern, U.S. Foreign Policy (Future of American Strategy)
- Intern, U.S. Foreign Policy
Meetings and Membership
Applicants should review the individual position descriptions carefully because specific roles may have additional requirements, including language skills or technical qualifications.
What Will CFR Interns Do?
Blavatnik interns contribute directly to CFR’s work and may be responsible for:
- Assisting CFR staff and preparing briefing materials
- Conducting research using approved CFR databases
- Writing, reviewing, and editing CFR content
- Supporting administrative activities and cross-departmental projects
- Assisting with meetings and events
- Carrying out other duties specific to the selected internship
The program combines substantive work with professional development. Interns can participate in skill-building workshops and career-development sessions covering areas such as writing, editing, research, and program planning. They may also gain exposure to foreign policy experts, policymakers, world leaders, and other professionals through CFR meetings and events.
Who Can Apply for the CFR Internship?
The CFR Blavatnik Internship Program generally considers undergraduate and graduate students studying:
- International relations
- Political science
- Economics
- Related fields
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework by the time the internship begins. AP classes completed in high school do not count toward this requirement.
Strong candidates should have excellent:
- Writing and editing skills
- Research abilities
- Administrative skills
- Computer skills
- Written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail and accuracy
Some positions may require additional qualifications, including regional expertise or language skills.
Can Recent Graduates Apply?
Yes. Recent graduates may be eligible, but only within a one-semester grace period. For example, students graduating in December 2026 can apply for the Spring 2027 internship but would not be eligible for the Summer 2027 internship under this provision.
Are International Students Eligible?
Yes. International students can apply provided they have the legal right to work in the United States.
This may include students who obtain CPT (Curricular Practical Training) authorization through their university before the internship begins or OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation.
However, applicants should note three important requirements:
- CFR does not sponsor work authorization for interns.
- U.S. work authorization must be secured before the internship begins.
- Interns must be physically located in the United States throughout the internship.
International students are encouraged to consult their university’s international student office well in advance.
CFR Internship Salary and Working Hours
The CFR Blavatnik Internship Program Spring 2027 pays $18.50 per hour.
Interns are generally expected to work approximately 14–18 hours per week. The internships typically run for 10–12 weeks, depending on the semester and specific program arrangements.
Application Deadline
Applications for the CFR Blavatnik Internship Program Spring 2027 must be submitted by:
Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 11:55 p.m. EST.
CFR advises applicants to complete their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours.
🔗 APPLY FOR THE CFR BLAVATNIK INTERNSHIP PROGRAM SPRING 2027
How to Apply
A complete application consists of:
- A résumé
- One general cover letter
Applicants will be asked to identify the five teams they are most interested in joining.
CFR specifically advises applicants to submit one general cover letter that demonstrates their skills and qualifications across all the internship roles they want to be considered for.
For the Intern, Data Visualization position, applicants should also include a portfolio or links to relevant projects.
CFR Internship Selection Process
Because CFR receives a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next stages.
The typical hiring process includes:
- An initial phone screening with Human Resources
- A 30-minute interview with the hiring team
- A possible assessment, such as a writing sample, writing assignment, or editing test
- A letter of recommendation for finalists
- Submission of an official or unofficial transcript after an offer to confirm enrollment status
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for more than one CFR internship?
Yes. Applicants can be considered for multiple opportunities but may select no more than five departments or teams.
Do I need a separate cover letter for each internship?
No. CFR requests one general cover letter supporting your application for all roles you wish to be considered for.
How long are CFR internships?
Fall, spring, and summer semester internships generally last 10–12 weeks.
Are CFR internships remote?
Most positions are based in New York or Washington, DC, although some individual positions may be available fully remotely. Applicants should check each position description for its location and working arrangements.
Are CFR internships paid?
Yes. The Spring 2027 Blavatnik Internship Program pays $18.50 per hour. All internships are paid positions, so applicants must have the legal right to work in the United States.
Does CFR provide professional development?
Yes. Interns participate in professional development activities that include skills workshops and career-development conversations designed to strengthen their writing, research, editing, and program-planning abilities.
Why Apply for the CFR Blavatnik Internship Program?
The CFR Blavatnik Internship Program provides a valuable opportunity for students interested in foreign policy, international relations, economics, political science, global affairs, communications, research, and public policy.
Beyond paid professional experience, interns can build practical skills, work alongside experienced CFR staff, participate in professional development, and gain exposure to leading experts and policymakers.
For students seeking to build a career in international affairs or foreign policy, the program offers a strong opportunity to develop relevant experience while contributing to the work of one of the United States’ leading foreign policy institutions.
Apply Now
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in foreign policy, international affairs, research, communications, economics, technology, or related fields, consider applying for the CFR Blavatnik Internship Program Spring 2027.
📅 Application Deadline: October 11, 2026
💰 Pay: $18.50 per hour
📍 Location: New York, Washington, DC, and selected remote positions
🎓 Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students and eligible recent graduates
🔗 APPLY NOW – CFR BLAVATNIK INTERNSHIP PROGRAM SPRING 2027
For additional information, eligibility requirements, and internship FAQs, visit the CFR Internship
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