Fellowships

U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP)

Undergraduate

Government, Public Policy, and Political Science, International Relations and Service

Two-year Summer Internship; Domestic or International

Experience Hands-On Diplomacy as a U.S. Foreign Service Intern.

Spend two summers in an experiential-learning program designed to introduce undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the work of the Department of State. Established in 2014, this merit and needs-based/opportunity is available to undergraduate/sophomore and junior/students with a 3.2 GPA or higher who are available to participate in two consecutive summer internships as rising juniors and seniors.

This is a unique opportunity to experience diplomacy first-hand and decide if a diplomatic career is right for you.

The US Foreign Service Internship Program is a two-summer merit and needs-based (paid!) opportunity that exposes/undergraduate US students to US diplomacy and the work of the Department of State. Established in 2014, the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) is a  merit- and needs-based  opportunity that offers two paid summer internships to expose undergraduate students to U.S. diplomacy and the Department of State at large.  The program is both professionally and academically beneficial as it provides writing training, diplomatic history, and hands-on experience in the daily operations of U.S. foreign policy. 

USFSIP consists of participation for two consecutive summers and interns must commit to completing a 2-year program. In the first summer, participants come to Washington, D.C. for three weeks of orientation and training including: U.S. diplomatic history, Department writing, and professional development. Following the training, interns work for seven weeks on policy desks in regional or functional bureaus at the U.S. Department of State. The second summer is a ten-week assignment to a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas. In the intervening year, USFSIP interns must maintain at least a 3.2 GPA and take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) to gain a better understanding of the Foreign Service assessment process.

To qualify students must: 

• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
• Demonstrate financial need via Student Aid Report (SAR) and/or Statement of Financial Need.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above.
• Be a sophomore or junior when applying (i.e. be a rising junior or senior at the start of program).
• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in an accredited academic institution at least half time.
• Must continue undergraduate education thru Spring two years out.
• Must be available during program dates, mid-June through late August.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain SECRET security clearance.
• Remain in good academic standing (3.2 GPA or higher) for the duration of program.

A selection panel will review the applications of qualified students who submit a complete and timely application package via USAJOBS. Outstanding academic performance, financial need, relevant experience, and strong interest in foreign affairs or public service are important considerations in the selection process. Selection criteria are tied to the following dimensions sought in Foreign Service candidates: Cultural Adaptability, Information Integration and Analysis, Initiative and Leadership, Judgment, Oral Communication, Written Communication, Planning and Organizing, Working with Others. 

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the closest Diplomat in Residence (DIR) or Washington Based Recruiters to discuss their interest in this program or State Department careers generally./ To find your local DIR click 

https://careers.state.gov/interns-fellows/us-foreign-service-internship-program/