4.0 Student Intern Brochure
4.0 Student Intern Brochure
Department of State
Internship Program
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DEADLINES
Applications must be RECEIVED by the appropriate deadline below:
The U.S. Department of State is committed to equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment of all without
regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabling condition, political affiliation,
marital status, or prior statutory, constitutionally protected activity. The Student Programs office at the U.S.
Department of State provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a
reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify our office at this e-mail
address: [email protected]. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-
by-case basis.
Table of Contents
Pages
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 1
Housing ………………………………………..………………………………………………………………... 4
Pages
Who We Are The U. S. Department of State is the official international relations arm of the
President of the United States. The Department is responsible for formulating,
implementing and supporting U.S. foreign policy, assisting U.S. citizens abroad
and managing the human and material resources that provide the platform for
U.S. foreign policy. Members of the Department’s Foreign Service and Civil
Service are engaged in issues such as conflict resolution, nuclear nonproliferation,
human rights and democracy, environmental issues, world trade, public
diplomacy, and the promotion of the interests of Americans and their businesses
abroad. Department of State employees are also involved in support and
management issues—improving logistical systems to get the best possible value
for tax dollars.
As you will see on pages 17 – 42, the Department of State is composed of many
different bureaus, some “regional” (for example, the Bureau of African Affairs),
and others “functional”, dealing with specific external issues or internal
responsibilities (such as the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; the
Bureau of Administration; and the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs).
The State To administer U.S. foreign policy and maintain diplomatic relations throughout
Depart- the world.
ment’s
Mission
IMPORTANT: You may apply for the Department’s internship program if you have
not yet completed your registration at a college or university or are awaiting an
admissions determination. However, if selected for an internship, you may not
begin your internship until you provide proof that you have registered, or have
been accepted for enrollment, for studies in the semester or quarter immediately
following the internship.
Types of There are two different types of internships: domestic and overseas.
Internships
• Domestic – About half of the internships are in Washington, D.C. A limited
number of intern positions are available at Department offices in other large
cities in the United States.
NOTE: In recognition of the fact that world conditions may change, the Department reserves the
right to reassign interns should circumstances warrant.
Length of Students must be available to begin their internship within the timetable
Internships described on page 13. The majority of internships last a minimum of 10
consecutive weeks. The intern is expected to work a 40-hour work week.
Exceptions can be made on a need-basis and must be approved by the intern’s
bureau prior to placement.
• All students who wish to be considered for a paid internship must include in
their internship application package their current Student Aid Report (SAR),
which indicates their EFC (Expected Family Contribution) number. (This report
is generated from the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid form.) Only the Student Aid Reports issued by the Department of
Education will be accepted. In addition, Student Aid Reports
submitted without the EFC number will not be considered.
• If the appointment is for 90 days or more, the intern earns annual and sick
leave at the rate of four hours per bi-weekly pay period plus paid Federal
holidays during the period worked. Paid interns contribute to Social Security.
• Although unpaid interns are not Federal government employees, and are not
entitled to any employee benefits, they are protected in the event of job-
related injuries under the Federal Torts Claims Act.
Medical IMPORTANT: Applicants who wish to intern abroad must present evidence of
Insurance medical insurance coverage that is valid abroad, to include medical evacuation
for Overseas and repatriation of remains coverage. Interns may not travel to post without
Internships completing and submitting a copy of the Verification of Medical Coverage form to
the Department’s Student Programs office.
Housing Housing is not provided for domestic internships. Arrangements and associated
costs are the responsibility of the interns. A listing of suggested housing options
in Washington, D.C. is provided to students selected as interns and alternates.
How Interns All applications are submitted online through the USAJOBS website, which links
are Selected to our “Gateway to State” system that screens applications to make sure that
they are complete and that applicants meet the eligibility criteria. Once that
process is completed, the bureau will have access to those applications submitted
to them. Bureau representatives evaluate applicants based on the application
materials. For most internships, foreign language ability is an important factor in
placement for internships abroad. Completing some academic studies relevant to
the type of work you wish to perform increases your competitiveness.
The bureau(s) or office(s) to which you have applied may make a verbal offer to
you. However, the offer is not “official” until selectees receive written notification
from the Student Programs office. This notification is a tentative offer to
participate in the internship program. A final offer is contingent upon complete
investigation and issuance of a security clearance. Those who are not selected
for internships will also be notified. So that we may contact you as soon as
possible, please make sure that any changes of address are updated
immediately in your applicant profile.
Security Students tentatively selected for the internship program must undergo a
Clearance background investigation and receive either a Secret or Top Secret security
Process clearance. The clearance process takes approximately 90-120 days to complete
from the time the forms are received by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).
Investigations may take substantially longer than 90 days if you have had
extensive travel, education, residence and/or employment overseas, or if you
have dual citizenship, foreign contacts, immediate family or relatives who are not
citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse or if there is a security,
suitability, or medical issue to resolve. These issues could include a current or
past history of drugs or alcohol abuse, as well as a recent history of credit
problems. Further information regarding issues of dual citizenship and foreign
influence is available at careers.state.gov. Although these problems will not
necessarily preclude you from receiving a security clearance, they will lengthen
the time required to complete the clearance process. Your preliminary notification
of acceptance will include instructions on how to initiate your security clearance
electronically. When you receive this letter, please complete the online
clearance process by the date indicated in the letter. This is important!
DS may be unable to process your security clearance if you fail to meet
that deadline.
Random All interns serving in positions that require a clearance for access to information
Drug classified as “Secret” or above will be subject to the Department’s random
Testing employee drug testing program.
Final Offer After all procedures are completed and clearances obtained, interns assigned
of Appoint- domestically will be contacted by the Student Programs office with an official,
ment final offer of appointment. The Bureau Coordinator normally contacts interns
assigned abroad. Travel to Washington, D.C. or abroad for purposes of
reporting for duty should not be done until you receive an official offer of
appointment from either the Student Programs office (for domestic
assignments) or the Bureau Coordinator (for overseas assignments)
confirming the granting of your security clearance and permission to
report for duty. The office or post to which you are assigned will be
unable to employ you until you have received the appropriate clearance.
Note: Federal law requires denial of a passport to any spouse certified by the Department of
Health and Human Services as being more than $5,000 in arrears on child support.
Overseas Interns serving at posts outside of the United States are responsible for obtaining
Travel a U.S. passport with validity at least six months beyond their proposed stay and a
Require- travel visa as required by the country. They are also responsible for purchasing
ments overseas medical insurance that will cover repatriation of remains and medical
evacuation overseas.
Duties of an Internships are excellent preparation for future careers in both the Civil Service
Intern and the Foreign Service. The Department is looking for students with a broad
range of majors, such as Business or Public Administration, Social Work,
Economics, Information Management, Journalism, and the Biological, Physical and
Engineering Sciences, as well as those majors more traditionally identified with
international affairs.
Intern duties and responsibilities may vary according to the post or office of
assignment. For instance, interns may write reports on human rights issues,
assist with trade negotiations, assist with citizen’s services or visa work, help
Americans in distress abroad, or organize conferences or visits of high-level
officials. Others may research economic or environmental issues, write news
stories, work on web pages or help produce electronic journals.
Interns with scientific and technical backgrounds might work with issues such as
arms control, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), infectious diseases, and
remote sensing.
Intern Your internship experience at the Department of State not only includes the
Activities exceptional knowledge and work experiences that you will gain in your office
setting, but also offers the opportunity to explore the Washington Metropolitan
Area. During each intern session, an Intern Activities Coordinator is assigned to
the Student Programs staff to plan activities that will enhance your internship.
These activities include brown bag lunches with senior Department officials,
tours, and social activities. The tours allow students to get better insight into the
daily functioning of other government organizations. Examples of past tours
include the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Pentagon, and the Capitol, as
well as tours of various embassies. Guest speakers include some of the top
managers in the Department, who share their career experiences and give
students a better understanding of the Department’s objectives.
The social activities allow networking and socializing with other student
employees.
Interns assigned overseas and in field offices can expect to get involved with
embassy functions or events appropriate to the area in which they are assigned.
Appropriate The Department of State does not have an official dress code; however, as the
Attire leading U.S. foreign affairs agency, the Department of State is in the front line of
customer service to the public at home and abroad. This mission requires that
our employees project competence and professionalism. Therefore, the
appearance of employees should also be professional in a way that conveys
respect for colleagues, customers, and the work environment and should not
pose a safety or health hazard or distraction from work.
The Department welcomes the cultural diversity of its workforce, and seeks to
maintain freedom for personal expression without sacrificing the professional
image essential to the performance of its mission.
Other Find out more about other student employment program opportunities such as
Student Cooperative Education Program (Student Cooperative Education Program), Stay-
Employ- in-School (Student Temporary Employment Program), Student Disability Program
ment (Workforce Recruitment Program), Summer Clerical Program, Fascell Fellowship
Program, Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, and Presidential
Programs
Management Fellows Program by visiting our web site at
careers.state.gov/students.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Apply Applications for the U.S. Department of State’s intern program must be
Online submitted online, using the “Gateway to State” system (accessible through
USAJOBS.gov).
In the first part of the application process, you will create your applicant profile
by providing biographic and prior Federal government employment information.
This section will determine if you meet application eligibility requirements. You
must answer all “required” fields in order to proceed through the application
process. (If you are not new to USAJOBS, you can proceed directly to the intern
application.)
The second part of the online application process is specific to the internship
program. In this section, you will:
Your The third part of the application process is the submission of your transcript
Application and, if you’re applying for a paid internship, your current Student Aid Report
Package, (SAR). Your application is not considered complete until these documents have
Cont. been received using the following procedures:
• Due to the large number of fax transmissions submitted in the final days
of a job announcement, we strongly urge you to fax in your documents at
least a few days before the closing date of an announcement to ensure
your documents will be transmitted successfully.
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Submitting When you have completed the online questionnaire and the Statement of Interest
Your and have printed out the fax cover sheets, you will be ready to complete your
Application application. You should remain in the program until you have received an
application confirmation screen. Print this screen for verification of your
application. If you do not receive the confirmation screen, you must assume your
application was not complete. Follow the instructions, which will indicate which
section (s) of the application you must still complete. Please remember that
your application is not considered complete until you have transmitted
your transcript and, as appropriate, your SAR.
Accessing You may stop working on your application at any time and return later to resume
Your until its completion or to update any biographical, student, or employment data.
Application To do this, you should:
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Gateway to State
Application Checklist
Check off each item to make sure everything has been done.
Reminder ! ! !
o Did you receive and print out an application confirmation screen after
submitting your application?
o Did you use the appropriate system-generated cover sheet to fax your
transcript?
o Did you use the appropriate system-generated cover sheet to fax your
Student Aid Report (SAR) showing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
number? (Necessary only if you are applying for a paid internship)
o Did you receive verification that faxed items were successfully transmitted?
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Fellowship Opportunities
The Council The Council of American Ambassadors provides six fellowships in honor of
Of American Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. The Fellowship program combines
Ambassadors mentoring by former U.S. ambassadors, practical training through internships at
Fellowship the Department of State and, in cooperation with The Fund for American Studies,
Program academic studies in international affairs at Georgetown University, as well as
residential housing on campus. The Fellowship provides a $6,000 award to each
student that is applied to cover the cost of the program.
The Fellowships are open to undergraduate students who have completed their
junior year prior to the commencement of their internships and who have a
strong interest in pursuing a career in international affairs. The Fellowships are
available only during summer sessions.
The Pamela The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowships, sponsored by the
Harriman College of William and Mary, will provide a $5,000 award for two U.S. college
Foreign students to work in the U.S. embassies in Paris and London and one U.S. college
Service student to work in a component of the Office of the Secretary. The fellowships
Fellowship are available during summer sessions only. Applications of persons chosen by
Program the Department of State for internships in London or Paris or in a component of
the Office of the Secretary and who have authorized the Department to provide
their information to other organizations will be forwarded to The Pamela Harriman
Foreign Service Fellowship Program for consideration. Eligible candidates will be
contacted with instructions on applying for a Harriman Fellowship. The Harriman
Board has determined that only undergraduate students entering their junior or
senior year and graduating seniors continuing their studies will be considered for
a Fellowship. E-mail inquiries on the Fellowship Program should be addressed to:
[email protected]. All written inquires should be addressed to:
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The chart on pages 15 and 16 is to be interpreted as a guideline only. It is intended to help applicants in
identifying bureaus to which their majors may be commonly related.
Bureaus require a broad range of skills and academic backgrounds to accomplish their goals, and do not limit their
selections to only those majors indicated on the chart.
Adult Education/Training
Environmental Studies
Biological/Physical Sci
Art History/Art Studies
Facility Management
East Asian Studies
Computer Science
European Studies
Construction Mgt.
Communications
Major
Criminal Justice
African Studies
Architecture
Engineering
Accounting
Geography
Economics
Agriculture
Business
Finance
Bureau/Office
Administration
African Affairs
Art Bank Program
Art in Embassies
Chief of Protocol
Consular Affairs
Diplomatic Security
East Asian & Pacific Affairs
Economics, Energy & Bus. Affairs
Educational & Cultural Affairs
Equal Employment Opport. Office
European and Eurasian Affairs
Family Liaison Office
Resource Management
Overseas Building Operations
Foreign Service Institute
Human Resources
Information Resource Mgt
Intelligence & Research
Int'l Communication & Info Policy
Int'l Narcotics & Law Enforcement
International Organizations
Legal Adviser
Legislative Affairs
Near East Asian Affairs
Democracy, Human Rights & Labor
Oceans & Int'l Environmental
& Scientific Affairs
Office of Foreign Missions
Office of the Inspector General
Ofc of the U.S. Global Aids Coord.
Policy Planning Staff
Political-Military Affairs
Population, Refugees, & Migration
International Information Programs
South Central Asian Affairs
Under Secretary For Arms Control
& International Security Affairs
Under Secretary for Global Affairs
United States Mission to the UN
Western Hemisphere Affairs
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Latin American Studies
Public Administration
Information Systems
Political Science
Library Science
Interior Design
Public Affairs
Print Making
Government
Real Estate
Any Majors
Humanities
Journalism
Linguistics
History
Law
Bureau/Office
Administration
African Affairs
Art Bank Program
Art in Embassies
Chief of Protocol
Consular Affairs
Diplomatic Security
East Asian & Pacific Affairs
Economics, Energy & Bus. Affairs
Educational & Cultural Affairs
Equal Employment Opport. Office
European and Eurasian Affairs
Family Liaison Office
Resource Management
Overseas Building Operations
Foreign Service Institute
Human Resources
Information Resource Mgt
Intelligence & Research
Int'l Communication & Info Policy
Int'l Narcotics & Law Enforcement
International Organizations
Legal Adviser
Legislative Affairs
Near East Asian Affairs
Democracy, Human Rights & Labor
Oceans & Int'l Environmental
& Scientific Affairs
Office of Foreign Missions
Office of the Inspector General
Ofc of the U.S. Global Aids Coord.
Policy Planning Staff
Political-Military Affairs
Population, Refugees, & Migration
International Information Programs
South Central Asian Affairs
Under Secretary For Arms Control
& International Security Affairs
Under Secretary for Global Affairs
United States Mission to the UN
Western Hemisphere Affairs
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PARTICIPATING BUREAUS/OFFICES
The following is a brief overview of each participating bureau or office that offers internships at
various times during the year. You may apply for an internship in two (2) bureaus or offices. If
you wish to be considered for an overseas internship, at least one of your bureau choices must be
one of the following: AF, EAP, EUR, IO, NEA, SCA, or WHA. You will also have the opportunity to
indicate the specific country in which you would like to intern. Please note that some bureaus offer
internships in domestic locations other than Washington, D.C. If you are interested in working at
one of these locations, you will have the opportunity to express your preference.
The Diplomatic Reception Rooms and State Rooms are 18th-century style rooms located in the
Main State Department building. They are used for official functions hosted by the Secretary of
State and other high-level government officials. The Office of Fine Arts (M/FA) manages the
collection of 5000 museum-caliber objects of American furniture, paintings, and decorative arts
of the period 1750 to 1825. An intern in the office can expect to assist with various aspects of
registrarial and collections management, including maintaining computer databases, constructing
photography files, and inter-relational records in object, conservation, publicity and research
files. Graduate students in decorative arts or museum studies would gain registrarial experience.
Additional opportunities are available for graduate interns in American fine and decorative arts
history, museum studies and library science/special collections/archives to assist with collections
registration, management and conservation activities.
Internships are available for graduate students in Washington, D.C. throughout the year.
Supports the Assistant Secretary for Administration and the Under Secretary for Management
through the provision of executive management and administrative services, including
management analysis, strategic planning, presidential travel support, financial management,
human resources management, and information resources management for the Bureau of
Administration. Within the A Bureau, the Office of the Executive Director provides services to the
organizations under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Secretaries for Operations, Logistics
Management, and Information Sharing Services. Service is also provided to the Offices of
Emergency Management, Global Support Services and Innovation, Small and Disadvantaged
Business Utilization, M/Fine Arts (Diplomatic Reception Rooms), S/Coordination for
Reconstruction and Stabilization, the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and
Scientific Affairs, including the Office of the Science and Technology Adviser to the Secretary,
and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.
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Supports management professionals, both overseas and domestic, with innovative methods of
transforming support services for the U.S. Government to be more efficient, effective, and
customer-oriented. A/GSSI uses rightsizing, IT solutions (e.g. PASS), quality management (e.g.
ISO 9000), and performance metrics to provide the best support services. A/GSSI offers tools
on their intranet site -- including Ask Admin, motor pool driver utilization studies, and other
services -- to help management professionals identify good ideas and trends to solve problems.
It is also a great group of people and a fun place to work.
The Office of the Procurement Executive formulates, establishes and reviews policy governing
federal contracting and procurement, and federal assistance such as grants for domestic and
overseas missions. Interns working in A/OPE can expect to work on numerous cross-cutting
issues, such as researching legislation or federal regulations, drafting policy, and answering
relevant questions from customer, including direct contact with overseas missions and domestic
bureaus. Since the mandate of A/OPE is Department-wide, interns can expect to work with
multiple bureaus and missions, thereby getting a broad overview of how the Department
administers contracts and grants. Students interested in program and project management,
drafting substantive communications, and Department of State policy formulation would find an
internship in A/OPE beneficial and rewarding.
Manages, directs, and establishes policies for diverse administrative programs including domestic
real property and facility management, centralized acquisition, worldwide supply and
transportation, assistance to overseas schools, language services, and the administration of
foreign allowances. A/OPR offices that typically participate in the intern program are:
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Applicants must have good writing skills and mastery of English plus command of at
least one foreign language (Arabic, Spanish, French, or Russian preferred). Interns
spend eight to ten weeks working under the tutelage of State Department
interpreters. To be selected for such an internship, in addition to having U.S.
citizenship, interpreting internship applicants must pass an interpreting aptitude test
given at the Office of Language Services.
• A/OPR/FMSS - The office of Facilities Management Services is responsible for
the management and administration of domestic building operations and
maintenance. FMS is also responsible for all domestic energy, environmental, fire and
life safety programs.
• A/OPR/RPM – The Office of Real Property Management is responsible for
managing the Department of State’s (DOS) domestic real estate assets. A/OPR/RPM
provides a complete and comprehensive range of real property management services
including space assignments, leasing, office and building design and construction,
furniture selection, and architectural and engineering services for all domestic offices
and bureaus at the Department.
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Provides executive direction and policy guidance on substantive activities to ensure that the
Department and other foreign affairs agencies receive the full range of classified and unclassified
information and multi-media publishing services in a cost-effective customer service-oriented
manner.
Provides Department of State logistics supply chain management activities including acquisition,
warehousing and distribution, transportation, and property management support domestically
and to every American embassy and consulate worldwide. Our clients both overseas and
domestic are primarily from the Department of State but may also be personnel of other U.S.
government agencies involved in foreign affairs and overseas operations.
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Ensures that the Department of State effectively utilizes U.S. small businesses (Small
Disadvantaged, Woman-owned, Veteran-owned, Service Disabled Veteran-owned, HUBZone) in
its prime contracts and subcontracts. Provides training and counseling to:
• The small business (SB) community about doing business with the Department;
facilitates SB access to contract opportunities within the Department
• Department personnel about contracting with small businesses. Assists them in
identifying resources, resulting in increased opportunities for small businesses
Interns working in A/SDBU can expect to work on market research, as well as assist the
webmaster in updating our web site. Interns may also be assigned special projects. Prospective
interns must possess good organizational and computer skills.
• The Bureau conducts the full range of U.S. foreign relations with the countries of
sub-Saharan Africa, providing staffing and resource support to our embassies in
challenging environments.
• Major objectives for U.S. diplomacy in Africa include fostering democracy and free
markets, addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and assisting Africa’s millions of
refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• Of the 15 countries covered by the President’s multi-billion dollar Emergency Plan
for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), 12 are in Africa, meaning our embassies in these
countries coordinate delivery of millions of dollars in prevention, care, and
treatment for targeted populations.
• The Africa Bureau also works closely with African governments in the war on terror,
while reaching out to Muslim populations to explain American values with intensive
public diplomacy programs.
• A central thrust of U.S. diplomacy is conflict mitigation, ranging from resolution of
the Darfur conflict and implementation of recent peace accords in Sudan, to
defusing the festering ethnic conflicts in Africa’s Great Lakes region which includes
Rwanda, Burundi, and Democratic Republic of Congo.
• The Africa Bureau and its missions coordinate major U.S. humanitarian assistance
to address suffering from war, famine, and drought.
• The opportunities and challenges in Africa provide countless opportunities for
hands-on diplomacy and richly rewarding experiences.
Internships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students in Washington, D.C.
throughout the year. Interns posted abroad are provided with housing and transportation to and
from post. Internships abroad are available during the summer only.
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• Provides guidance and leadership on consular aspects of children's services and fulfills U.S.
treaty obligations relating to children
Internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C. and Passport Agencies located in
the following cities: Washington, D.C. (PPT/WN and PPT/SIA), Aurora, CO (PPT/CO), Boston
(PPT/BN), Charleston (PPT/CPC), Chicago (PPT/CG), Honolulu (PPT/HH), Houston (PPT/HN), Los
Angeles (PPT/LA), Miami (PPT/MM), New Orleans (PPT/NO), New York (PPT/NY), Norwalk, CT
(PPT/CT), Philadelphia (PPT/PA), Portsmouth, NH (PPT/NCP), San Francisco (PPT/SF), and Seattle
(PPT/SE).
• Provides the President and the Secretary of State with advice on fulfilling the government's
obligations relating to national and international protocol
• Plans, arranges, and executes programs for visiting chiefs-of-state and heads of government,
foreign ministers, and other high-level officials
• Coordinates with the White House on the presentation of credentials of foreign ambassadors
to the President
• Accredits foreign ambassadors and other diplomatic and consular officers
• Registers employees of foreign governments and determines their eligibility for rights and
immunities
• Manages the operation of the Blair House
• Plans and executes arrangements for official functions hosted by the Secretary of State
• Develops and implements U.S. policy on democracy, human rights, international labor, and
religious freedom
• Leads effort to integrate foreign assistance programming with priority foreign policy
objectives and is responsible for the annual distribution of approximately $10-100 million of
democracy and human rights foreign assistance throughout the region.
• Helps build global consensus in support of democratic rule and universal human rights
principles
• Carries out project proposal evaluation, grant administration, budget negotiations, technical
coordination, and project performance review and compliance for democracy promotion and
human rights grants.
• Publishes the annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which provide a
comprehensive assessment of human rights around the world today
• Conducts dialogues on human rights and democracy with other nations, both bilaterally and
through multilateral forums
• Works closely with members of Congress and their staffs, non-governmental human rights
organizations, and the media
• Reviews political asylum requests
• Monitors key issues like religious freedom, labor, and women's rights
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Interns work closely with office
directors on special projects and the bureau's normal operations.
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The Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS) is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment
for the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. Every U.S. diplomatic mission in the world operates under a
security program designed and maintained by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. In the United
States, DS investigates passport and visa fraud, conducts personnel security investigations, and
protects the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United
States. Within the bureau, there are several divisions that provide administrative services such as
automated systems support, financial and personnel management, and other general services. DS
has several engineering divisions.
The Bureau has field offices in various cities throughout the U.S. staffed with special agents and
criminal investigators. DS Field Offices are located in the following U.S. cities: Atlanta, Miami,
Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, New York, Denver, San Francisco, Houston, Seattle, Los Angeles, and
Washington, D.C.
Internships are available throughout the year. The majority of the internships available are located
in offices within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. A few intern positions may be available in
one or more of the Field Offices within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. DS cannot guarantee that
there will be positions in every Field Office during any given intern session.
Mandated by Congress, the Office of Foreign Missions’ (OFM), which falls under the Bureau of
Diplomatic Security, responsibility is to protect the interests of the United States and its citizens
from foreign diplomats’ abuses of privileges and immunities; to improve the treatment of U.S.
personnel assigned abroad by imposing reciprocal treatment on foreign diplomats assigned to
the United States; and to provide service to the foreign diplomatic and consular community in
matters relating to motor vehicles, tax, customs, property, and travel. OFM also provides the
legal foundation to facilitate secure and efficient operations of U.S. missions abroad, and of
foreign missions and international organizations within the United States. There are several
divisions that provide administrative, financial, procurement, and management analysis
activities, as well as information systems technologies within OFM.
OFM Regional Offices are located in Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, San Francisco,
Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston.
Internships are available throughout the year. There may be intern positions available in one or
more of the above OFM Regional Offices within the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. DS/OFM
cannot guarantee that there will be positions in every Regional Office.
• Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in the East Asian and Pacific region
• Directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. government activities with interest in political,
economic, consular, and administrative matters in those countries
• Analyzes and prioritizes U.S. private sector trade and investments
• Researches and analyzes political and economic issues
Internships are available throughout the year in Washington, D.C. and abroad at most U.S.
embassies and consulates. Under limited circumstances, housing may be available abroad. For
students applying for internships abroad, please specify in your Statement of Interest the embassy
or consulate for which you wish to be considered.
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Develops and implements U.S. international economic policy relevant to protecting and advancing
U.S. economic, political, and security interests. Pursues objectives by managing bilateral and
multilateral relationships in the areas of trade, energy, transportation, communications, finance, and
food resources policy.
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1958 Federal Aviation Act, the Department carries out its aviation responsibility with the
direct involvement of airlines, communities, and labor.
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. For further information on each
office, please see the Department of State web site: www.state.gov.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs supports the long-term national interest by fostering
mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Bureau
academic and professional exchange programs identify future leaders and build a foundation of trust
with current and potential leaders throughout the world. Bureau programs and activities include the
Fulbright Exchange Program, the International Visitor Program, Citizen and Professional Exchange
Programs, English Language Programs, Cultural Programs, Educational Advising, Humphrey
Fellowships and College and University Affiliations Programs.
• The Office of Academic Exchange Programs plans and manages a wide spectrum of
merit-based educational programs from Fulbright exchanges to a range of special
programs for Russia and the New Independent States
• The Office of Global Educational Programs administers professional and teacher
exchanges, institutional linkages, and programs and services designed to support and
promote the international exchange of student and scholars
• The Office of English Language Programs conducts a variety of activities to promote
the teaching and learning of English overseas
• The Office of Citizen Exchanges manages programs in professional, cultural and youth
programs. Grants are used to strengthen public-private partnerships with American
universities, community organizations, professional groups and other non-profit
institutions
• The Office of International Visitors brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the
U.S. to meet and confer with professional counterparts and to gain a more complete
understanding of the U.S.
• Cultural Programs emphasize fostering long-term relationships between artists,
institutions and audiences, stimulating self-sustaining networks.
Specific skill sets which would be well-applied in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
also include web design and management, and organizational development to include training, group
facilitation, conflict management and surveying/polling.
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. For more information see the
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affair's web site: http://exchange.state.gov
Unpaid internships are available in Washington, D.C., and abroad at certain U.S. embassies and
consulates throughout the year. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad.
For students applying for an internship abroad, you will have an opportunity to specify the country in
which you are willing to pursue your internship. You may elaborate on your choices in your
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Statement of Interest. Duties of both domestic and overseas interns are similar in nature to that of
an entry-level professional.
• Advises the Secretary of State on matters related to the allocation and use of the
Department’s budget, physical property and personnel.
• Oversees the activities of 12 bureaus. The bureaus and offices that report to the Under
Secretary for Management are responsible for management improvement initiatives;
security; the Department's information technology infrastructure; support services for
domestic and overseas operations; consular affairs; and personnel matters, including
retirement programs, recruitment, career development, training, and medical services. These
bureaus include:
o Bureau of Administration
o Bureau of Consular Affairs
o Bureau of Diplomatic Security
o Bureau of Human Resources
o Bureau of Information Resource Management
o Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations
o Director of Diplomatic Reception Rooms
o Foreign Service Institute
o Office of Management Policy, Rightsizing, and Innovation
o Office of Medical Services
o Office of White House Liaison
o Office of Resource Management
• Assists in coordinating special projects for the Secretary including the G20 summit and the
U.S.-China dialogue.
• Serves all U.S. government employees and family members assigned to, serving at, or
returning from a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad deal with the challenges of a mobile
lifestyle
• Advocates for programs to improve quality of life by identifying issues and solutions
• Provides high volume of client services in the areas of Family Member Employment (including
job availability at an embassy or consulate abroad and opportunities for working on the local
economy overseas), Education and Youth (including boarding school options, youth
programs, and support for families with special needs children), and Support Services for
those experiencing a personal change (including divorce, eldercare, adoption) or post crisis
• Assists employees and family members evacuated from post due to political unrest or natural
disasters
• Manages the Community Liaison Office (CLO) program with 160 field offices worldwide
• Manages the expeditious naturalization process for foreign born spouses of Department of
State employees
• Delivers services through individual counseling, training and presentations, publications and
the FLO web site.
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. during the summer. Interns will work on special
projects in one or more of the above areas.
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• Trains Department of State and other U.S. government agency employees involved in foreign
affairs
• Encourages research and other studies of new and developing areas of foreign policy
concerns
• Develops training materials for total curriculum including video and multimedia based
training courses
• Provides intensive instruction in over 60 languages
• Offers a variety of area studies courses that familiarize Foreign Service personnel in the
specific geographic/cultural area to which they are assigned
• Assists personnel and their families going to, or returning from, overseas assignments in cross-
cultural and lifestyle adaptation, in addition to family and work adjustment/ readjustment.
The Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H) coordinates legislative activity for the Department of State and
advises the Secretary and her team on legislative strategy. The H staff advises individual Bureaus on
their legislative and outreach strategies and coordinates those efforts with the Secretary’s priorities.
H facilitates effective communication between the diplomatic professionals of the State Department
and Members of Congress and their staffs. H manages Department testimony before House and
Senate hearings, organizes Member and staff briefings, and facilitates Congressional travel abroad
for Members and staff. The bureau reviews proposed legislation and coordinates the Department's
positions on legislation affecting the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, seeks passage of relevant foreign
policy legislation and appropriations, and obtains advice and consent to treaties as well as Senate
confirmation of the President’s Ambassadorial and Department of State nominees.
Interns assist the Bureau’s Legislative Management Officers in setting up briefings, coordinating
policy statements with other Bureaus, facilitating trip itineraries for Congressional delegations, etc.
• Carries out recruitment and examination for the Foreign Service, including administration of
the Foreign Service Written Examination and Oral Assessment
• Develops and administers personnel policies and procedures of the Department, including
assignments, career development, employee relations and retirement programs for both
Foreign and Civil Service
• Coordinates the Department's student employment programs
• Publishes the Department's monthly magazine for employees worldwide.
Are you a born communicator? Do you have a keen interest in journalism and international news?
Would you like to be on the front lines of U.S. public diplomacy efforts, presenting important
information directly to a foreign audience?
IIP is the principal international strategic communications service for the U.S. foreign affairs
community. Its products are translated into Persian, Chinese, Arabic, French, Spanish and Russian,
and are featured online at http://usinfo.state.gov/.
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Through daily articles published on USINFO, web chats and digital video conferences (DVCs)
between public opinion leaders and overseas audiences, monthly electronic journals, and overseas
speaker programs, IIP presents U.S. policy on foreign, economic, security, and global issues, as well
as information about American society and values to the rest of the world.
This is an ideal opportunity for students majoring in journalism and communication, as well as
international affairs. IIP enjoys press access to U.S. officials at the State Department, White House
and other public agencies. Its writers also attend events sponsored by Washington think tanks and
nongovernmental organizations to hear high-profile foreign policy speakers present their views on
major world issues and events.
You will enjoy full inclusion and participation with our full-time staff, and your bylined articles will
have a global audience, in multiple languages, thanks to the Internet and U.S. embassy officials who
place them in local media.
• Attend and write articles about speeches and press conferences by senior U.S. officials,
programs at Washington-based think tanks and nongovernmental organizations,
congressional hearings and cultural events
• Design and conduct web chats and DVCs that allow interaction and communication between
foreign audiences and opinion leaders in the areas of culture, science, politics and business
• Assist in the production of electronic journals, IIP's online magazines, which examine a
wide range of issues such as human rights, narcotics, terrorism, American society,
democracy, and information technology
• Assess, recruit and schedule U.S. officials, people from the academic community and
subject specialists for overseas speaking and training programs
• Assist in the provision of information research to public diplomacy officials at home and
abroad using top-of-the-line proprietary databases.
Within the Department of State, INL has primary responsibility for developing and implementing
bilateral and multilateral drug and crime control programs to accomplish goals and objectives in
support of the Administration’s comprehensive strategy in the international arena.
This Bureau:
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. during the fall and summer only.
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Office of the Analysis for East Asia and the Pacific (INR/EAP) - conducts research and
analysis, and briefs Department principals, on a broad range of political, diplomatic and other
issues in the East Asia and Pacific region (Burma through Japan). Current priority issues
include Six-Party Talks on North Korea’s nuclear program, Chinese foreign policy, Chinese
internal stability and Communist Party politics, inter-Korean relations, the China-Taiwan
issue, political developments in Southeast Asia and instability in the Pacific. INR/EAP directly
supports the diplomatic initiatives of State’s Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs.
Successful applicants should have academic or other experience in one or more Asian
countries. Language ability is a strong plus.
Office of the Geographer and Global Issues (INR/GGI) - conducts research and
analysis, and briefs Department principals, on a broad range of topical issues including
environment and sustainable development, humanitarian crises and refugees, United Nations
affairs, human rights, and war crimes. The office also provides boundary analysis, GIS
cartography, and remote sensing imagery support for the Bureau and much of the
Department.
The War Crimes, Atrocities, and Democracy (INR/GGI/WCAD) division supports the
international war crimes tribunals and the State Department’s atrocities early warning,
human rights, and democracy efforts. GGI/WCAD is seeking an intern with strong
intellectual and organizational skills to contribute to this effort (minimum 10 weeks).
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Office of Analysis for the Near East and South Asia (INR/NESA) - Conducts research
and analysis and briefs Department principals on a broad range of political, diplomatic, and
social issues from North Africa and the Middle East, though the Gulf, Iran, Afghanistan, and
the rest of South Asia. Priority issues include the Western Sahara, the Middle East Peace
Process, domestic Israeli politics, and the internal politics and foreign policies of a number of
disparate countries, especially including Iran, Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. INR/NESA
directly supports the policy initiatives of two of State’s regional bureaus: the Bureau of Near
Eastern Affairs (NEA) and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA). Successful
applicants must have an academic or practical experience in one or more of the region’s
countries. In addition, ability in a regional language, be it Arabic, Persian, or Hindi –Urdu (or
any of the many others), is a plus.
Office of Analysis for Russia and Eurasia (INR/REA) - REA produces all-source, real-
time and longer-term intelligence and analytical support on the domestic and foreign policies
of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, the Caucasus and Central Asia to promote US goals of
national security, economic prosperity, and democratization. The office monitors traffic, briefs
State officials ranging from desk officers to Department “principals,” represents INR and the
Department of State in the Intelligence Community and, when necessary, on Capitol Hill and
with foreign governments, and regularly participates in professional and academic
conferences.
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Internships are available all year in Washington, D.C. and overseas in Rome, Vienna and Geneva.
The mission of IRM is to ensure that all of the Department of State's information resource
management requirements are met in the areas of:
IRM is responsible for providing services in these areas to the entire Department of State, including
its diplomatic missions abroad, and to other foreign affairs agencies abroad.
Furnishes legal advice on all legal policy issues, domestic and international, arising in connection
with U.S. foreign policy and the activities of the Department. This includes the formulation and
implementation of U.S. foreign policy and promoting the development of international law and its
institutions as a fundamental element of those policies.
Summer internships: Paid internships are offered to applicants who are at least second year law
students. If you are interested in a summer internship, you need to complete the application
process described in this brochure. You must also submit your resume and a copy of your law
school transcript directly to the bureau by e-mail [email protected], fax (202-736-7508), or by
mail to the following address:
31
Personnel Officer
Washington, DC 20520-6419
Fall and spring internships: Unpaid internships (externships) are available for both the fall and
spring semester for second year law students. Unpaid internships (externships) are also available
for the fall semester for third year law students. Applications should be submitted according to the
process described in this brochure. You must also submit your resume and a copy of your law school
transcript directly to the bureau by e-mail [email protected], fax (202-736-7508), or by mail to
the address listed above.
• Manages U.S. foreign policy toward countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Directs, coordinates, and supervises diplomatic activities within those countries, including
consular and administrative management issues
Duties of interns, both domestic and abroad, are similar in nature to that of a Junior Foreign Service
Officer. These can include: reading/answering cable traffic, attending meetings, escorting visitors,
compiling briefing books, conducting special research projects, and a host of other duties. Overseas
interns, once selected, are provided with briefing materials, and an outline of specific duties and
projects. Domestic interns are provided with duty statements and a handbook.
Internships are available in Washington, DC, and abroad at certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates
throughout the year. Because dangerous conditions exist in a number of NEA countries,
the number of posts participating in the internship program may be limited and may be subject to
change as circumstances warrant.
Internships are offered in the political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative
sections in U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad,
please specify in your Statement of Interest the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to pursue
your internship. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad, but not for those
working in Washington, D.C.
OBO assists the Secretary of State and the Under Secretary for Management with formulating policy
on the Department of State’s worldwide buildings program abroad for the Department of State and
the U.S. Government community.
Through its extensive program of new construction, facility rehabilitation, and operations programs,
OBO provides safe, secure, and functional living and working space for the thousands of men and
women who represent the United States and perform the important work of diplomacy. Since 2001,
OBO has constructed over 56 new facilities and have moved more than 17,000 personnel into safer
structures, and many more new facilities are either in the design or construction phase.
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technology, mixed-use building design and construction, and focus on building and designing
major compounds with stringent security requirements.
• Benefit from on-site weekly lectures from industry professionals, relevant field trips, and
participate in gatherings that allow relationship building with peers and working
professionals.
• Learn first-hand about the opportunities and long-term benefits of a career within Overseas
Buildings Operations, while being exposed to the building industries based in the Washington,
DC metropolitan area.
The Art in Embassies Program (AIEP) plays a vital role in our nation’s public diplomacy through a
culturally expansive mission of temporary exhibitions, permanent collections, artist programming,
and publications. AIEP produces temporary exhibitions of original works of art by American artists
on loan from a variety of sources for the representational spaces of U.S. chief-of-mission residences
(CMR’s) worldwide.
AIEP curators, holding advanced degrees in the arts, typically design each temporary exhibition
around a particular theme or artistic style based upon input from the ambassador. This collaboration
is essential because the ambassador lives with the art for his or her term of duty. The exhibitions
frequently focus on connections between our culture and those of the host countries, presenting a
more nuanced view of the U.S. than is readily evident in pop American culture.
As an intern:
Day-to-day tasks may include:
• Cultural and art historical research on art movements and the work of individual artists
• Library and archival work organizing and cataloguing office visual and biographical
documents
• Attending events such as meetings with ambassadors and museum openings;
• Assist with projects such as scanning works of art into elaborate museum software
databases, registering objects for exhibitions to record who made it, the age of the piece,
and how much it’s worth, and culling hard-copies and digital files;
• Working side-by-side with professionals to learn the administrative side of creating art
exhibitions.
Overall, an intern position in AIEP will provide students with a very broad understanding of cultural
diplomacy in action. The Art in Embassies Program creates 60 exhibitions per year with works from
thousands of lenders.
The Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs is the Department of
State's focal point for foreign policy development in the areas of:
33
OIG inspects each of the approximately 260 embassies, diplomatic posts, and international
broadcasting installations throughout the world, to determine whether policy goals are being
achieved and whether the interests of the United States are being represented and advanced
effectively. Additionally, OIG performs specialized security inspections and audits in support of the
Department's mission to provide effective protection to our personnel, facilities, and sensitive
intelligence information. OIG also audits Department and BBG operations and activities to ensure
that they are as effective, efficient, and economical as possible. Finally, OIG investigates instances of
fraud, waste, and mismanagement that may constitute either criminal wrongdoing or violation of
Department and BBG regulations.
Internships are available in Washington, D.C., throughout the year. The OIG's Office of Counsel
encourages second-year law students to apply.
The Bureau of Public Affairs’ mission is to help make foreign policy less foreign to people around the
globe by reaching out to the media and the public. The Bureau also provides guidance and direction
to the Department on the communication of foreign policy. The following offices work within the
bureau to accomplish these goals in many different ways:
34
• Foreign Press Center (PA/FPC): Helps foreign media to cover the United States;
generates programs for foreign journalists and broadcasters to deepen their understanding
and the accuracy of their reporting on American society and U.S. foreign policy.
• Broadcast Services (PA/OBS): Supports the foreign affairs communication mission of
the U.S. Department of State by producing live TV pool coverage of events involving the
President, Secretary of State, and principal spokespersons; by producing television
coverage of current events in the U.S. and worldwide that present U.S. policies; and by
producing news features, special events programs, documentaries and co-productions with
foreign broadcasters. PA/OBS assists more than 100 small and large foreign TV news
bureaus in the U.S. with live and taped coverage, b-roll footage, research, interviews and
TV production assistance. All of this is distributed globally via broadcast fiber, satellite, and
the internet. OBS operates AETN – The American Embassy Television Network, the
Department of State’s global satellite broadcast network - a direct U.S. television resource
for international broadcasters.
• Rapid Response Unit (PA/RRU): Monitors global news stories around-the-clock,
analyzes important media trends and puts together effective messages and distributes a
daily alert to Cabinet secretaries and key policymakers in Washington and overseas. These
reports provide an effective early warning system that helps us respond quickly to stories as
varied as U.S. earthquake assistance to Pakistan, Iranian nuclear defiance, and Palestinian
elections.
• Office of the Historian (PA/HO): Prepares the official documentary record of U.S. foreign
policy, The Foreign Relations of the United States; compiles historical studies on U.S.
foreign policy and diplomacy; and responds to public inquiries on foreign policy and
diplomatic history.
• United States Diplomacy Center (PA/USDC): Plans, develops, and operates the
National Museum of American Diplomacy which is dedicated to exploring the work and
mission of the Department and the practice and challenges of American diplomacy; engages
the public through outreach activities in educational institutions, programs offered at the
Department of State, and through the Internet
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year in all of the above offices.
Supports the Secretary and the Under Secretary in playing a larger role in security and defense
policy and will:
• Provide a more informed State voice on Defense policies with major foreign policy
implications
• Provide analytic support on defense-related foreign policy issues
• Contribute to the coordination of peacekeeping and related foreign policy issues
• Lead a stronger State effort on regional security issues
• Assume greater responsibilities in crisis management
• Be responsible for arms transfers, defense trade controls, and political-military and Defense
cooperation in critical infrastructure protection
• Develops and implements U.S. policies on international population, refugee and migration
matters
• Advances U.S. humanitarian principles by providing assistance to victims of persecution and
civil strife
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• Administers the U.S. refugee admissions program that processes and resettles refugees in
the United States.
Headed by the Department’s Chief Financial Officer, RM carries out a variety of resource
management functions for the Department of State:
• Resource Planning (RM/SPP): The Office of Strategic and Performance Planning (SPP)
brings dedicated focus to the Department’s strategic, program, and performance planning
activities. RM/SPP is responsible for the Department’s Mission Performance Plan (MPP)
process, the Bureau Performance Plan (BPP) process, the annual Performance Plan, the
coordination of all activities associated with the development of the Department of State
Strategic Plan, and participates in the preparation of the combined Performance and
Accountability Report. RM/SPP coordinates the annual Senior Reviews chaired by the Deputy
Secretary, leads the inter-agency effort to update the International Affairs Strategic Plan
(IASP), and ensures Department-wide compliance with the Government Performance and
Results Act (GPRA). RM/SPP is also working to implement the President’s Management
Agenda initiative on Budget and Performance Integration.
• Office of Budget and Planning (State Operations) (RM/BP): This is the Department’s
Budget shop. It focuses on State Programs and Operations. This shop is the first stop for
any Department funding. It reviews the requirements, develops the budget, presenting
appropriations requests and financial plans to OMB, the President, and the Congress and then
ensures available resources are optimally allocated to achieve Department-wide strategic
goals. It manages a network of Department budget and financial management processes
and activities involving Department principals, other Department resource management
offices, all Department bureaus, and other government agencies to operate a worldwide
program for budget formulation, presentation and execution.
• Resource Systems, Accountability and Policy (RM/DCFO): This Office does the primary
technical and policy advising to the Assistant Secretary and Chief Financial Officer on matters
relating to financial management and provides guidance and coordination to the
Department's financial management program. The DCFO manages the Financial Policy,
Reporting and Analysis Directorate, the Global Financial Management Systems Directorate,
and the Global Financial Systems Support Directorate. The DCFO advises the Chief Financial
Officer, and provides technical guidance on matters relating to financial management
systems for the Department's worldwide activities, including, strategic planning for financial
management, policy, procedures, and management controls.
• Resource Execution (RM/GFS): Global Financial Services is located in Charleston, South
Carolina at the Charleston Financial Services Complex. The Managing Directors for the
Charleston Financial Service Center, the Paris Financial Service Center, the Bangkok Financial
Service Center, the Domestic Financial Services Directorate, and the Customer Support,
Training & Global Disbursing Operations Directorate all report to Director-GFS. With
approximately 600 government and contract employees, GFS provides financial services not
only to the Department of State’s domestic and worldwide offices, but also a myriad of other
federal agencies with overseas presence.
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. and Charleston, SC throughout the year.
36
Office of the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (R)
• Oversees the Bureau of Public Affairs, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, and the Bureau of International Information Programs. Serves as the
Secretary's representative on the Broadcasting Board of Governors which
ensures and safeguards the integrity, quality and effectiveness of U.S.
government international broadcasting.
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Selections will be
made from applicants with knowledge of, and interest in, public diplomacy.
Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs and Coordinator for
Tibetan Issues (G)
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Selections will be made
from applicants with demonstrable knowledge of, and interest in, one or more Global issues.
Office of the Senior Coordinator for International Women’s Issues (G/IWI)
• Reports directly to the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs
• Recommends, advises, and participates in programs that promote women’s political
participation, expand their economic opportunities, increase awareness of their
basic human rights, and reinforce their position in civil society across the globe
• Committed to raising public awareness, nationally and internationally, of U.S.
Government policy on women through media, outreach efforts, and other public
diplomacy tools
• Oversees the Iraqi Women’s Democracy Initiative.
• Website: www.state.gov/g/wi/
Office of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Affairs (T)
The Under Secretary's office provides policy direction in the following areas:
37
This new office oversees and coordinates civilian response activities of the U.S. government
in key states making the transition out of civil strife.
• The office prepares, plans, and supports U.S. government stabilization and
reconstruction activities in a range of situations that require the capabilities of
multiple U.S. government agencies, including: complex emergencies, failing states,
failed states, post-conflict environments, and/or situations involving peacekeeping or
other international interventions.
• The office provides the Secretary of State and other U.S. government decision-
makers with clear options; is developing an Operational Readiness Corps and Reserve
for “surge” capacity; and serves as an internal expert consulting group, which either
can support regional bureaus in coordinating, or can itself directly coordinate, the
U.S. government response as the situation warrants.
• The office seeks to monitor "hot spots," plans responses, conducts exercises, and pre-
identifies people and funds for rapid response.
• The office aims to become a catalyst for applying lessons learned in sectors like
governance, civil society, rule of law, democratization, transitional security, public
safety, humanitarian relief, refugee resettlement, infrastructure reconstruction,
education, community outreach, banking, debt, trade, privatization, economic
stabilization, and multilateral diplomacy regarding failing and failed states.
• The office works with key private sector groups like Non-Governmental Organizations,
Private Voluntary Organizations, contractors, think tanks and universities in order to
develop expertise and build institutional response capacity.
• Coordinates the USG’s international counterterrorism policy to build the political will of
foreign partners to combat terrorism and to assist our partners to develop the
practical capacities - in law enforcement, border control, and banking regulation,
among others - to identify, interdict and defeat terrorists. We accomplish this by:
engaging with foreign governments and publics to reinforce policy goals; providing
practical assistance to build law enforcement capacity (the Anti-Terrorism Assistance
program), counterterrorism finance skills (Counterterrorism Finance Program), border
control (the Terrorist Interdiction Program); and, building and sustaining USG
counterterrorism capabilities through the Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST)
and Technical Support Working Group (TSWG).
• Established a new Homeland Security Unit to coordinate cross-cutting policy issues
within State regarding homeland security; it will also facilitate State’s coordination
with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This will strengthen our links with
38
Internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. Those interested in a
broad view of the practical problems of the Foreign Service, personnel management and/or
computer database management, are encouraged to apply. Interested persons are welcome
to visit the Board’s website at www.fsgb.gov.
• Implements the President’s $15 billion Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief - largest
commitment ever by a single nation toward an international health initiative
• Oversees and directs all resources and international activities of the U.S. Government
to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, including U.S. contributions to the Global
Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
• Under the Emergency Plan, life-saving medical treatment will be provided to two
million people living with HIV/AIDS, seven million new HIV infections will be
prevented, and care will be provided to ten million people infected and affected by
HIV/AIDS, including orphans and vulnerable children.
• Additional information about the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator may be
found at www.state.gov/s/gac.
• Manages all Department of State programs and activities which promote equal
employment opportunity (EEO) and affirmative action for employees and applicants
for employment
39
The Policy Planning Staff (S/P) serves as a source of independent policy analysis and advice
for the Secretary of State. S/P's mission is to take a longer-term, strategic view of global
trends and frame recommendations for the Secretary of State to advance U.S. interests and
American values. Fulfilling this mission entails:
internships are available in Washington, D.C. throughout the year. There is a preference for
law students.
• Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in the South Asian countries of India,
Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.
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• Conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in the Central Asian countries of
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
• Directs, coordinates, and supervises diplomatic activities within those countries,
including consular and administrative management issues.
Duties of interns, both domestic and abroad, are similar in nature to that of a Junior Foreign Service
Officer. These can include: reading/answering cable traffic, attending meetings, escorting visitors,
compiling briefing books, conducting special research projects, and a host of other duties. Overseas
interns, once selected, are provided with briefing materials, and an outline of specific duties and
projects. Domestic interns are provided with duty statements and a handbook.
internships are available in Washington, D.C., and abroad at certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates
throughout the year. Because dangerous conditions exist in a number of SCA countries, the number
of posts participating in the internship program may be limited and may be subject to change as
circumstances warrant.
Internships are offered in the political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative
sections in U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad,
please specify in your Statement of Interest the Embassy or Consulate at which you wish to pursue
your internship. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad, but not for those
working in Washington, D.C.
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Appointed in September 2000, the Adviser and STAS lead an initiative to:
• Strengthening the S&T literacy and capacity of the Department as a whole - both by
increasing the number of scientists in the Department and by increasing training and
exposure of diplomatic and civil service personnel to S&T issues
• Building a partnership with the outside S&T community - academia, technical agencies,
associations, industry - particularly in the U.S., but also abroad
• Providing advice to the Secretary and other senior Department officials, and catalyzing
initiatives for greater State leadership in international S&T cooperation and related policy
developments for new and emerging S&T issues
STAS can accommodate up to two interns during any internship period, but also will assist in
identifying regional and functional bureaus, as well as embassies abroad, that may require S&T
interns. The positions may or may not be paid, depending on bureau policy. Accordingly, applicants
should also indicate their field(s) of concentration as well as any preferences for overseas locations.
See the STAS website: www.state.gov/g/stas/.
The United States Mission to the United Nations was established in 1947 by the United Nations
Participation Act to assist the President and the Department of State in conducting U.S. policy at the
United Nations.
internships are available in New York City throughout the year. Internships may be in: Political
Affairs, Economic and Social Affairs, UN Resource Management, Military Staff Committee, Research
and Reference, Legal Section, Host Country Affairs, Press and Public Affairs, Protocol, Management
Affairs, and Regional Security Office. Please specify in your statement of interest the section(s) you
would like to be placed. Contact the bureau for a more detailed description of each section.
www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov
• As required by statue, the Bureau is responsible for ensuring that U.S. intelligence
capabilities to collect, analyze, and disseminate precise and timely information bearing
upon matters of verification and compliance – e.g., on the nature and status of foreign
governments’ Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and delivery system programs – are
effectively acquired, maintained, and enhanced. VCI is designated by law as the principal
policy community representative to the Intelligence Community with regard to verification
and compliance matters, and uses this role – and the access to and interaction with the
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Intelligence Community that it entails – both to promote, preserve, and enhance key
collection and analytic capabilities and to ensure that verification, compliance, and
implementation intelligence requirements are met.
• Finally, the Bureau has the lead within the State Department on all issues related to
missile defense and national security space policy. In this regard, the Bureau plays a
special role in the interagency community with regard to the international aspects of
missile defense (e.g., cooperation with foreign governments and the diplomatic aspects of
U.S. missile defense decisions) and the development of U.S. and multinational policies
related to actual or potential military uses of space and the protection of the United
States’ space-related infrastructure.
• Conducts foreign relations with Mexico, Canada, Central and South America and the
Caribbean
• Directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. government activities within this region,
including political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative management
issues
• Prefers Spanish, French, Portuguese speaking/reading applicants
internships are available in Washington, D.C. and abroad at certain U.S. embassies and consulates
throughout the year. When available, housing is provided to interns assigned abroad. Internships
are offered in the political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative sections of
embassies abroad. For students applying for an internship abroad, please specify in your
Statement of Interest the embassy or consulate at which you wish to pursue your
internship. Duties of interns, both domestic and abroad, are similar in nature to that of an Entry
Level Foreign Service Officer. These can include: reading/answering cable traffic, attending
meetings, escorting visitors, compiling briefing books, conducting special research projects, and a
host of other duties. Once selected, overseas interns are provided with an outline of specific duties
and projects. Domestic interns are provided with duty statements and a handbook.
The United States Mission to the Organization of American States was formally established in 1948,
and is the only embassy located within the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The
Organization of American States (OAS) is the world's oldest regional organization, dating back to the
First International Conference of American States held in Washington, D.C. in October 1889. It is
the premier multilateral forum for dealing with political issues in the Western Hemisphere.
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