Upcoming Deadlines
US Foreign Service Internship Program (two consecutive summers of paid internship)
Date and Time
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Description
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 (2025), 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 (2026) 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 2025.
- Must be available during program dates of mid-June through end of August each summer.
- 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 here or find an event near you here.
Students can learn more and apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/671419300
This event has been tagged as administration, careercenter, cuse, fellowships, and international.
Contact
For more information about these and other fellowship opportunities, email [email protected].