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Getting International Internships From the Government
If you are eyeing for an international internship, one good source to get one would be the Federal government. You can apply for direct international internships in credible organizations through government programs. By going through a government program, you can be sure that the organization you will be applying for is certified to meet international standards. Not only will this ensure that your internship experience will give your resume a boost; but you will also be protecting yourself from the nightmare of being trapped in a foreign country by a shady organization.
Although many people do not realize it, the U.S. State Department and other federal agencies based locally or abroad offer some internship programs for both undergraduates and graduate students. Although most of the positions they offer are unpaid, application is still very competitive. However, because many students look primarily in the private sector, it is still possible to secure one of these internships.
State and Local Governments
Another overlooked source by most applicants is the international trade offices of city and state governments. You can also get one from different committees of the Congress. Getting a U.S. State Department Internship is actually one good way to see if you would have a promising career in the field of diplomacy.
Although most of these internship programs from the government are usually unpaid, you can still get some benefits out from them. There are times when an intern gets free housing provisions from the government. However, to be eligible to this benefit, there are some criteria that you should be able to meet.
To be able to get free housing, you should be a U.S. Citizen. You should also be a junior or senior undergraduate student. Graduate students can also apply for the provision, as long as he or she would be continuing his or her studies, while interning. You can try checking out the State Departmentís website to apply and to know other application details.
If you want to enter the competition for government internships, then you should do so early. For summer internship, you should apply by November 1, while March 1 and July 1 are the deadlines for fall and winter, respectively.
U.S. Peace Corps
Another source from the government would be the U.S. Peace Corps. This is also considered to be the best paying and best entry level postion for anyone that is interested in overseas grassroots development activities. In the Peace Corps, you get to work and live with ordinary people, unlike with State Department positions.
They also have criteria to be eligible in the position. First, you should be a U.S. citizen. Then, you should also have at least a bachelor's degree. They will also require you to make a two year commitment with them.
You can get a lot of benefits from them too. First, they will pay all your training and travel expenses, which makes them a possibility even if you cannot afford to fund your own travel. They also give you full support and training. At the end of your service, you can also get over $6,000 of resettlement allowance. Your educational loans can also be deferred or even partially cancelled depending on the nature and location of your service. You can also get a little tuition support if you pursue graduate studies in the country where you are serving.
Woodrow Wilson Foundation
Another organization from which you can get internship programs related to the government is the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. They offer some internship programs along with scholarship programs. Minorities and women are highly encouraged to apply in their programs.Most of the scholarships they offer can fund you several years of study and usually includes summer internships and institutes. To apply, you should be a sophomore to get into the 3-year scholarship program, while you should be a senior to get into the graduate school scholarship program, which covers a shorter period of time.
