Foreign Policy Research Institute: Internship Opportunities and Requirements

The Foreign Policy Research Institute (FPRI), based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a renowned American think tank specializing in geopolitical studies, international relations, and global security across various regions. FPRI is dedicated to producing high-level learning and unbiased policy analysis to address vital foreign and national policy issues facing the United States.

The Value of Internships in Public Policy and Law

Undertaking an internship, particularly in public policy and law, can significantly enhance high school students' college applications. It demonstrates a strong skill set and a genuine commitment to addressing real-world issues, setting them apart from other candidates. Internships enable students to apply classroom learning to practical situations, showcasing their ability to translate theory into action. Engaging with professionals in the field nurtures critical thinking and proactive problem-solving. Choosing an internship in public policy and law reflects a student's motivation to make a positive impact, which resonates with admissions committees, revealing a dedication to meaningful causes and community betterment.

Securing a letter of recommendation from organizations like the FPRI adds a powerful dimension. A strong endorsement from a respected professional provides external validation of a student's qualities and potential contributions.

What FPRI Does

FPRI addresses pressing foreign policy challenges, providing analysis through reports, articles, and briefs tailored for various audiences through public events and briefings.

Internship Opportunities at FPRI

FPRI offers several types of internships, each catering to different interests and skill sets. These include research, special events and development, editorial, operations, and communications internships. These internships provide valuable mentored, in-person research roles, allowing students to engage in high-level research experiences early in their academic journey.

Research Internships: Research interns work closely with FPRI scholars specializing in one of four regional areas: Africa, Asia, Eurasia, and the Middle East. Successful applicants are paired with scholars from their chosen program to engage in their work and may even be considered for publication on the FPRI's Intern Corner. Proficiency in an advanced foreign language, data analysis skills, and prior experience in study abroad or field research is highly valued for this role. The Asia team’s current research focuses on China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, ASEAN, geoeconomics, critical technologies, defense issues, and regional politics. The Asia team will tailor assignments to the intern’s interests and career goals to the extent possible. FPRI’s Eurasia Program aims to examine the political, security, economic, and social trends shaping Europe and Eurasia. Scholars in this program seek interns who can fulfill various research, and editorial tasks. Other work may include formatting publications, fact-checking, and proofreading articles. FPRI’s National Security Program seeks to assess efforts by the United States to reduce dependence on authoritarian states for natural resources for fueling Western economies, which can spur domestic technological innovation and also spur movement towards a green energy revolution while giving new purpose to Cold War alliances that move beyond military cooperation towards closer technological and economic relationships that will benefit their middle classes. Research projects will address shifting regional and global priorities in the region, and are dependent on developments in the region.

Special Events and Development Internships: These interns collaborate with the Development Director and Event Manager to handle various event-related tasks. These events may include talks, gatherings, webinars, or social communication with the FPRI and other organizations. Applicants for this role should have a flexible work schedule, including availability for evening events, and preference is given to students local to the Philadelphia, PA, area. This role is suitable for students looking to engage in marketing or communications strategy on a global scale.

Editorial Internships: Editorial interns are involved in various writing and editing tasks, contributing to FPRI's publications and analyses. This role requires strong writing and research skills for fact-checking, copy editing, and proofreading. This role serves well for students looking to work in journalism and public relations.

Operations Internships: These interns assist with FPRI's administrative tasks, research-related projects, and other organizational duties. Requirements for this role are relatively minimal and are well suited for students looking to have broad exposure to the FPRI.

Communications Internship: The FPRI has released a new position that works primarily with the International Crisis Management course instructor and the FPRI’s Assistant Director of Communications to facilitate and conduct a digital classroom. Roles will include training to set up and operate Zoom Webinars.

Read also: Opportunities in Foreign Relations

Applicants interested in specific regional research teams have additional criteria to meet. For instance:

Asia-focused applicants should have experience in translating Chinese language documents or data analysis.
Eurasia-focused applicants should have prior field experience and advanced language skills.
Middle Eastern-focused applicants should possess language skills in one or more languages commonly used in the Middle East, such as Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Hebrew, or Kurdish.

Who Can Apply?

Though FPRI's internships are primarily aimed at university students, high-school applicants are welcome to engage in high-level research experience early on in their academic journey. High school students who are authorized to work in the US are encouraged to send in their resume and cover letter in a single PDF file and if selected, will be contacted for a follow-up interview.

Application Deadlines

For the fall internship program, the duration spans from September to December. The application deadline is July 23rd, and decisions are released on August 18th. Interested candidates can apply through the FPRI website.

Demonstrating Skills Through Publication

Interns can demonstrate their research and policy analysis skills by publishing their work with the institution. Current publications cover diverse topics, including global and political tensions, environmental policy, global economies, road infrastructure, women's health, and military regimes worldwide.

Pros and Cons of the Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship

Pros:

Early Exposure to Global Affairs: As the program accepts high school applicants, students gain early exposure to global affairs at a prestigious think tank level. This experience can greatly enhance their profile when pursuing global policy, politics, or public affairs careers. Former FPRI interns have secured influential positions within the US government including the first US Ambassador to Kosovo, the Undersecretary of Defense and many more key posts.
Mentorship and Communication Skill Building: Interns have the opportunity to build strong relationships with their respective mentors. Working with scholars in their field of interest can have a lasting impact on future applications and recommendations.
Range in Opportunities and Interests: You can choose from a range of roles that the FPRI offers. Students can select their area of focus such as research, programming, operations, or writing work.
Networking Opportunities: Collaborations with other think tanks and academic institutions provide students with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas and perspectives on foreign policy issues, fostering their interests in global studies. AFPC maintains good relations with all of its former interns and has established an extensive network of AFPC alumni. To provide networking opportunities, AFPC hosts annual reunions that allow former interns back into the office to share their experiences with the current interns, and provide them with insights and potential access to future positions in the government and graduate programs.
Opportunity for rigorous research work: Interns can publish reports, articles, and analyses, gaining valuable writing experience and establishing themselves as published writers.
An immersive and flexible experience: This opportunity allows students the opportunity to produce a competitive college application with the experience and networking skill offered with the FPRI’s internship program.

Cons:

Limited Opportunity for High Schoolers: The internship program may not be as accessible to high school students due to its focus on college-level applicants. Nonetheless, all are encouraged to apply. Since the program primarily targets college-level candidates, it can be highly competitive, especially for specific roles with additional requirements. The process of application for high interns who are still in high school is quite rigorous however, landing an internship at the FPRI is a prestigious experience.
Limited internships in-person and remote: Some internships may require students to be based in Philadelphia, while others allow remote work. Applicants should verify the type of internship they are applying for.
Time-Intensive: Interns are expected to dedicate 10 to 20 hours per week to the program, which might be challenging for students juggling multiple jobs or summer courses.

How to Secure an Internship at FPRI as a High School Student

Aim for the right internship for your profile: This may not be the time to apply for an internship for which you don’t have a strong skill-set, simply because you’re competing against older students. So, if you have a strong background in social media marketing or communications as opposed to research, we’d encourage you to apply for the communications internship over the research internship. On the other hand, if you have a decent understanding of research and a pretty solid ability to do data analysis, you should aim for the research internship! If you’ve organized events or run a club, we’d recommend you apply for the operations and events internships.
Understand what you want your takeaway to be and showcase your profile accordingly: Fair warning that some of these internships will reach you more directly about foreign policy, while the others may teach you more general skill sets. For instance, if you want the takeaway to be academically rigorous research and you apply for communications, it may signal to the reviewer that you do not, in fact, understand which role you are applying for or are ‘settling’. If you are happy to build general skill-sets, spend time talking about “why” at FPRI.
If you do not get a paid internship, consider an unpaid internship: The Foreign Policy Research Institute Internship offers a great set of opportunities for foreign policy research. As an ambitious high school student interested in global affairs, you should try to apply for these internships, even if the process might be competitive. If you successfully earn an internship and perform well, it will be a signal to colleges that your knowledge/skill-level, maturity is quite at par with an undergraduate student. You will also learn a lot by surrounding yourself with the staff and other, older interns!
Showcase your skills: Securing internships in competitive fields like public policy and law during high school might appear daunting, but a well-planned approach can help you effectively compete and stand out. Leverage personal connections to uncover hidden avenues and advice when crafting a standout resume that highlights your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and extracurricular activities. Tailor your cover letter to showcase your genuine passion for the field and your transferable skills to global affairs. If you have a portfolio of ideas that highlight your writing skills, create a site for easy access and committees to view. Home in on your interview skills by articulating your enthusiasm, skills, and adaptability and embrace unpaid or part-time positions for the experience they offer. Stay persistent in your efforts, and remember that your dedication and unique perspective as a high school student can be assets in gaining valuable internships.

Additional Internship and Program Options

Several other organizations and programs offer internships and opportunities for students interested in foreign policy and international affairs:

Read also: Expand Your Horizons

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR): CFR generally considers undergraduate and graduate students with majors in international relations, political science, economics, or a related field for its Blavatnik Internship Program. All applicants should have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework (not including AP classes in high school) by the time they begin an internship. A regional specialization, language skills, and additional requirements may also be needed for some internships. In addition to meeting the intellectual requirements, applicants should have excellent skills in administration, writing, research, and computers, as well as previous office experience. There is one posting for the New York office, one for the Washington, DC office, and one for remote applicants. Applicants should apply to their desired work location and check off on their application each internship that they are interested in being considered for. A complete application consists of a resume and a cover letter.
American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC): AFPC has great interest in preparing our interns for future success. Policymakers and statesmen, who have held senior positions in government, are brought in as part of a weekly lecture series to meet with interns and discuss the numerous career paths in foreign policy and the ways to best pursue them. Additionally, AFPC maintains good relations with all of its former interns and has established an extensive network of AFPC alumni. To provide networking opportunities, AFPC hosts annual reunions that allow former interns back into the office to share their experiences with the current interns, and provide them with insights and potential access to future positions in the government and graduate programs. AFPC internships are part-time with the opportunity for flexible hours. Interns are expected to work a minimum of 20 hours per week between 9 AM and 6 PM at the AFPC headquarters. Candidates should have a strong interest in foreign policy and national security. In addition to providing interns with a substantive research experience, AFPC encourages and provides opportunities for interns to author or co-author opinion editorials and policy papers.
Department of State's Pathways Internship Program: The Department of State's Pathways Internship Program includes both the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP) and the Internship Experience Program (IEP). citizens enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate school and professional academic levels. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States.
Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS): VSFS connects college students with the needs of federal agencies. Since 2009, more than 10,000 remote interns have advanced the work of the federal government. The time commitment is about 10 hours per week during the school year. There are opportunities for all, from data visualization to political analysis. Internships are paid but may be eligible for course credit. The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated individuals from a variety of backgrounds who aspire to and possess the potential to become future civil service leaders in the Department.
Lumiere Research Scholar Program: If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford.
Other Internship Opportunities: USAID offers paid and unpaid internships and fellowship opportunities to qualified, talented students and recent graduates. products overseas. Embassies and Consulates around the world. The OAS offers internships with the aim to resolve and prevent conflicts. CSIS interns participate in a variety of activities that support individual programs/departments, including research, writing and project development. Brookings offers internship to work with their staff in research areas such as Economic Studies, Foreign Policy, Global Economy and Development, Governance Studies, and Metropolitan Policy. AEI is a research-based think tank in Washington DC that offers internships. Hudson Institute offers a variety of research internships through which interns work closely with a particular scholar to produce research briefs, memos, and articles.

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