INTERNSHIPS

The Nixon Center is seeking energetic undergraduate and graduate students (though non-students may also apply) interested in international affairs for volunteer (unpaid) internship positions in its Washington, DC office. An internship at the Center is an excellent way for students to learn about international affairs and meet influential people in government, think tank, academic, and media circles.

Internships at The Nixon Center can be full-time or part-time positions depending on the candidate's interest and the needs of the particular program.  Duties differ from program to program but generally involve research, administrative support, and event organization. To apply, please send a cover letter, one-page resume, and writing sample (no more than five pages) to the attention of Ms. Brooke Leonard by email to intern@nixoncenter.org or by fax at (202) 887-5222. You should include the name of the program you are applying to in the subject line of your email or fax. Internship deadlines are listed below.  Internships typically last for approximately 3-4 months.  However, shorter periods are possible under certain circumstances (e.g. Washington Study programs.)

The Center is currently seeking interns for the following programs:

Immigration and National Security: This position aids the Director of Immigration and National Security Programs Robert Leiken, an expert on Immigration and U.S. Foreign Policy, as he studies the relationship between immigration and terrorism after September 11.  Interns selected for this program will assist on research tasks and in organizing seminars and other events.  Fields pertinent to this work are immigration policy, Mexico or Mexican studies, Spanish, modern Europe, Arabic and/or terrorism.

Regional Strategic Programs (Middle East and Caspian Basin): This position supports Geoffrey Kemp, Director of Regional Strategic Programs and a former senior White House official.  His current projects focus on U.S. policy toward Israel, Iran and Iraq, as well as the impact of the growing Asian presence in the Middle East on U.S. Policy.  Successful candidates will have a demonstrable interest in the Middle East, Caspian Basin, or South Asia and, ideally, some background in economics, energy, or regional policy politics.

U.S.-Russian Relations: This position supports Nixon Center President Dimitri Simes, a well-known Russia analyst. Interns will assist Mr. Simes with research on various issues in U.S.-Russian relations, Russian domestic politics and other issues.  Interns in this program will also assist in organizing occasional panel discussions, luncheon seminars, and briefings. Russian language ability and background in Russian politics and/or foreign policy are a plus.

Energy Security and Climate:  This position supports Center Executive Director, Paul Saunders, who is launching a new project on energy and climate change.  Duties will focus on research in this area and special projects related to U.S.-Russian relations and democracy issues.  Background in international economics or European affairs helpful. 

China Studies: China Studies interns work with Director of China Studies Drew Thompson on projects related to U.S.-China relations. In addition to work on broad aspects of bilateral relations, the department has specific programs on environment, climate change and health. Interns will assist in organizing panel discussions and lectures on U.S.-China relations and various policy-oriented research projects. Chinese language abilities and background in China/East Asia are preferred. Graduate students are generally given preference over undergraduates.

Internship Deadlines

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.  We encourage you to apply as early as possible. 

Summer Deadline: May 15

Fall Deadline: September 15

Winter Deadline: December 15