Your college experience does not have to be confined to campus. Through the Asian Studies Program and the Shriver Center at UMBC and its internship program, you have the opportunity to step outside the boundaries of the classroom and experience the real world.
Once you have graduated, there are many opportunities for employment using your degree (see our career guide, “What Can I do with my Asian Studies Degree.”) You may also elect to continue your studies in a graduate program.
Asian Studies Internships
ASIA 399 – Field work related to Asian Studies. Course requires permission of the Program Director. To receive that permission the student must complete the Asian Studies Program Internship Contract Form and have it signed by the Asian Studies Program Director. Internships are open only to juniors and seniors.
UMBC Asian Studies Program Internship Contract.
Summer Internships
A. Government
Council on Foreign Relations (Washington, D.C.) – They have listings for many different internships related to Asia.
Undergraduate Internship Program – Open Source Officer Open Source Officers (OSOs) are the Intelligence Community’s experts in collecting and analyzing publicly available information in the foreign arena.
U.S. Department of State Student internships here provide a look at diplomacy in action, and the range of careers and responsibilities found in the Foreign Service and Civil Service.
US Foreign Service Internship The Department offers an internship program, the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP), which offers a limited number of two-summer ten-week internships to interested candidates to familiarize them with diplomacy and the Foreign Service. The first USFSIP summer entails a few weeks of classroom instruction in U.S. diplomatic history, professional writing, foreign policy operations and career skills. That is followed by an internship on a policy desk at the State Department in Washington, D.C. The second summer involves an internship at a U.S. Embassy overseas. Selected students are paid an entry level salary and qualify for transit benefits in Washington. This program also pays for travel and assists with housing.
The USFSIP is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate students who have completed at least one year of college and are currently enrolled in a degree program. To apply, students must submit the USFSIP application on USA Jobs, which will include a transcript and a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA). Applicants must also arrange for two letters of recommendation.
Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Diplomat-In-Residence for their area to discuss their interest; see http://careers.state.gov/connect/dir. In line with the State Department’s commitment to foster a diverse and representative workforce, women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The USFSIP operates in the summer except for a few small requirements during the intervening year. This program is subject to change.
Virtual Student Foreign Service Through the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program, students can work on projects that advance the work of government on multiple fronts. Projects include helping counter violent extremism, strengthening human rights monitoring, developing virtual programs, engaging in digital communications, mapping, economic and political reporting, data analysis, graphic design, and app building.
B. Museums
Freer and Sackler Galleries (Washington, D.C.) Fellowships and internships provide professional training and research opportunities for students and scholars at various levels, as well as the chance to engage with F|S staff and utilize the museums’ rich resources.
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center Seeking students who are passionate about Asian Pacific American communities and histories.
The Walters Art Museum (Hackerman House), Baltimore Students should express an interest in curatorial or education work, and within the application express a specific desire for work on or with Asian materials.
C. Non Government Organizations (NGO’s)
Amnesty International Internship programs are based at the International Secretariat (IS) offices in London, Geneva and New York and occasionally in other IS offices.
Asian American Justice Center Civil rights organization offering various internships.
Asian Society Intern Opportunities (Washington D.C.): Intern should have a demonstrated interest in the social, political, and economic challenges in Asia.
Center for Strategic and International Studies; General Information; The Asia Programs East-West Center, Washington, D.C. – Internships: The East-West Center in Washington seeks interns each semester who are interested in gaining a first-hand training experience in a US-Asia research and education organization in Washington, D.C. Internships are open to students and recent graduates; graduate students are particularly encouraged to apply.
CGTN America CGTN America is looking for talented college interns to work in all areas of their news gathering operation.
Hudson Institute Internship opportunity with one of the oldest think tanks in DC. Their website is a great resource as well with a multitude of audio links of previous talks.
Fellowships at the Congressional-Executive Commission on China The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) is offering paid Fellowships to graduates of accredited Bachelor’s, Master’s, and J.D. Programs, or current graduate-level students.
Internships at the World Trade Center Institute in Baltimore, Maryland Internships at the World Trade Center Institute offer unique hands-on experience and unparalleled networking opportunities. As an intern, you will gain insight into the world of non-profits and international business, learn from industry leaders and get to know about the local professional and business community. All interns are assigned real life tasks and given professional titles and business cards to be used throughout the semester. WTCI’s interns attend all of our prestigious events and get a chance to practice valuable networking skills. Some of their best interns go on to full-time positions with many of their clients — some of Maryland’s most prestigious institutions.
Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASW) Unpaid internships with the Society are available to a limited number of college students each term.
Korea Economic Institute Interns can expect a challenging environment which will give them a look at the inner-workings of the Washington, D.C. policy community.
National Association of Japan-America Studies NAJAS offers internships to college students majoring such fields as international relations, East Asian studies, nonprofit management. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in Japan, U.S.-Japan relations, public and nonprofit management.
Radio Free Asia RFA internships for current students and new graduates are unpaid and generally coincide with academic Spring, Summer and Fall semesters. Although RFA internships do not, in any way, constitute a promise of future employment with RFA, they offer a valuable opportunity to learn and practice skills in a professional work environment.
The Asia Society’s Washington, D.C. and New York offices offer internships and volunteer opportunities.
The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Selected interns embody APAICS’ diversity goals and demonstrate leadership skills through active participation in student organizations and the greater AAPI community. In addition to academic achievement, our interns are politically aware, socially sensitive, committed to public service and share a common vision about promoting Asian Pacific American representation in the political process.
The United States-China Policy Foundation (USCPF): A non-profit, non-partisan, educational organization dedicated exclusively to broadening awareness of China and U.S.-China relations in the Washington, DC policy community. The USCPF Internship Program provides students with a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in the field of U.S.-China relations. During their time with the Foundation, students will play in active role in researching and writing reports on current issues related to U.S.-China relations, assisting with educational programming and events, and managing the USCPF website.
The U.S.-Japan Council The U.S.-Japan Council in Washington, D.C. is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers and interns to assist with projects and ongoing initiatives. If you’re interested in volunteering or serving as a summer or fall intern, please contact hr@usjapancouncil.org.
D. Corporations
Under Armour Their paid internships accept students in the fields of design, arts and sciences, engineering and technology, and business.