International relations internships provide students with the opportunity to practice international relations on a global scale, while also offering valuable career experience. These internships can take place in a variety of countries and industries, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, or commercial businesses.
Choosing the Right Country for Your Internship
While there are many opportunities to intern abroad, some of the best options for international relations internships are in countries that have a long history of diplomatic relations or are host to major international organizations. These include Belgium, which has a large number of organizations and is the capital of Europe; Cape Town, South Africa; Geneva, Switzerland; and New York, which is a hub for business and finance.
Employers often look for students with diverse skill sets, and one of the best ways to demonstrate this is through international experience on your resume. An international relations internship can help you build your resume, give you a different perspective on a complex issue, and give you experience in a field that is likely to be in high demand.
Council on Foreign Relations: The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonpartisan research and policy organization. Its internship program offers students in international studies, foreign policy, or international affairs the chance to work alongside smart and dedicated staff members at the heart of the world’s most important conversations about international issues.
Independent Diplomat: Established in 2004 by former British diplomat Carne Ross, Independent Diplomat provides impartial, strategic advice to governments and companies on international relations issues. Its team includes international lawyers, former diplomats, and academics.