Careers Representing Americainternships
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- Are unofficial transcripts accepted in the U.S. Department of State Student Experience (previously known as student internship) application process?
Unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process. However, if you are selected for an internship, you will be required to provide an official transcript prior to beginning your internship. - Do all U.S. Embassies and Consulates participate in the program?
No, not all posts are able to participate in the program, and participation may vary year to year. Because it is difficult to anticipate the needs of our embassies and consulates, you should apply to those posts that are of interest to you. - How long does it take to get a security clearance? What is involved?
Students tentatively selected for the internship program must undergo a background investigation and receive either a Secret or Top Secret security clearance (pdf, 47kb). The clearance process takes approximately 90-120 days to complete from the time the forms are received by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). Investigations may take substantially longer than 120 days if you have had extensive travel, education, residence and/or employment overseas; or if you have dual citizenship, foreign contacts, immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse, or if there is a security, suitability, or medical issue to resolve. These issues could include a current or past history of drugs or alcohol abuse, as well as a recent history of credit problems. - I am studying business and my friend is studying international relations. Will it be possible for both of us to serve as interns?
The Department is looking for students with a broad range of majors, such as Business or Public Administration, Social Work, Economics, Information Management, Journalism, and the Biological and Physical Sciences, as well as those majors more traditionally identified with international affairs. - If I am selected to go abroad for an internship, do I need medical insurance?
Yes. Interns selected for internships abroad must provide proof of medical insurance coverage, to include medical evacuation and repatriation of remains, to the Intern Office or bureau coordinator prior to departure. - Is housing provided by the Department of State for interns?
Abroad, every effort is made to provide housing at no cost to interns, but circumstances may vary at different posts, so this cannot be guaranteed. Housing is not provided in the Washington, D.C., area. Arrangements and associated costs are the responsibility of the interns. A listing of housing alternatives in Washington, D.C., is mailed with the selection package. - What are some of the responsibilities assigned to Interns?
Interns may be assigned to do research on political, economic, environmental or other issues. They may write reports and correspondence; assist with citizens' services or visa work; or use their expertise in information systems, procurement, or budget and fiscal operations. Some may help to organize a conference or visit of high-level officials. Some Interns write news stories, work on web pages, or help produce electronic journals. Others may be involved in educational and cultural exchange activities. Interns also help in the recruiting of U.S. speakers and specialists for overseas programs. - What happened to the SCEP (previously known as the Cooperative Education Program)?
Effective July 10, 2012, the U.S. Department of State launched the implementation of the new Pathways Internship Program, a paid internship program designed to replace the former Summer Clerical, Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). - What happened to the Spring, Summer, Fall Student Internship Program?
The U.S. Department of State Unpaid Student Internship Program, for students with a minimum of 60 credit hours or greater, provides the opportunity to work in U.S. Embassies throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices spread around the United States. - What happened to the STEP (previously known as Stay-in-School Program)?
Effective July 10, 2012, the U.S. Department of State launched the implementation of the new Pathways Internship Program, a paid internship program designed to replace the former Summer Clerical, Student Career Experience Program (SCEP) and Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP). - What is the Pathways Program for Students?
Pathways Program: includes three paid Civil Service internship programs located in Washington, D.C.
