Environmental Studies Archives

U.S. Mission to the Organization for American States

The United States Mission to the Organization of American States was formally established in 1948, and is the only embassy located within the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The Organization of American States (OAS) is the world’s oldest regional organization, dating back to the First International Conference of American States held in Washington, D.C. in October 1889. It is the premier multilateral forum for dealing with political issues in the Western Hemisphere. The main goals of the Mission are to strengthen peace and security, promote the effective exercise of representative democracy, ensure the peaceful settlement of disputes among members, and provide for common action in the event of aggression. They also seek solutions to political, juridical, and economic problems that may arise by promoting cooperative action, and economic, social, educational, scientific and cultural development.

cpalamara2017-08-25T10:20:42-04:00

Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA)

The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs conducts foreign relations with Mexico, Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean. The offices under this bureau direct, coordinate, and supervise U.S. Government activities within this region, including political, economic, consular, public diplomacy and administrative
management issues. This bureau prefers Spanish-, French-, or Portuguese-speaking/reading applicants.

Office of Andean Affairs (WHA/AND): The Office of WHA/AND is responsible for shaping, coordinating and implementing foreign policy in Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela.
Office of Brazil and Southern Cone (WHA/BSC): The Office of WHA/BSC coordinates interagency policies and programs of the U.S. Government that relate to the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Office of Canadian Affairs (WHA/CAN): The Office of Canadian Affairs (WHA/CAN) is responsible for day-to-day management of relations between the U.S. and Canada.
Office of Caribbean Affairs (WHA/CAR): The Office of WHA/CAR is responsible for managing relations with the island nations and dependencies of the Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Suriname Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles). It is the Department’s principal liaison with the 13 Caribbean embassies, which maintain a presence in Washington.
Office of the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs (WHA/CCA): The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs’ Office of the Coordinator for Cuban Affairs (CCA) is the focal point within the U.S. Government for developing, coordinating, recommending, and executing U.S. policy on Cuba.
Office of Central American Affairs (WHA/CEN): The Office of WHA/CEN is responsible for the management of U.S. relations for Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize.
Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination (WHA/EPSC): The Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs’ Office of Economic Policy and Summit Coordination (EPSC) creates and implements U.S. foreign policy relating to trade, energy, finance, macroeconomic, and ESTH issues, as well as organizing policy for the Summit of the Americas process.
Western Hemisphere Affairs Executive Office (WHA/EX): The Executive Office (EX) is the focal point for providing management support services to our WHA domestic offices and overseas missions (28 Embassies, 14 Consul Generals, six Consulates, one U.S. Interest Section, and one American Presence Post).
Western Hemisphere Affairs Mexico Desk (WHA/MEX): The WHA/MEX Desk is responsible for the relations between the United States and Mexico. In addition to political and economic matters, other issues that the office deals with include the environment, migration, and drug enforcement.
Office of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (WHA/PDA): The Office of WHA/PDA oversees the public diplomacy activities carried out by WHA posts abroad to promote understanding of the United States and advocate and advance U.S. policy.
Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (WHA/PPC): The Office of Policy Planning and Coordination (WHA/PPC) coordinates all socio-political issues that extend beyond a single geographic office (e.g., security assistance, counternarcotics, human rights, labor, international organizations issues). PPC has the lead on strategic planning and evaluation for the bureau, including coordination of policy, program, and foreign assistance funding.

cpalamara2017-08-08T14:40:13-04:00

Oceans & International Environmental & Scientific Affairs (OES)

OES leads the Department of State’s foreign policy development in the areas of environment and sustainable development; conservation and sustainable management of natural resources; global climate change (in concert with the Special Envoy for Climate Change); oceans and fisheries affairs; marine conservation; international science and technology cooperation programs; bioterrorism and biodefense; infectious diseases and global health; science and technology; and public outreach on
environmental diplomacy. OES advises the Department on functional and technical considerations relating to the development and implementation of policies and programs that fall within the bureau’s responsibilities. OES also represents the Department in international negotiations and interagency policy working groups and committees. OES provides foreign policy guidance and coordination to international organizations that share bureau equities, and sees that such activities are designed and implemented in a manner that advances U.S. interests.

Office of Policy and Public Outreach (OES/PPO): fosters the integration of environment, science, technology, health, and oceans and polar issues into U.S. foreign policy and facilitates policy formulation across OES and with the Department.
Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs (OES/O/OPA): develops international oceans policy by coordinating interagency action and conducting bilateral and multilateral negotiations involving the Law of the Sea Convention, freedom of navigation and overflight, protection of the marine environment, and extended continental shelf and maritime claims and boundaries.
Office of Marine Conservation (OES/O/OMC): develops and coordinates U.S. policy for the international conservation and management of living marine resources, including shared fish stocks, marine mammals, seabirds, sea turtles and sharks, among others.
Office of Ecology and Conservation (OES/E/ENC): works to conserve and sustainably manage the world’s ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, drylands and coral reefs. ENC helps address international threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, such as land degradation, invasive species and illegal trade, as well as issues associated with the safe handling of living modified organisms and access to genetic resources.
Office of Conservation and Water (OES/E/ECW): Nature provides the resources on which humans depend for our survival and economic growth. OES/ECW coordinates the development of U.S. foreign policy approaches to conserving and sustainably managing the world’s ecologically and economically important ecosystems, including, forests, wetlands, drylands and coral reefs, the species that depend on them, and the world’s water resources.
Office of Global Change (OES/E/EGC): Implements and manages U.S. international policy on climate change, and represents the United States in negotiations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and in many other international fora focused on climate change, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and the International Maritime Organization.
Office of Environmental Policy (OES/E/ENV): develops and coordinates U.S. international policy on environmental issues in the areas of air pollution; toxic chemicals and pesticides; mercury; and hazardous wastes and other pollutants. ENV advances sustainable development goals internationally through multilateral organizations within the UN system and elsewhere.
Office of International Health and Biodefense (OES/S/IHB): furthers U.S. foreign policy goals through global health diplomacy. This includes work on the President’s Global Health Initiative, disease control, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging health issues. IHB brings together international stakeholders to promote strategies and policies which strengthen global health, enhance bio-security, and respond to global health crises.
Office of Space and Advanced Technology (OES/S/SAT): develops and implements policy and activities related to bilateral and multilateral international space and science and technology programs and issues, as well as megascience and nanotechnology cooperation.
Office of Science and Technology Cooperation (OES/S/STC): facilitates bilateral and multi-stakeholder science engagement to advance American national security, economic, and foreign policy interests. The office manages and oversees more than 55 bilateral science and technology agreements and 2,000 sub-agreements currently in force, which collectively lay the ground rules for science engagement, including the protection of intellectual property. Through the Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) initiative, the office helps direct the technical expertise of young scientists and engineers toward peaceful, commercial applications and opens U.S. market opportunities. The office also deploys pre-eminent U.S. scientists as “science ambassadors” to help support broader foreign policy objectives. These American scientists leverage their expertise, knowledge, and professional networks to increase the reach and influence of the United States.

cpalamara2019-02-13T12:36:58-05:00

Overseas Building Operations (OBO)

OBO assists the Secretary of State and the Under Secretary for Management with formulating policy on the Department of State’s worldwide buildings program abroad for the Department of State and the U.S. Government community. Through its extensive program of new construction, facility rehabilitation, and operations programs, OBO provides safe, secure, and functional living and working space for the thousands of men and women who represent the United States and perform the important work of diplomacy. Since 2001, OBO has constructed over 56 new facilities and has moved more than 17,000 personnel into safer structures, and many more new facilities are either in the design or construction phase.

cpalamara2017-08-08T14:14:30-04:00

Foreign Service Institute (FSI)

Housed at the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center, FSI trains Department of State and other U.S. Government agency employees involved in foreign affairs and encourages research and other studies of new and developing areas of foreign policy concerns. FSI develops training materials for total curriculum including video and multimedia-based training courses. A critical function of FSI is to provide intensive instruction in over 60 languages, for Foreign Service Officers and other government employees assigned overseas. FSI also offers a variety of area studies courses that familiarize Foreign Service personnel with the specific geographic/cultural area to which they are assigned. The Institute also assists personnel and their families going to, or returning from, overseas assignments in cross- cultural and lifestyle adaptation, in addition to family and work adjustment/readjustment.

Leadership and Management School (FSI/LMS): The Leadership and Management School offers mandatory and elective leadership and management training for supervisors and managers from entry to executive levels, roundtables and policy seminars for senior leaders, and crisis management training overseas and at the Shultz Center. LMS oversees the Leadership and Managing Training Continuum to ensure participation by Foreign Service and Civil Service employees and works with bureaus and overseas missions to improve organizational effectiveness and crisis management.
Office of Public Affairs (FSI/OPA): The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Office of Public Affairs is a fast-paced, creative and collaborative office that offers an internship experience providing insight into public diplomacy, diplomatic training and foreign affairs. The office manages FSI’s Congressional Affairs and media relations, oversees the bureau’s social media and public-facing digital engagement, and spearheads a number of programmatic campaigns and initiatives such as the Heroes of U.S. Diplomacy initiative. For additional background on our work, intern applicants can refer to www.state.gov/fsi and follow links to our social media channels.
School of Applied Information Technology (FSI/SAIT): The School of Applied Information Technology provides training for the Department of State’s IT workforce, end-user training and IRM Tradecraft training for all levels at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). In addition, SAIT provides training to users from other federal agencies and contractor employees on a reimbursement basis.
School of Language Studies (FSI/SLS): The School of Language Studies helps students enhance their language learning skills as an aid in their FSI studies and as a foundation for advancing their learning while at post. In this office, Foreign Service Officers study over 70 languages split into different areas: East Asian and Pacific languages (EAP), European and African languages (EUA), Near East, Central, and South Asian languages (NEA), Romance languages (ROM), Slavic, Pashto, and Persian languages (SPP).
School of Professional and Area Studies (FSI/SPAS): The School of Professional and Area Studies (SPAS) provides tradecraft, orientation, and area studies training for State Department employees, as well as employees from other U.S. government agencies. SPAS training prepares the full range of foreign affairs professionals to successfully advance U.S. government foreign policy goals and objectives by providing world class orientation and area studies training to the broadest possible community of Foreign and Civil Service professionals, as well as appropriate professional tradecraft training across all relevant fields. SPAS works with strategic partners across the Department of State, the U.S. government, and the academic and private sectors to continually deliver the highest quality training utilizing the latest knowledge about adult professional learning. SPAS provides hundreds of professional courses to all categories of Department personnel in a wide range of topics, namely, Orientation, Area Studies, Management, Consular, Public Diplomacy, Political, Economic/Commercial, and Office Management.
Transition Center (FSI/TC): The Transition Center (FSI/TC) helps prepare employees and their family members for effectiveness in the foreign affairs community transitions throughout, and after, their careers. It is comprised of the Training Division (TC/T), the Overseas Briefing Center (OBC), and the Career Transition Center (CTC).

cpalamara2024-05-10T15:47:42-04:00

European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR)

EUR conducts U.S. foreign relations with countries in Europe. It directs, coordinates, and supervises U.S. Government activities within these regions, including consular and administrative management issues, and U.S. assistance. In addition to working on country-specific issues, the bureau offers the opportunity to do multilateral work related to the European Union, NATO, the OSCE, the OECD, the G-8, and the Council of Europe. Applicants interested in these multilateral positions should specifically note such interest in their Statement of Interest.

Domestic

Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia (EUR/ACE): The Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia (EUR/ACE) oversees the economic, security, democracy, and humanitarian assistance of all U.S. Government agencies providing assistance to the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe. When Congress passed the Support for Eastern European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 and The Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets (FREEDOM) Support Act (FSA) of 1992 to promote democratic and free market transitions in the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, it also established the position of Coordinator. For more than 20 years Coordinators have worked to promote this transition in 29 countries, stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia. Eleven Central and Eastern European nations have since “graduated” from U.S. non-security assistance; all of these countries have now joined the European Union and NATO. A Coordinator leads a team of Foreign Service, Civil Service, and contractor specialists that includes country assistance officers and experts in democracy promotion, justice sector and security programs, strategic planning, budgeting, and evaluation. In carrying out its responsibilities, the office closely works with U.S. embassies, State Department bureaus, other U.S. government agencies, bilateral and international donors, and nongovernmental organizations.
Office of Central European Affairs (EUR/CE): The Central Europe office covers 10 countries – Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Beyond diverse country-specific issues, our office has recently focused on regional topics such as energy security, the migration crisis, and security cooperation/NATO. Our interns usually help desk officers covering each country and also work on some regional projects. Tasks could include but are not limited to reviewing/collating information from embassy reporting, scheduling and attending/taking notes at meetings with ambassadors and other foreign visitors, drafting correspondence and other official messages, writing and/or ‘clearing’ briefing papers for senior officials to prepare them for meetings, and working on other projects according to your particular interests.
Office of South Central Europe (EUR/SCE): EUR/SCE is a 20-person office responsible for bilateral relations with Albania and six of the seven successor states of the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). The policy focus of the office includes supporting and promoting democratization and political stability in the region, spurring economic reform and growth, and assisting aspirant nations’ efforts to further integrate into the Euro-Atlantic community.
EUR/Front Office: The Front Office is responsible for overall bureau supervision regarding policy implementation. The office manages the flow of information from the EUR desks to the Assistant Secretary – as well as the Secretary and Deputy Secretary. Interns would have a birds-eye view of the activities of the entire region and cross-cutting issues covered by all of the other offices in the bureau.
Office of the Coordinator of the U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia (EUR/ERA): Recommends and coordinates action and positions on Department policies related to the European Union (including the European Commission, European Council, and European Parliament) and the Council of Europe.
Office of Caucus Affairs and Regional Conflicts (EUR/CARC): Responsible for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, and supports the U.S. Co-Chair of the Minsk Group.
Office of Central European Affairs (EUR/CE): Responsible for Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
Office of Nordic and Baltic Affairs (EUR/NB): Responsible for Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.
Office of Policy and Global Issues (EUR/PGI): Responsible for policy formulation and substantive expertise about global issues within the EUR region; strategic planning; and Congressional relations.
Office of Press and Policy Outreach (EUR/PRESS): Develops strategies for presenting U.S. policies to media and audiences in the United States and articulates and shapes U.S. Government discourse on issues related to Europe and Eurasia.
Office of Public Diplomacy (EUR/PD): Involved with strategies for presenting U.S. policies, values, and culture abroad and coordinates with other State Department bureaus and other departments to identify, articulate, and shape U.S. Government discourse for European and Eurasian audiences in support of U.S. policies.
Office of Policy and Regional Affairs (EUR/PRA): Coordinates policy on cross-cutting nonproliferation and security issues, nuclear and strategic issues, missile defense, arms control, security assistance, sanctions, Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) policy and implementation, and international space cooperation.
Office of European Security and Political Affairs (EUR/RPM): Develops and coordinates policy on U.S. security interests in Europe, including those related to NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and European contributions to multinational military operations.
Office of Russian Affairs (EUR/RUS): Responsible for the policy and diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation.
Office of South Central European Affairs (EUR/SCE): Responsible for Albania, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Office of Southern European Affairs (EUR/SE): Responsible for Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey.
Office of Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarusian Affairs (EUR/UMB): Responsible for the policy and diplomatic relations with Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus.
Office of Western European Affairs (EUR/WE): Responsible for Andorra, Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, the Vatican, and the United Kingdom.

Overseas

U.S. Embassy Bern: U.S. Embassy Bern welcomes interns to our Political/Economic and Public Affairs sections and to the Office of the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission. U.S. Embassy in Bern is the permanent U.S. diplomatic mission to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Embassy Bern interns with the Political/Economic section have the opportunity to contribute to Post reporting to Washington on issues related to economics and politics in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Working with the Front Office allows interns the opportunity to see the work of the entire mission and develop an understanding of the relationship between an Embassy and Washington in the policy development and implementation process. Working with Public Affairs, interns can work on press and social media, as well as on educational and cultural outreach to diverse audiences in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
U.S. Embassy Bucharest: Bucharest Romania is the best place for a Department of State internship that you may never have thought of! The Mission is actively involved in supporting security, shared prosperity, and promoting democracy and rule of law in Romania, as well as leadership within the Embassy. The work is not only interesting, but substantively contributes to the bilateral relationship with this important NATO ally. Romania is a hidden gem in Europe – with spectacular mountains, medieval castles, the Danube Delta, Black Sea resorts, and modern city night life. And although a member of the EU, they are not yet on the Euro, which means your European internship will cost you significantly less here than it will in the rest of the EU. The Greeks, the Romans, the Ottomans, the Austro-Hungarians – everyone wanted to be in Romania and so should you.
U.S. Embassy Croatia: U.S. Embassy in Zagreb welcomes interns to our Public Affairs, Management and Political/Economic section. Responsibilities and duties may vary considerably depending on the season and office at which you are assigned to. In the Public Affairs section you will assist in planning and executing cultural events, social media content development as well as participate in our outreach program to youth, students and exchange program alumni. Political/Economic section focuses on researching issues in Croatia and the surrounding region, including rule of law, anti-corruption and regional cooperation. Working in the Management section will give you a close view of how the Embassy works and supports all other sections. Interns will experience being a part of large scale visits and events and are integrated into all aspects of Embassy life.
U.S. Embassy Dublin: Embassy Dublin, Ireland can offer an exciting, productive and challenging opportunity to interns. Interns can expect to be assigned to an appropriate office upon arrival at Post. Participating offices would include, but not limited to, Consular Office, Public Diplomacy, Political Section or the Management Section. While not mandatory, it would be helpful to have interns with strong writing skills and knowledge of the politics and culture of Ireland. All of our interns can expect to be involved fully in their assigned office with duties/assignments being varied yet stimulating. Each intern will be supported by the Post Intern Coordinator, who will be available to provide information and assist with adjusting to life at the Embassy. While housing is the responsibility of the intern to secure, the Post Intern Coordinator would assist the intern in identifying suitable accommodation once they have been granted clearance to intern at Embassy Dublin.
Our previous interns have described their time at Embassy Dublin as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’, ‘hands on’ and a ‘thoroughly enjoyable experience.’ We look forward to welcoming the arrival of new interns to Embassy Dublin, Ireland!
U.S. Embassy Yerevan: The Republic of Armenia is an emerging democracy with a substantial diaspora in the United States. The two countries enjoy close ties. The United States provides an extensive assistance package to Armenia, which is a post-Soviet state still undergoing political and economic reform. Interns will have the opportunity to work in a variety of sections in the Embassy where they will be given an outstanding opportunity for an inside-view of the operations and management of an U.S. Embassy abroad. All internships offer close working contact with the embassy staff and give interns a clear taste of life in the Foreign Service.”
U.S. Embassy Holy See (The Vatican): The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See welcomes interns in both its Political-Economic and Public Diplomacy sections. Interns gain in-depth knowledge of the Vatican’s role in international affairs by working closely with Embassy staff to engage the Holy See on a range of shared priorities, including promoting religious freedom, advancing interreligious dialogue, and combatting trafficking in persons. Interns have the opportunity to work with diplomats throughout the Embassy, up to and including the Ambassador, on substantive projects. Political-Economic section interns conduct research on a variety of countries and global issues, draft reporting cables, and attend meetings and conferences with Vatican officials and other diplomats. Public Diplomacy section interns play a critical role in drafting the Embassy’s daily news product, creating social media content, and assisting with cultural events and programs.
U.S. Embassy Copenhagen: An internship at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen will give an American student excellent insights into the workings of a U.S. diplomatic mission as well as a great intercultural experience. Embassy Copenhagen values and appreciates the input and ideas students can provide at a workplace; at the same time we acknowledge the need for students to obtain firsthand experience in the labor market before completing their studies. We place great value on international and intercultural experience. For those reasons, U.S. Embassy Copenhagen offers a variety of internships within our Political/Economic Section, Environmental Scientific Technology & Health Office, Consular Affairs Section, Regional Security Office, Public Diplomacy Section, and Management Affairs Section. We offer an intern a dynamic and interesting workplace in a highly international environment, with the opportunity for a great variety of tasks and networking opportunities.
U.S. Embassy Valletta: The Republic of Malta is a Southern European republic consisting of an archipelago situated in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, 50 miles south of Sicily. The population is around 400,000. Malta covers just over 122 square miles in land area, making it the European Union’s smallest member state and one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated nations. The capital city of Malta is Valletta and the two official languages are Maltese and English. Embassy Valletta serves as the U.S. government’s mission to Malta, with a mission focused on improving Mediterranean regional security, strengthening bilateral U.S.-Maltese commercial ties, promoting shared values of tolerance and inclusion, and protecting the lives and serving the interests of U.S. citizens in Malta. An internship at Embassy Valletta would expose interns to the day-to-day duties and responsibilities of a Foreign Service Officer as interns regularly participate in high level meetings, write cables, and interact with the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission on a daily basis.
U.S. Mission Italy: U.S. Mission Italy consists of Embassy Rome, U.S. Mission to the United Nations Agencies in Rome, Embassy to the Holy See and Consulates General Milan, Naples and Florence.
The United States and Italy share strong bilateral relations. Italy is a member of NATO and is a founding member of the European Union. Intern positions are generally offered in the Consular, Executive, Political, Economic, ESTH (Environmental, Science, Technology & Health), Public Affairs sections. Public Affairs interns will be enriched by challenging and rewarding experiences which include planning and organizing press conferences and media events as well as programs for U.S. government-sponsored speakers and other cultural events. In the Consular section, interns assist with a full range of services to American citizens living in or traveling to Italy including voting, customs, local health resources and processing of non-immigrant visa applications of nationals from over 130 countries. In the Political-Economic-ESTH section, interns contribute in research and drafting reports on topics that cover political and economic policy issues, investments in Italy, U.S. exports, Italian domestic and Foreign policy developments as well as environment-related issues: renewable energy, climate change, carbon emissions, and land/sea wildlife regulation, space cooperation, biotechnology, particle physics, U.S. – Italian scientific cooperation and the Italian government’s promotion of scientific advancement. Health issues include Avian Influenza and health-related aspects of bioterrorism. Mission Italy has a wide range of options for interns whether they serve at one of the three Embassies in Rome or one of our consulates in Milan, Naples and Florence.
The U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies (USUN) in Rome is the link between the U.S. Government and the UN Rome-based food/agriculture and other international organizations (IOs). The United States is the largest country donor at these IOs and the Mission participates in all budget and governance oversight committees. USUN Rome contributes to policy formulation and program prioritization at the IOs on issues such as food security, refugee/famine assistance, commercial law harmonization, humanitarian and gender issues, nutrition, water and natural resource management, oceans issues, biotechnology, and infectious diseases. Interns will have the opportunity to work on a variety of analytical and public diplomacy related tasks and attend UN meetings, conferences, press events, and negotiations. Interns have the opportunity to assist multilateral diplomatic activities that advance U.S. policies and support efforts of the Rome-based international food and agricultural organizations.
U.S. Mission Poland: U.S. Mission Poland consists of Embassy Warsaw and Consulate General Krakow. Poland is a stalwart ally in Central Europe and one of the United States’ strongest partners on the continent in fostering transatlantic security and prosperity regionally, throughout Europe, and the world. The United States and Poland partner closely on issues such as NATO capabilities, counterterrorism, nonproliferation, missile defense, human rights, economic growth and innovation, energy security, and regional cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe. Intern positions are historically offered in the Consular, Political, Economic, Public Affairs, and Management Sections and provide students an enriching experience ranging from assisting visa applicants, drafting cables on various issues, writing daily news briefs, participating in various Mission outreach initiatives, and supporting high level visits. Mission Poland has seen two Presidential visits in the last two years as well as numerous other high level visits, and Interns have the opportunity to work on these historic events. Mission Poland has an active and engaged Embassy/Consulate community, and Interns are welcome and encouraged to attend Mission sponsored social events. Interns will find living in Warsaw and Krakow comfortable as both are modern European cities offering an array of restaurant, cultural, and shopping options. Cost of living is relatively low in Poland, especially in comparison to many western European countries. Many people living in the major Polish cities will speak some English. Poland itself has a fascinating history and numerous tourism options. The public transportation system via bus, tram, metro, and train makes it easy to explore Poland and adds to the overall experience as a Mission Poland Intern.
United States Mission to Bulgaria: The men and women of the United States Mission to Bulgaria are committed to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Bulgaria. Using the highest standards of professional excellence and personal integrity, we focus our efforts in three priority areas:
- Security: As NATO allies, we seek to enhance our mutual security as well as regional and international stability;
- Prosperity: As commercial partners, we work to increase bilateral trade and investment that promote stable growth in both economies; and
- Democracy: As democratic societies, we cooperate to expand good governance and strengthen the rule of law within Bulgaria.
U.S. Embassy Budapest: Embassy Budapest would like to host five (5) interns. Intern positions will be available in the following sections: Consular, Political/Economic (POL/ECON), Public Affairs (PAS), Environmental, Science & Technology and Health (ESTH) and the Regional Security Office (RSO). While duties vary with each section, all interns will receive valuable experience and make specific contributions while learning the nuts and bolts of the practice of diplomacy. In the Consular section summer interns have an unmissable opportunity to get first-hand experience with U.S. immigration law and policy. Working together with State Department officers, interns in the Political/Economic section typically conduct research on priority issues, help organize events and visits with high level officials, and draft concise analyses of political and economic developments. At the same time, we pair interns with officers so they can experience firsthand the conduct of foreign affairs. In Public Affairs, interns will support a busy media section, focusing on social and online media, but also assisting with press and cultural engagement as needed. The intern would likely help with press events, daily press summaries and with organizing cultural events. Environmental, Science & Technology and Health, interns in ESTH will have a unique opportunity to learn about ESTH programs, including, but not limited to, analyzing the impact of governmental policies and programs on the environment, innovation, and health. Regional Security Office interns will perform name checks online using Consular and RSO software, issue badges to newcomers, replace badges for recertified locally employed staff members and replace any worn or broken badges. Interns will experience the security aspect of an Embassy first hand.
U.S. Tri-Mission Brussels: The U.S. Tri-Mission Brussels is comprised of three distinct Missions, each with its own specific role.
The Mission of the United States Embassy to the Kingdom of Belgium is to advance the interests of the United States, and to serve and protect Belgium. The Embassy reports and analyzes developments in Belgium of concern to the United States, and advances a broad range of U.S. policy initiatives.
The Embassy promotes United States’ economic and commercial interests, and the export of American agricultural and industrial products and services, and otherwise assists American business, workers and investors.
The Embassy engages the government and a broad range of organizations and individuals in Belgium to promote shared values. Among others, these include individual freedom, human rights and democracy and the rule of law.
The U.S. Mission to NATO (USNATO) is the official representation of the United States to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. It is located at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.
Twelve countries, including the United States, founded the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on April 4th, 1949. An intergovernmental military alliance that emphasizes collective defense, NATO recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and has grown its membership to include 28 democratic countries throughout North America and Europe. The U.S. Mission to NATO works to advance U.S. national security and the security of our NATO Allies through multinational collaboration on key issues such as Afghanistan, Russia, piracy, missile defense and the Balkans.
The U.S. Mission to the European Union (USEU) manages the permanent relationship between the United States and the European Union. The relationship to the EU Presidency, which rotates every six months, is managed by the U.S. embassy in the member state that holds the presidency.
USEU is located in Brussels, Belgium, and is separate from the other two U.S. missions in Brussels, Embassy Brussels and the U.S. Mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USNATO).
U.S. Mission Geneva: The United States Mission to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva advances U.S. policy on the front lines of multilateral diplomacy at over 100 international organizations in Geneva. U.S. Mission personnel engage daily on issues as diverse as refugee crises, global health, management, international law, economic development, trade, the environment, arms control and human rights. The fundamental job of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations and Related Agencies in Geneva is to protect the economic interests, national security and cultural and humanitarian values of the U.S. To do this, we interact with Geneva-based agencies through a combination of diplomacy, funding, and supervision. Specifically, we work with other states and interested parties to influence the direction of these agencies’ operations, make contributes to these agencies’ budgets, and supervise these agencies’ strategic planning, management, and budget processes. Through interagency engagement across these three lines of effort, we can ensure that the Geneva-based multilateral system is as effective, transparent and accountable as possible. The work of all our staff, including Foreign Service Officers, locally employed staff, and interns, touches the entire world and enhances the reputation, security and prosperity of the American people.
U.S. Mission to the Netherlands: Diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the United States go back to 1782, which is the single longest unbroken diplomatic relation with the United States. Candidates have two opportunities for internships at the U.S. Mission in the Netherlands: the Embassy in The Hague and the Consulate General in Amsterdam. The Embassy in The Hague promotes strong bilateral ties between the United States and the Netherlands and works actively to increase cooperation on counter terrorism, enhance U.S. economic prosperity, and fight international crime and drugs. It carries out these tasks by working with the Netherlands as a NATO and coalition partner; by promoting shared goals between the U.S. and the EU, of which the Netherlands is a member; by advocating U.S. trade policy goals and U.S. business and commercial interests; and by working with law enforcement agencies in the Netherlands to fight transnational crime. The Consulate General in Amsterdam provides assistance to American citizens residing in or visiting the Netherlands and visa services for temporary visitors and immigrants to the United States. The Consulate General in Amsterdam also promotes our bilateral ties with the Netherlands in their capital region.
U.S. Embassy Tbilisi: The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi was established April 23, 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Our Mission is to bolster democratic and participatory governance in Georgia, foster institutions that uphold and enforce the rule of law, improve the quality and delivery of social services, promote integration with the NATO, increase regional cooperation, lay the groundwork for a sustainable resolution of conflicts with the separatist regions based on Georgia’s territorial integrity, and help Georgia to achieve sustainable economic growth.
An internship with our Embassy will afford you the opportunity to learn about the inner works of a diplomatic mission abroad gain invaluable experience in one of the three of our most dynamic sections: Political /Economic, Public Diplomacy and Regional Security Office. Interns can analyze and report on significant events and trends in Georgian domestic politics (elections, political parties, regional relations, media, human rights etc.), participate in a number of academic, cultural and information activities, and contribute to the implementation of the security programs.
U.S. Embassy Vilnius: The U.S. Embassy in Vilnius welcomes interns in our Consular, Political-Economic and Public Affairs Sections. The Baltic region is on the frontline of both NATO and the European Union and interns here will gain in-depth knowledge of the important political and security roles played by Lithuania. Consular interns help consular officers protect national security and promote legitimate travel to the United States by preparing validation studies on travel trends. Political-Economic section interns have the opportunity to assist Embassy staff in researching and drafting reports on a variety of issues including economic, energy, corruption, governance, international relations, human rights and minority issues. Public Affairs interns help to counteract disinformation campaigns and promote a positive image of the U.S. by coordinating cultural events and public outreach programs, and contributing to the embassy’s social media platforms.
U.S. Embassy Skopje: The capital of Macedonia is Skopje. It has a population of approximately 600,000 inhabitants. Skopje is a fairly small modern city that is becoming an important diplomatic center in the Balkans. It plays a vital role in the cultural and academic life of the country because it is the political and economic center of Macedonia. It houses the headquarters of all state institutions and all major religious communities in the country. More than 1,000 shops, cafes, restaurants, and other services operate in and around the city. Skopje provides opportunities for both indoor and outdoor sports. Soccer and basketball are popular for all ages. The city offers tennis courts, soccer stadiums, and basketball stadiums. Skopje’s Old Bazaar is located on the left bank of the Vardar River. Stretching over several blocks, it has long been an attractive part of town for artists and visitors. Many poems have been written about the covered bazaar, which was once divided into 18 different bazaars, one for each traditional craft. However, with the passage of time, most crafts have died out and only a few expert craftsmen – shoemakers, goldsmiths, and coppersmiths – remain. Skopje is an important tourist center in the Balkans. In addition to the charming Old Town and the Kale Fortress on a hill overlooking the city, Skopje attracts guests for its rare cultural and historical monuments. The Church of the Holy Savior St. Spas, located in the Old Town, is famous for its wood-carved iconostasis and icons from the 18th and 19th centuries. It also shelters the tom of Goce Delcev, the ideologist of the Macedonian National Liberation movement. In addition, the Izet Begovata and the Mustafa Pasha mosques in Old Town highlight traditional Islamic architecture and culture. Skopje has a rich cultural life, which includes concerts, theaters, cinemas, opera and ballets. The Macedonian National Philharmonic performs at the National Theater. Many festivals are held throughout the year in Skopje and other cities. One major highlight is the Skopje International Jazz Festival held in October, which hosts many famous American musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Chico Rea, BB King, and Ray Charles. Some of the other popular festivals include the Ohrid summer festival, the Struga poetry evenings, and various art festivals. The political scene in Skopje has been very active the last few years, creating a dynamic environment for reporting. Interns will be directly involved in outreach and Diplomacy efforts within their sections at the Embassy. Housing is provided for interns in Skopje.
Luxembourg: The Information Resource Management section requests an intern with a good understanding of computer networks, network security and Microsoft Office/SharePoint. The ideal candidate will have customer service skills to assist users in troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Duties will include installing and configuring software, workstations, printers and other peripherals as well as responding to user trouble tickets. The intern will also complete other duties as assigned, including assisting Post in managing unclassified pouch, mail services, landline/mobile telephones, inventory, and maintenance/updating of our SharePoint site.

cpalamara2019-03-12T10:35:30-04:00

Energy Resources (ENR)

Leads the State Department in the government-wide effort to promote international energy security. This office unites U.S. diplomatic and programmatic efforts to build sustainable, transparent and predictable international markets for traditional hydrocarbons, civilian nuclear power, electricity, renewable energy, and energy efficiency that advance U.S. national security interests, environmental goals, and a strong national and global economy. The bureau also ensures that energy security is integrated into the nation’s foreign policy objectives and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of State on energy security strategy, policy, operations and programs.

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Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA)

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs supports long-term national interest by fostering mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. Bureau academic and professional exchange programs identify future leaders and build a foundation of trust with current and potential leaders throughout the world. Bureau programs and activities include the Fulbright Program, the International Visitor Program, Citizen and Professional Exchange Programs, English Language Programs, Cultural Programs, Educational Advising, the Humphrey Fellowship Program, undergraduate exchanges including the Gilman Scholarship Program, and teacher exchanges. ECA offices include:

Office of Academic Programs (ECA/A): sponsors and oversees all academic programs funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and liaises with the higher education community. Academic Programs is comprised of three offices: the Office of Academic Exchange Programs, the Office of Global Educational Programs, and the Office of English Language Programs.
Office of Policy and Evaluation (ECA/P): The Office of Policy and Evaluation includes programs and functions that cut across all ECA programs and exchanges. The Policy Unit represents all of ECA at Department and interagency meetings and discussions, while the Evaluation Division conducts studies and performance measurement of all ECA programs. The Office of Alumni Affairs (ECA/P/A) seeks to engage alumni not only from ECA exchanges, but from other U.S. Government exchange programs as well. Finally, the Cultural Heritage Center (ECA/P/C) supports the foreign affairs functions of the U.S. Department of State related to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
Office of Professional and Cultural Exchanges (ECA/PE), comprised of two offices: Citizen Exchanges and International Visitors. These offices conduct a broad range of people-to- people exchanges in support of U.S. foreign policy priorities, and reach out to professionals in government, business, education, and nonprofit organizations, as well as high school students and representatives from the cultural and sports sectors.
Office of Citizen Exchanges (ECA/PE/C), comprised of four divisions: Cultural Programs, Professional Fellows, SportsUnited, and the Youth Programs. These divisions manage a variety of exchange programs which promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries in support of U.S. foreign policy priorities. The programs provide foreign participants the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the United States so they can better address the challenges facing their countries, and offer Americans the opportunity to learn about other cultures while sharing their expertise and experience with their foreign counterparts.
Office of International Visitors (ECA/PE/V): brings current and emerging foreign leaders to the U.S. to meet and confer with professional counterparts and to gain a more complete understanding of the U.S.
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges (ECA/EC): Three offices for Private Sector Designation, Administration and Coordination and Compliance administer all aspects of the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and then return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries. The three ECA/EC offices designate over 1,400 U.S. organizations to sponsor EVP exchange activities in 15 program categories, and monitor the sponsors’ adherence to federal EVP regulations. Designated EVP sponsors include government agencies, academic institutions, educational and cultural organizations, and corporations.

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Economic & Business Affairs (EB)

Develops and implements U.S. international economic policy relevant to protecting and advancing U.S. economic, political, and security interests. Pursues objectives by managing bilateral and multilateral relationships in the areas of trade, energy, transportation, communications, finance, and food resources policy.

Office of the Coordinator for Business Affairs (EB/CBA): Working closely with the Department of Commerce, advises on foreign policies affecting U.S. international economic competitiveness and ensures that the interests of the U.S. business community are properly considered in the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.
International Communications and Information Policy (EB/CIP): Leads policy-making government wide on international telecommunications and information technology issues including the Internet, satellites, wireless spectrum allocations, etc.
Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions (EB/TFS): Formulates and manages overall U.S. Government economic sanctions policy and strategy; coordinates the use of economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy, ensuring that U.S. commercial and competitiveness issues are factored into U.S. Government sanctions and export control decisions.
Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy (EB/EPPD): Coordinates public affairs/public diplomacy outreach activities: prepares press guidance, provides media support for policy initiatives, responds to media requests and supports public diplomacy initiatives for foreign audiences on economic issues; does quantitative analyses on economic policy issues and makes policy recommendations based on those analyses.
International Finance and Development (EB/IFD): Works to promote global economic growth, responsible public financial management and development. IFD provides macroeconomic and financial analysis on all regions of the world, coordinates the U.S. Government’s agenda on debt restructuring and forgiveness, and interacts with the International Monetary Fund and multilateral development banks.
Trade Policy and Programs (EB/TPP): Advances economic prosperity by increasing trade, addressing and resolving trade disputes, strengthening intellectual property protection and enforcement, and promoting food security through increased agricultural productivity and improving access for U.S. goods and services abroad. TPP promotes U.S. trade policy objectives within the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), as well as regional trade organizations.
Transportation Affairs (EB/TRA): Provides commercial support for the U.S. aviation industry, which is uniquely dependent upon U.S. Government leadership to ensure its rights and market access in foreign countries; serves as the chief aviation negotiator for the Unites States; collaborates with other agencies to promote transportation safety, security, and environmental goals; and promotes commercial opportunities for the U.S. maritime industry.

cpalamara2024-01-26T11:16:01-05:00

Administration (A)

The Bureau of Administration provides support programs to the Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates. These programs include: real property and facilities management; procurement; supply and transportation; diplomatic pouch and mail services; official records, publishing, and library services; language services; setting allowance rates for U.S. Government personnel assigned abroad and providing support to the overseas schools educating their dependents; overseeing safety and occupational health matters; small and disadvantaged business utilization; and support for both White House travel abroad and special conferences called by the President or Secretary of State.

Office of the Executive Director (A/EX): supports the Assistant Secretary for Administration through the provision of executive management and administrative services, including management analysis, strategic planning, financial management, human resources management, procurement, and information technology services for the Bureau of Administration. A/EX also provides some of these services to several other Department of State bureaus. Internship possibilities in A/EX could encompass any of these functions.
Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE): establishes and reviews cutting-edge policy governing federal acquisitions and federal assistance such as grants for domestic and overseas missions. Interns working in A/OPE can expect to work on numerous challenging issues, such as researching legislation or federal regulations, drafting policy and answering relevant questions from stakeholders, including senators, congressmen, auditors, and direct contact with overseas missions and domestic bureaus.
Commercial Services Management (A/CSM): develops policies for acquisition initiatives dealing with the balance of the workforce between government employees and contractors; implements reporting requirements for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) dealing with the composition of the workforce, including the Federal Activities Inventory Reform (FAIR) Act report and the Service Contract Inventory.
Office of Emergency Management (A/OEM): provides planning, training, and exercises to ensure preparedness for the Department’s leadership and workforce to respond to and recover from all domestic hazards affecting the Department and to ensure continuation of the Department’s mission in conjunction with its partners. A/OEM is comprised of the Diplomatic Continuity Programs Division and the Planning and Preparedness Division.
Office of Operations (A/OPR): manages, directs, and establishes policies for diverse administrative programs including domestic real property and facility management, centralized acquisition, worldwide supply and transportation, assistance to overseas schools, language services, and the administration of foreign allowances.
- Office of Allowances (A/OPR/ALS): develops and coordinates policies and regulations, standards and procedures for the administration of the government-wide allowances, post differentials and representational expenses for government employees assigned to foreign countries; sets rates for overseas per diem and other allowances.
- Office of Language Services (A/OPR/LS): provides interpreting (spoken word), translating (written word), and other language services needed to conduct foreign relations with the non-English-speaking nations and peoples of the world. A/OPR/LS responds to the language needs of both the Department of State and the White House.
- Office of Facilities Management Services (A/OPR/FMS): is responsible for the management and administration of domestic building operations and maintenance. FMS is also responsible for all domestic energy, environmental, occupational health, fire, and life safety programs.
- Office of Real Property Management (A/OPR/RPM): is responsible for managing the Department of State’s domestic real estate assets. A/OPR/RPM provides a complete and comprehensive range of real property management services including space assignments, leasing, office and building design and construction, furniture selection, and architectural and engineering services for all domestic offices and bureaus at the Department.
Office of Global Information Services (A/GIS): provides executive direction and policy guidance on substantive activities to ensure that the Department and other foreign affairs agencies receive the full range of classified and unclassified information and multimedia publishing services in a cost-effective customer service-oriented manner.
- Office of Global Publishing Solutions (A/GIS/GPS): provides centralized editorial, graphics, multimedia publishing, and distribution services, and prescribes standards for Departmental editorial, printing, and photocopier activities.
- Office of Directives Management (A/GIS/DIR): manages a number of programs that have agency- and worldwide effects, among them: internal policies, procedures and guidance (directives); forms management; information collections (Paperwork Reduction Act – PRA); rule-making coordination; delegations of authority; Presidential determinations; and liaison with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of the Federal Register (OFR), General Services Administration (GSA), and other U.S. Government agencies.
- Office of Information Programs and Services (A/GIS/IPS): serves as the primary point of contact and principal adviser on all matters concerning the management of information as a critical resource, specifically relating to records life cycle management, public and need- to-know access to information, classification management and declassification, privacy, research of official record and public information resources, and corporate records archives.
Office of Logistics Management (A/LM): provides logistics supply chain management activities including acquisition, warehousing and distribution, transportation, and property management support domestically and to every American embassy and consulate worldwide. This office’s clients both overseas and domestic are primarily from the Department of State but may also be personnel of other U.S. Government agencies involved in foreign affairs and overseas operations.
- Office of Acquisitions Management (A/LM/AQM): provides a full range of professional contract management services. The office plans and directs domestic and overseas Department of State acquisition programs. These activities include acquisitions planning, contract negotiations, cost and pricing analysis, and contract administration to customers in support of procurement activities worldwide.
- Office of Logistics Operations (A/LM/OPS): offers technical guidance on transportation and travel procedures, manages official travel services, coordinates the transport of household effects (HHE) and personally owned vehicles (POV) to and from posts, provides storage for personal HHE and POVs, provides material management services, and manages the overseas motor vehicles program.
- Office of Program Management and Policy (A/LM/PMP): is responsible for worldwide management and oversight of the Department’s personal property program; Diplomatic Pouch and Mail service; professional development and implementation of logistics systems, including the Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS); logistics policy; and purchase card operations. The office also promotes and guides business process improvements for the Department’s logistics service providers.
- Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (A/SDBU): ensures that the Department of State effectively utilizes U.S. small businesses (Small Disadvantaged, Woman-owned, Veteran- owned, Service Disabled Veteran-owned, HUBZone) in its prime contracts and subcontracts.

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