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.

2017-08-25T10:20:42-04:00

Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC)

The Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator oversees and directs all resources and international activities of the U.S. Government to combat the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, including U.S. contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Additional information about the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator may be found at www.state.gov/s/gac.

2017-08-08T14:34:36-04:00

Public Affairs (PA)

The Bureau of Public Affairs’ mission is to help make foreign policy less foreign to people around the globe by reaching out to the media and the public. The bureau also provides guidance and direction to the Department on the communication of foreign policy. The following offices work within the bureau to accomplish these goals in many different ways:

  • Office of Strategic Communications (PA/OSC): Advances U.S. foreign policy priorities by leading communications campaigns on cross-cutting issues that require a sustained and coordinated use of PA bureau resources.
  • Press Office (PA/PRESS): Prepares the Department Spokesperson for the daily briefing; facilitates media coverage of the Secretary of State’s public events; issues statements, media notes, and fact sheets to articulate a hot topic or policy position; and facilitates special media briefings for specific issues or events.
  • Office of Public Engagement (PA/OPE): Schedules briefings and conferences in the Department and arranges town meetings and speakers to visit communities to discuss U.S. foreign policy and why it is important to all Americans; reaches out to schools and non-governmental organizations; and answers questions from the public about current foreign policy issues by phone, e-mail and letter.
  • International Media Engagement (PA/IME): Creates and implements strategies to garner positive and persuasive coverage and commentary of U.S. foreign policy priorities by deploying U.S. spokespersons on foreign media, including via a network of six media hubs.
  • Office of Website Management (PA/WM): Designs, develops, prepares, and maintains information content for the State Department’s main website. The Office focuses on managing and providing technical and development support for www.state.gov and several related public-facing websites such as diplomacy.state.gov, pepfar.gov, and others.
  • Foreign Press Center (PA/FPC): Helps foreign media to cover the United States; generates programs for foreign journalists and broadcasters to deepen their understanding and the accuracy of their reporting on American society and U.S. foreign policy.
  • Office of Video Services (PA/OVS): Works to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities by providing live video coverage of the activities and policy messages of the Secretary of State, Department spokespersons, and other senior Department and U.S. government principals.
  • Rapid Response Unit (PA/RRU): Monitors global news stories around-the-clock; analyzes important media trends and puts together effective messages; and distributes a daily alert to Cabinet secretaries and key policymakers in Washington, D.C. and overseas.
  • Office of the Historian (PA/HO): Prepares the official documentary record of U.S. foreign policy, The Foreign Relations of the United States; compiles historical studies on U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy; and responds to public inquiries on foreign policy and diplomatic history.
  • United States Diplomacy Center (PA/USDC): Develops the exhibitions, collections, and educational public programs for the Department of State’s museum and visitors center. USDC is dedicated to exploring and engaging the public in the history, practice, and challenges of diplomacy and the work of the Department of State. Programs and exhibits explain the work of U.S diplomats, where they work and why. Interns can work on a variety of projects such as planning and implementing education programs and events, and completing museum collections projects which include artifact cataloging, photography, preservation, inventory, and exhibition planning. Interns also perform research and writing which cover topics and people in diplomatic history, as well as research related to specific artifacts or donors to the collection.
  • Office of Digital Engagement (PA/ODE): Communicates U.S. foreign policy through direct engagement with audiences on digital platforms. The content the office produces serves as the official online voice of the U.S. Department of State and the Secretary.
2017-09-14T10:20:24-04:00

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.
2019-02-13T12:36:58-05:00

Office of eDiplomacy (IRM/EDIP)

The Office of eDiplomacy (EDIP) seeks to promote the creative and innovative use of 21st-century web 2.0 tools to advance U.S. diplomacy. The office imagines, creates, advocates for, and educates on platforms for working collaboratively and sharing knowledge across all of State’s diverse communities. The Office of eDiplomacy uses innovative new media tools to provide creative, lightweight, and user-friendly solutions that are easily adaptable to region-specific needs and job functions. It oversees creative outreach-oriented programs such as the Virtual Student Foreign Service, the networking site for Foreign Service professionals, Corridor, and the Department’s Innovation Fund for promoting creative, high-impact use of existing technology.

2017-08-08T14:03:05-04:00

International Organizations (IO)

The Bureau of International Organization Affairs, domestically and through its seven missions, develops and implements U.S. policy in the United Nations, its specialized and voluntary agencies, and other international organizations. Our mission is to enhance U.S. leadership and influence throughout the multilateral system, advance U.S. interests through multilateral diplomacy, and help shape multilateral institutions into more efficient and effective instruments to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

  • Office of Economic and Development Affairs (IO/EDA): Ensures that U.S. interests are effectively advanced in negotiations and debates on economic and development issues throughout the United Nations system. In doing so IO/EDA works closely with U.S. Missions to the UN in New York, Geneva, Rome, and Nairobi. IO/EDA core issues include those related to economic growth, sustainable development, financing for development, international development goals (such as the Millennium Development Goals and the post-2015 development agenda), food security, global health and population, the wellbeing of children, and urbanization.
  • Office of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs (IO/HRH): Advances U.S. human rights policy through the United Nations, including the Human Rights Council, UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, ECOSOC, and across its specialized agencies. IO/HRH also reflects U.S. policy and objectives in the UN’s humanitarian system, which includes the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA); it coordinates multilateral humanitarian assistance and addresses global humanitarian crises, including those caused by political conflict. Through its work with the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), IO/HRH coordinates multilateral responses to both natural and manmade disasters, as well as efforts to mitigate risks of natural disasters. IO/HRH also coordinates U.S. participation in the UN Democracy Fund, an initiative supporting civil society organizations carrying out democratization projects worldwide that the United States helped to create in 2005.
  • Office of International Conferences (IO/C): Accredits, instructs, and manages some 4,000 U.S. delegates to almost 400 multilateral conferences each year, ensuring that U.S. Government representation consists of those whose presence and participation reflect the highest possible value to U.S. foreign policy. The dedicated staff of 15 provides preparatory and on-site logistical support for nearly two dozen large conferences annually, and is committed to conscientious stewardship of the resources funded by America’s taxpayers.
  • Office of Management Policy and Resources (IO/MPR): Develops, coordinates, and implements U.S. policies within the UN system and in a broad range of non-UN organizations as they relate to financial, budgetary, administrative, and management issues. IO/MPR also promotes U.S. citizen employment in international organizations through public outreach and diplomatic engagement.
  • Office of Peace Operations, Sanctions & Counter-terrorism (IO/PSC): Leads the coordination and formulation of U.S. policy on UN peacekeeping operations, UN Security Council sanctions, and UN counter-terrorism activities. This includes active engagement on issues ranging from protecting civilians from lethal violence to counter-terrorism sanctions.
  • Office of Public Affairs, Planning, and Congressional Outreach (IO/PPC): Advances U.S. interests by communicating with global publics about U.S. priorities in international organizations, supporting outreach to Congress on U.S. multilateral activities, furthering the effectiveness of international organizations, and acting as the Bureau’s strategic planning element.
  • Office of Regional Policy and Coordination (IO/RPC): Ensures policy coherence and coordination in U.S. engagement in the multilateral system as a whole, including the UN and regional organizations; supports U.S. engagement in certain global and regional multilateral groupings (e.g. G-7); coordinates U.S. diplomacy on key Israeli-Palestinian multilateral issues; and oversees the bureau’s “Multilateral Moneyball” quantitative analysis initiative.
  • Office of Specialized and Technical Agencies (IO/STA): Handles U.S. participation in over 40 international organizations in order to enhance national security, build economic prosperity, and promote democracy. These organizations include the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the Universal Postal Union) UPU, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN’s other environmental activities, and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
  • Office of United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization Affairs (IO/UNESCO): Formulates and implements U.S. policy in UNESCO to contribute to building peace, eradicating poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. The office also serves as the headquarters of the executive secretariat of the U.S. National Commission to UNESCO.
  • Office of United Nations Political Affairs (IO/UNP): Provides guidance and support to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (USUN) in New York on political matters before the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly (UNGA), and coordinates the State Department’s participation in the annual opening of UNGA.
2017-09-14T10:34:44-04:00

Legislative Affairs (H)

The Bureau of Legislative Affairs (H) coordinates legislative activity for the Department of State and advises the Secretary and their team on legislative strategy. The H staff advises individual bureaus on their legislative and outreach strategies and coordinates those efforts with the Secretary’s priorities. H facilitates effective communication between the diplomatic professionals of the State Department and Members of Congress and their staffs. H manages Department testimony before House and Senate hearings, organizes Member and staff briefings, and facilitates Congressional travel abroad for Members and staff. The bureau reviews proposed legislation and coordinates the Department’s positions on legislation affecting the conduct of U.S. foreign policy, seeks passage of relevant foreign policy legislation and appropriations, and obtains advice and consent to treaties as well as Senate confirmation of the President’s Ambassadorial and Department of State nominees.

2017-08-08T13:51:49-04:00

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).
2024-05-10T15:47:42-04:00

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.
2019-03-12T10:35:30-04:00

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.
2017-08-08T13:38:07-04:00
Go to Top