Internships are required (or strongly encouraged) for Summer participation and highly recommended for Fall/Spring. They allow you to get on-the-ground experience, build networks, and maximize the value of your time in D.C.
Sample internship resources based in Washington, D.C.:
- Walter Center: Handshake
- HLS Internship Placement Program
- Federal Internship Finder
- House of Representatives Internships
- Senate Internships
- Opportunities in Public Affairs
- Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
- Center for American Progress Summer Internships
- Atlantic Council Young Global Professionals Internship Program
- Brookings Institute Internship Program
- Center for Strategic & International Studies Internships
- Stimson Center Internship Program
- Woodrow Wilson Center Internships
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Internship Program
- Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe Max Kampelman Fellowships
- John Quincy Adams Society Marcellus Policy Fellowship
- World Wildlife Fund Internships
- US Chamber of Commerce Internship Program
Start early. Many internships have competitive applications, specific eligibility (e.g., U.S. work authorization and please keep in mind that government internships often require applications 8 months to a year ahead of time), and limited slots.
Scholarships & Funding Support
We encourage participants to explore IU-wide funding and internship-support scholarships — especially if your placement is unpaid or if living costs in D.C. are high. It is possible your standard IU scholarships and financial aid apply, please discuss your finances with the Bursar office or scholarship provider. Students can also apply for experiential learning and internship-specific funding through IU scholarship portals.