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Foreign Affairs Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Legislative Intern

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$17 - $22/hr

This internship is designed to provide experience in legislative and governmental affairs, policy ... management, and foreign policy. * Learn to identify potential Congressional allies and ...

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Foreign Affairs Internships information

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$45.5K

$112.5K

$156.5K

How much do foreign affairs internships jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign affairs internships in the United States is $112,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foreign affairs internship?

Foreign Affairs Internships are short-term work opportunities, often for students or recent graduates, that provide hands-on experience in international relations, diplomacy, or global policy. These internships are typically offered by government agencies, international organizations, embassies, non-profits, or research institutions. Interns may assist with research, policy analysis, event planning, or administrative tasks, and gain valuable insights into how foreign affairs are managed. Such internships help participants build professional networks and develop skills relevant to careers in international relations.

What types of projects or assignments can I expect during a foreign affairs internship?

As a Foreign Affairs Intern, you may be involved in a variety of tasks such as conducting research on international issues, drafting reports or briefing materials, attending policy meetings, and supporting event coordination. Interns often collaborate with experienced diplomats or analysts and may assist with monitoring global news, analyzing policy developments, or preparing presentations for senior staff. The specific assignments can vary depending on the department, but interns are typically given meaningful work that contributes to the team’s objectives and provides valuable insights into the field of foreign policy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a foreign affairs internship, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foreign Affairs Intern, you generally need a background in international relations, political science, or a related field, along with strong research and analytical abilities. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, foreign language proficiency, and experience with databases like LexisNexis or government document management systems are highly valued. Exceptional communication, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability help interns stand out when interacting with diverse stakeholders and handling sensitive information. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively supporting diplomatic work, policy development, and cross-cultural engagement in international settings.

What is the difference between Foreign Affairs Internships vs Diplomatic Service Internships?

AspectForeign Affairs InternshipsDiplomatic Service Internships
Required CredentialsUndergraduate or graduate degree, relevant courseworkSimilar educational background, often with language skills
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, international organizationsEmbassies, consulates, diplomatic missions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by government departments, international bodiesPrimarily within diplomatic missions and foreign services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding internship opportunities in international relationsFocusing on diplomatic career pathways and embassy roles

Foreign Affairs Internships typically involve working with government agencies or international organizations on policy, research, and diplomatic issues. Diplomatic Service Internships are more specialized, often within embassies or consulates, focusing on diplomatic relations and embassy operations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and offer pathways into international careers, but they differ in setting and specific responsibilities.

More about Foreign Affairs Internships jobs

What cities are hiring for Foreign Affairs Internships jobs?

Cities with the most Foreign Affairs Internships job openings:

What states have the most Foreign Affairs Internships jobs?

States with the most job openings for Foreign Affairs Internships jobs include:

Research Specialist - Asia Pacific

Tesla Government

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position: Research Specialist - Asia Pacific
Employment Type: Full Time 

Location: Falls Church, VA. (Remote within the Continental US but strong preference will be given to applicants located in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.)

About Us: Tesla Government Inc. (no affiliation with the automotive company) is a rapidly growing small business, located in Falls Church, Virginia. Founded in 2009, Tesla Government seeks to improve how government agencies manage and share information internally and with government and external partners. Our proven agile, outcome-oriented approach delivers results quickly, reducing risk and driving client success.

We offer Flex PTO, flexible work schedule, health benefits, 4% matching on 401k contributions, competitive compensation, and work from home (telework). We have a friendly, active work environment, and our projects make a difference.
The Role: Research Specialists support in-depth open source research, report writing, data organization, user relationship management, and knowledge management for customers focused on the specified region.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (proportional breakdowns of responsibilities vary):
 

  • Research & Writing

    • Respond to user information needs by developing reports from open source research and official reporting

    • Identify key emerging topics in the region and take the initiative to develop reports on the topics in advance of user requests

    • Study and adhere to strict style guide and writing standards

    • Continuously review and revamp previously composed reports so that they maintain applicability and are of premium quality

  • User Relationship Management

    • Build and maintain relationships with users virtually and in-person

    • Brief users on evolving topics

    • Train users to navigate and leverage online platforms and collaboration tools

    • Identify, suggest, and execute key information-sharing initiatives that provide value to government and military organizations

  • Knowledge Management

    • Help users manage their information, organizing it in an intuitive manner

    • Manage extensive compilations of reports to enable users to readily discover information

    • Continually find new ways to better relay information, leveraging visualizations and breaking up text

  • Other Duties, as Assigned
     

Attributes of a Successful Research Specialist:

  • A keen sense of how to discover hard-to-find information

  • Attention to detail

  • Ability to organize complex information in an easily navigable way

  • Ability to synthesize content from disparate sources to produce clean, clear, and concise reports on complicated subjects

  • Ability to create engaging written, graphical, and multimedia content

  • Ability to meet deadlines without compromising quality

  • Technical savvy and willingness to learn various computer and web-based applications

  • Comfortability with public speaking
     

Required Qualifications:

  • BA/BS in foreign affairs, international security, area studies, political science, governmental studies, a related field or military experience

  • Experience studying or working on international relations, strategic competition, conflict, development, law enforcement, and/or governance issues

  • Fact-checking skills

  • Fluent in English

  • US citizenship and ability to acquire a security clearance
     

Desired Qualifications:

  • MA/MS in foreign affairs, international security, area studies, political science, governmental studies, or a related field

  • Study or work experience in Asia Pacific region

  • Foreign language skills: Mandarin, Japanese, or Korean

  • Work or internship experience with think tanks, development agencies, US military, or federal government

  • Experience facilitating collaboration between multiple stakeholder organizations

  • Knowledge and experience using Python or other data scraping/analysis tools
     

To apply to this position, please submit:

  • A resume

  • A cover letter

  • A 3–5 page academic or professional writing sample

Compensation: The expected initial salary for this role is $60,000 annually. Actual compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, certifications, geographic location, and organizational needs. Individual compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to base salary, Tesla Government offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, paid time off, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.
Tesla Government Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws