Internships
October 16, 2024 2025-01-31 15:17Internships
Internships
The NESA Center’s internship program is an opportunity for highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students to gain professional skills and subject matter development on foreign policy and national security issues associated with the Near East and South Asia region.
Interned Students
Universities
Different Majors
NESA Center interns are expected to employ competent research, writing, and communications skills in support of faculty research and programs. Interns receive access to the National Defense University library and research resources to support research work. Interns participate in conferences, workshops, and other programs at the National Defense University featuring academics, subject matter experts, military officers, and diplomats. Interns also receive development opportunities throughout the Washington, D.C. area, accompanying faculty and participants on site visits to places like Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, and the State Department.
Interns are encouraged to pursue publication opportunities under the guidance of, or in partnership with, NESA Center faculty.
The NESA Center internship is unpaid, and the NESA Center does not provide or assist interns in finding housing accommodations. If you are without housing accommodation, or your home institution or Washington, D.C. area supporting institution does not provide housing accommodation, then interested applicants are encouraged to search listings online or reach out to a D.C.-based intern hosting organization.
The NESA Center does not sponsor travel or work visas for non-U.S. citizens. Hosting organizations such as The Washington Center are able to facilitate this and do so on a regular basis for NESA Center interns. We invite non-U.S. applicants to apply through such organizations if they are not already in the United States.
PRIMARY DUTIES:
- Assist NESA Center faculty and staff with long- and short-term research projects related to the NESA region.
- Support NESA Center programs: note-taking, course material preparation and logistical support.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- A demonstrated interest in International Affairs, Defense, Security Studies, and the NESA Region.
- Detail oriented, highly organized, and able to work independently or in teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Foreign Language skills a plus: particularly Arabic, French, Russian, Farsi, Urdu, Pashto, Dari.
- Interested applicants must be enrolled in a degree-granting university program (undergraduate or graduate).
To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and writing sample (1-3 pages) to Mr. Sam Marrero at Samuel.Marrero@ndu.edu. The NESA Center reviews internship applications on a rolling basis, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply early. Internships are full-time and unpaid.
Note: Internships are being conducted in a flexible hybrid remote / in-person model. To be considered, however, applicants must reside in the Washington, D.C. area for the duration of the term for which they’re applying. 100% remote internships will not be considered.
NESA Center Interns – Winter 2025
Abigail Smart
Abigail is a junior at the University of New Hampshire, pursuing degrees in International Affairs and Political Science with a concentration in International Security. She focuses on governance and state-building, human development, and inter-ethnic relations in the Near East and South Asia. Abigail has completed a year abroad in Paris, competes with her university’s Model United Nations team, and plays rugby in her free time. Abby is enthusiastic about contributing to NESA’s work, deepening her understanding of U.S. foreign policy in the region, and supporting faculty through ongoing programs and research.
Shahd Sharaf
Shahd is an undergraduate at American University pursuing a degree in International Relations with a double major also in Middle Eastern Studies. She is particularly interested in U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and aims to deepen her understanding of U.S. security policy in the region. In Fall 2024, Shahd studied abroad at SOAS University of London, where she focused on Critical Security Studies and Development and Conflict courses. Her time abroad provided valuable insights into global security issues. She is excited to support NESA Center Faculty in the spring semester.
Raiden Miyamoto
Raiden is a junior at DePauw University pursuing a degree in Political Science. Raiden is also a Rector Scholar at DePauw, the University’s oldest and preeminent merit academic award. Raiden is interested in US foreign policy in the MENA region, counterterrorism, intelligence, and great power competition. He hopes to pursue a career in international security or foreign affairs. Raiden looks forward to working alongside NESA faculty members while learning more about US security partnerships in the NESA region.
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Malèna Lombardo
Malèna is an undergraduate at the University of Vermont pursuing a degree in political science with a minor in public policy. Her academic interests include international humanitarian crises, especially in the Middle East, and diplomacy. During the internship, Malèna hopes to deepen her understanding of U.S. foreign policy and improve her research analysis skills while making valuable contributions to the NESA team.
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Hailey Story
Hailey is an undergraduate at East Tennessee State University pursuing a degree in Political Science with minors in Global Citizenship and International Relations. Her academic interests include Eastern Europe, diplomacy, and international development. Hailey has studied abroad in Greece and completed internships with the US State Department and the House of Representatives. She is eager to contribute to NESA’s faculty research initiatives and support the organization’s conferences and seminars, further developing her skills in International Security.
Jasmine Anderson
Jasmine is an undergraduate at the University of South Florida where she is pursuing a degree in Criminology. Her interests focus on international affairs, security, and intelligence. Jasmine is eager to engage with a diverse group of professionals, including military officers, academics and diplomats. She looks forward to collaborating with NESA faculty and alumni to explore the topic of national defense, particularly in relation to U.S. military strategy and operations in the Middle East.
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Frances Altes
Frances is a sophomore at the University of Rochester pursuing degrees in Russian and International Relations. She takes special interest in the affairs of post-Soviet nations and conflicts in the Middle East. Frances has spent a year living abroad in the Middle East, where observing both policy failures and successes inspired her to contribute to a more peaceful future. Frances is excited to assist with NESA’s research and program operations, during which she hopes to deepen her understanding of U.S. foreign policy and national security issues.
