Academic Internship Program
Earn credit while gaining hands-on experience.
The Academic Internship Program offers students the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Spending a semester working off-campus for credit provides additional context for classroom learning and helps students develop crucial professional skills and build professional networks
The goals of the Academic Internship Program are to:
- Provide professional mentorship and oversight of the internship experience
- Connect on-the-job learning to the curriculum while giving students substantive professional experience
- Provide space for structured reflection to help students refine their academic and professional goals
For questions about internships, please contact the Career Services Office.
Application Requirements and Timeline
The International Affairs Internship Course is open to degree-seeking students studying at GU-Q. The internship requires students to apply to work at one of the partner organizations for the fall or spring semester. Once accepted, students work 10-15 hours per week at a partner organization doing substantive work under the guidance of a mentor at the organization.
In addition, students register for the International Affairs Internship course (INAF 335), which is graded on a pass/fail basis. As part of this course, students complete 10.5 total hours of classroom instruction over the semester, which is designed to complement the internship and connect academic skills to applied practice.
Students who complete the work and course requirements earn one academic credit that counts toward their Georgetown degree and a notation on their official Georgetown transcript.
Fall 2026 applications are now closed.
Academic Internship Calendar
Academic internships are available during fall and spring semesters,and follow the timeline below. Deadlines may vary each semester and will be announced via email.
The application requirements differ for each organization, and students must apply to be considered for these positions. Selected students will interview with the organizations, and if offered a position, they will be enrolled in the INAF335 International Affairs Practicum class taught at GU-Q. Students must commit to the internship and academic work obligations for the duration of the semester.
| Term | First-Term (Fall) Internships | Second-Term (Spring) Internships |
|---|---|---|
| Internship Information Session | Early March | Early September |
| Applications Open | March 12 | September 15 |
| Applications Close | March 29 | September 30 |
| Selection & Interviews | April | October |
| Internship Offers | April 30 | October 30 |
| Deadline to Accept Offers | May 30 | November 30 |
| Internship Starts | August Internships start on the first day of classes | January Internships start on the first day of classes |
| Internship Ends | November Internships end on the last day of classes | April Internships end on the last day of classes |
Internship Requirements
- Internship positions will not be paid, but an organization may offer stipends for transportation
- Internship position must be with a registered GU-Q partner organization
- Students may only work during the academic term in which they are registered for the course
- Students may not exceed 15 hours of work per week
- Students must be in good academic standing to enroll
- Students must follow the guidelines set out in the application to apply and be accepted to the academic internship program. Once a student has secured and accepted a place, GU-Q will register the student for the internship course
- Students must register for the INAF335 International Affairs Practicum Course. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. The course may be taken once, for a total of one credit. The credit counts toward the 120 credits required for the SFS degree. If a student receives permission to enroll a second time, the course will be marked as a repeated course and excluded from earned hours/credits toward the degree
- Students must report to the internship supervisor for work assignments in addition to completing Georgetown class assignments and meetings
- Students may repeat-enroll in the program more than one time, provided they apply and get accepted to a different internship organization
- Students get additional credit each time they enroll in the program
Internship Fund Applications
If a student is interning at an organization that does not offer any kind of stipend, and the student resides in campus housing, the student may apply at the beginning of the internship for a monthly stipend to offset the costs of transport between campus and the internship site. Once you have filled out the application form, make sure to email guqcareers@georgetown.edu.
The stipend is paid as a lump sum for the academic internship period. If a student drops or withdraws from the internship class, the stipend payments stop, and the student must repay a pro-rated portion of the stipend.
To qualify for the Internship Fund, students must:
- Not receive any stipend from the organization where they are interning
- Reside in the Qatar Foundation Housing
Available Internships and Requirements
The following list includes high-profile institutions with which Georgetown has proudly established close partnerships for experiential learning. The internship work at each organization will vary, so the different opportunities complement rather than compete with each other. Please read the descriptions below carefully to ensure you are qualified for the opportunity.
Education Above All
Education Above All Foundation is seeking motivated individuals eager to dive into the world of global education innovation, while building skills in project management and research.
This internship offers a gateway into education, philanthropy, and international development.
Within the Innovation Development Directorate, interns will rub shoulders with exemplary professionals from EAA. They will actively contribute to research, designing and management of quality innovative education projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct desk research and prepare reports on education challenges and innovative practices
- Draft proposals, presentations, and communication materials for ongoing projects
- Support monitoring and evaluation activities to track project outcomes
- Collaborate with team members to generate creative ideas and solutions
- Assist in organizing workshops, meetings, and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Maintain professionalism and adhere to organizational standards while representing the foundation
- Support managing and streamlining the innovation process to maintain a strong project pipeline
Skills and Competencies
- Demonstrated interest in global education, innovation, and social impact
- Must be a Junior or Senior in good academic standing
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic. (Arabic is not required but strongly preferred)
- Be well-organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and reliable and should be able to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Possess strong analytical skills to design, aggregate and present research findings.
- Show drive, determination, and keenness to learn continuously
- Strong writing and presentation abilities for reports, proposals, and outreach materials
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to manage time effectively and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Flexibility to contribute to both long-term innovation pipelines and emergency response initiatives
- Willingness to learn and take initiative with minimal supervision
To apply submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Research paper and/or research presentation
Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future
Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future is a non-profit policy research and advocacy center established under Qatar Foundation (QF) to inform and influence national and global sustainability policy. Bridging technical and research expertise with policy advice and advocacy Earthna will convene a wide community of technical and research experts, government, policy and decision makers, businesses, multilateral institutions, and civil society to generate a more sustainable and regenerative future.
The Earthna center runs multi-disciplinary programming with a focus on the fields of hot and arid climates, regenerative and sustainable cities, and energy transition, as well as realizing the potential of QF’s Education City as a test-bed for sustainable technologies and practices. Earthna is focused on developing tools, solutions, and policies to improve people’s lives within a thriving natural environment. Working together with our community to co-create and design solutions that utilize our resources and understand our local culture and needs to deliver a message of hope and impactful action that will strengthen our legacy.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.3 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, QF will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in a variety of public policy issues, economics, and/or current affairs.
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of Arabic would be desirable.
- Knowledge of and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
- Possess creative initiative for the design and presentation of research findings.
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with QF mission and vision.
- Creative thinking, well organized, detail-oriented, and reliable individual who takes initiative and works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
HEC Paris
HEC Paris in Doha is offering a research assistantship supporting Professor Seungah Sarah Lee’s research program on entrepreneurialism and society. The internship will involve contributing to ongoing academic research examining how entrepreneurship is promoted, organized, and implemented across social enterprise ecosystems and international development programs.
The research assistant (RA) will primarily assist with a research project examining the role of intermediary organizations, such as social accelerators and cross-sector partnerships, in supporting social entrepreneurs. The project investigates how these organizations broker access to networks, legitimacy, and resources, and how these processes shape inclusion and inequality within entrepreneurial ecosystems. The RA will also contribute to a secondary project analyzing how entrepreneurship has been promoted within international development projects over time. This research examines how donor agencies, foundations, multilateral organizations, and NGOs translate global entrepreneurship agendas into concrete development initiatives and programs.
Expected tasks/duties may include:
- Conduct literature reviews of academic publications related to entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and international development
- Collect and organize data on organizations such as social accelerators, development agencies, and NGOs
- Conduct web-based data collection and coding of organizational information according to research protocols
- Assist with compiling and cleaning datasets for quantitative and text-based analysis
- Prepare research summaries and extended abstracts of academic articles
- Support preliminary qualitative or quantitative analysis of research data
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Familiarity with qualitative or quantitative research methods (experience with R or Stata is a plus)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently
To apply, submit the following:
- Unofficial transcript
- Resume or CV
- Cover letter
- Writing sample
Qatar Financial Center Regulatory Authority
Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority (QFCRA) is the independent regulator of the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), established to authorize and regulate firms and individuals conducting financial services in or from the QFC. Through its work in policy development, supervision and enforcement, the QFC Regulatory Authority operates to the highest international standards of regulation and best practice.
Students must meet the following qualifications to be considered:
- GPA of 3.0 or above
- Preferred majors: International Economics and International Politics
- Preferred spoken languages: Arabic and English
- Preferred nationality: Qataris
- Preferred students: Juniors and Seniors
To apply, submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
Qatar Museums
The National Collection of Qatar (NCoQ) is dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting Qatar’s rich cultural heritage. Working within a world-class museum environment, the NCoQ stewards a diverse collection of historical objects that reflect the country’s history, identity, and significance on the global stage. The NCoQ’s work in collection management, research, and documentation is central to Qatar’s mission of cultural preservation and knowledge-sharing.
The program offers student interns practical, hands-on experience in collection research and documentation within a museum environment. Students will engage in substantive research and documentation work under the guidance of NCoQ professionals.
Duties:
- Conduct research for a selection of objects within the collection using primary and secondary sources.
- Review, identify, and contextualize a selection of objects that are being researched.
- Support in the verification of historical provenance and contextual information related to the collection under research.
- Support the basic documentation and archival tasks and research findings in accordance with institutional standards and guidelines.
- Support the digitization of the related materials in the CMS
- Follow the established policies and procedures, and protocols for confidentiality and information access.
- Practice in meetings and knowledge-sharing sessions related to the collection.
Objectives:
- Support the department’s research activities.
- Develop interns’ skills in the collection, research methods, and documentation practices.
- Provide physical access to primary materials and pieces.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for an internship position at NCoQ:
- Must be a Junior or Senior in good academic standing at GU-Q (minimum GPA of 3.0).
- Demonstrated interest in cultural heritage, museum studies, history, Middle Eastern studies, or a related field.
- Knowledge of, and experience, with qualitative research methods; familiarity with primary and secondary source research is preferred.
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail; ability to maintain meticulous and accurate records.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a professional team.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive materials and information with discretion and respect for confidentiality protocols.
- Must be in good academic standing at GU-Q.
To Apply, submit the following:
- An unofficial copy of your transcript.
- A resume or CV.
- A cover letter.
- A writing sample (research paper, essay, or presentation).
QIASS
The Qatar International Academy for Security Studies (QIASS) offers a selective internship program designed for highly motivated students interested in international security, strategic and geopolitical analysis, political economy, and public policy in the Middle East and beyond. The program is particularly suited for students with academic interests in areas such as security and defense studies, political economy and investment dynamics, the history and evolution of political and religious movements, energy security, environmental and climate policy, as well as political sciences.
This multidisciplinary approach reflects QIASS’s commitment to examining security issues through political, economic, historical, and environmental perspectives, to better understand the complex challenges shaping contemporary international affairs. QIASS is a research and policy institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and dialogue on security, defense, geopolitical risk, and emerging global challenges.
Interns work alongside QIASS researchers and analysts, contributing to ongoing research projects and policy-oriented publications. During the internship, selected students will have the opportunity to:
- Assist in policy research and geopolitical analysis on regional and global security issues.
- Contribute to the preparation of Intelligence Briefs, Insight Reports, and analytical publications.
- Support data collection, literature reviews, and background research for research projects.
- Participate in the preparation of conferences, policy dialogues, and strategic forums organized by QIASS.
- Gain exposure to the work of a professional policy research and strategic analysis institution.
This program provides interns with practical experience in policy-oriented research, analytical writing, and security studies, while working in an intellectually dynamic environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 (or equivalent) is required.
- Juniors and seniors are preferred, though exceptional sophomores may be considered.
- Demonstrated academic interest in international relations, security studies, political science, public policy, or related fields.
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable.
- Applicants must be in good academic standing at their university.
Application Requirements
- A current resume or CV
- A cover letter explaining their interest in QIASS and relevant academic background
- A writing sample demonstrating analytical and research abilities (policy brief, academic paper, or research essay)
QIASS welcomes applications from students who are eager to develop expertise in security policy, regional geopolitics, and strategic analysis, and who wish to contribute to meaningful research on contemporary global challenges.
Qatar Reads (QF)
Qatar Reads – Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library, promotes a culture of reading as a tool for knowledge-sharing, analytical thinking, and social progress. Interns will support decision-making, social media briefs, presentations, creative writing exercises, and events participation. Our programs engage diverse community sectors to inspire a lifelong love for reading.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, QF will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in a variety of public policy issues, economics, and/or current affairs.
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic is a must.
- Possess creative initiative, demonstrate the ability to think outside the box and solve problems and shows the capacity for content creation
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with QF mission and vision.
- Creative thinking, well organized, detail-oriented, and reliable individual who takes initiative and works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
Strategy Hub
Strategy Hub is a Qatar based consultancy that aims to create a positive impact on Qatar’s public and private institutions. Strategy Hub provides policy and strategic recommendations that focus on International and Public Policy, Environmental Sustainability, Healthcare and Communications as well as full consulting services from identifying our client’s needs, providing improvement opportunities and delivering evidence-based solutions.
Under the guidance of Strategy Hub management, interns will be tasked to:
- Support in conducting research and benchmarking studies.
- Use findings from research to create internal project briefs.
- Partake in internal brainstorming meetings for idea generation with team.
- Attend meetings with internal team and clients as a learning experience and to take meeting notes.
- Support in the development of pitch presentations for clients.
- Refine and practice public speaking skills by presenting work conducted during the internship.
- Research relevant industry events in Qatar.
- Support in project management of consulting projects (with particular focus on keeping track of timelines, cost, and quality of project execution.)
- Peer review and edit various deliverables that are produced for clients.
- Keep up to date with news and updates in Qatar’s business landscape that are relevant to Strategy Hub and our projects.
- Write insights about certain key topics in political affairs, economics, culture, and technology to be published on Strategy Hub platforms (i.e., website, social media channels)
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
- Juniors, or Seniors.
- English language proficiency is required; additional Arabic language proficiency is preferred.
- Communicates effectively and has strong written and verbal presentation skills.
- Problem-solves well independently and with others.
- Learns quickly and enjoys taking on new projects.
- Strong listening skills and the ability to communicate with people of diverse disciplines.
Work Hours:
- Strategy Hub standard working hours (in office; location – Msheireb Downtown): Sunday – Thursday, 9AM – 4PM.
- Preference given to interns who are able to work in office + remote.
- Work hours to be determined according to intern’s class schedule.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume
- Cover letter
- An unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
The Middle East Council on Global Affairs
The Middle East Council on Global Affairs is an independent policy research institution. Work at the ME Council focuses on political research and policy analysis — working alongside researchers to produce policy briefs, news story analysis and to collaborate on original research projects.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply:
- A minimum GPA of 3.7 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Generally, the ME Council will seek candidates with a demonstrated interest in Middle East politics and/or public policy and governance of the region.
- A strong academic background, excellent writing and research skills, and knowledge of Arabic will be highly desirable.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
To apply, submit the following:
- a resume
- a cover letter
- a writing sample
- An unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Qatar
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Qatar – To have a distinguished foreign policy for the State of Qatar at both regional and international levels and care for the interests of citizens abroad. Candidates applying for an internship at MOFA must have a strong interest in political, social, economic and developmental topics. At the end of their internship, candidates will receive a written evaluation on their professionalism, punctuality, quality of work, and overall engagement.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
- Qatari nationals.
- A minimum of 3.4 GPA.
- Juniors and seniors, with preference to International Politics and International Economics majors.
- Qatari dress code.
- Ability to deal with work in utmost confidentiality.
- Speak and write fluently in Arabic language during the internship unless instructed otherwise
- Strong multitasking and writing skills. Candidates must also have a high skill in research.
To apply, submit the following:
- Cover letter detailing interest in pursuing an internship in MOFA.
- Resume (please note QID on Resume)
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience).
- A research paper authored by candidate during their study at Georgetown.
- Candidates may be requested to participate in an interview during the application period. Invitation to an interview is not a guarantee of selection.
The US-Qatar Business Council
The US-Qatar Business Council is a non-profit, private sector organization based in Washington, DC, and Qatar that develops, supports, and advances the bilateral business relationship between the United States and the State of Qatar. The Council envisions a seamless relationship between the US and Qatar; a permanent partnership built on a foundation of mutual interests and strong political, business, cultural, and security relations. The Council is the leading organization dedicated exclusively to enhancing the bilateral business relationship between the US and Qatar.
The Council achieves this vision primarily, but not exclusively, through improving the commercial and economic relationship between the US and Qatar. The Council offers business advisory services, consultancy services, and coordinates trade missions for US and Qatari companies to facilitate bilateral business. For more information on USQBC, please visit their website and business portal.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to apply for an internship position:
- Students must be enrolled at GU-Q and have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors
- Preference is given to students who can demonstrate strong writing skills, communication, multi-tasking, time management, as well as knowledge of U.S.-Qatar historic business relations and economic ties.
- Students must be in good academic standing at GU.
Expected duties and responsibilities
- Research related to trade, investment and other relevant business opportunities
- Other responsibilities will be discussed upon selection in response to current projects/events at the Council
To apply, submit the following:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
WISE
WISE, a Qatar Foundation initiative, is an international, multi-sectoral platform for creative thinking, debate and purposeful action. WISE has established itself as a global reference in new approaches to education. Through both the biennial Summit and a range of ongoing programs WISE is promoting innovation and building the future of education through collaboration. Since 2009, WISE has evolved into a thriving global, multi-sectoral community, which continues to generate fruitful dialogue and productive partnerships. The WISE community is a network of education stakeholders – from students to decision-makers – from about 200 countries who share ideas and collaborate to seek creative solutions to solve challenges facing education.
Expected tasks/Duties:
- Participate in the selection and evaluation of the WISE Programs
- Generate and share insights on the latest trends regarding education and innovation.
- Benchmark education programs worldwide with similar program solutions
- Identify and contact key stakeholders, and plan engagements to help disseminate the knowledge of the WISE locally and globally.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Demonstrated interest in and understanding of the education sector
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to draft and edit reports and articulate ideas clearly and concisely
- Knowledge of other languages is highly desirable.
- Knowledge and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
- Exceptional organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with Qatar Foundation’s mission and vision.
- Familiarity with technology AI-powered tools that can support the automation of processes and tasks required for the role is highly desirable.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from MyAccess)
- A writing sample (not mandatory, but highly desirable)
WISH
World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), is a flagship healthcare forum and hosts some of the most important researchers and innovators in healthcare, with delegates from more than 100 countries.
Students must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered:
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
- Preference is given to juniors and seniors, but sophomores may be considered.
- Demonstrated interest in and understanding of the health sector
- Strong academic background with excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to draft and edit reports and articulate ideas clearly and concisely
- Knowledge of other languages is highly desirable. Arabic proficiency is a plus
- Knowledge and experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods in the social sciences.
- Exceptional organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- A keenness to learn and a passion for impact in line with Qatar Foundation’s mission and vision.
- Event management experience.
To apply, submit the following:
- A resume or CV.
- Statement of interest.
- Unofficial copy of your Georgetown transcript (Students may acquire unofficial transcripts from GU Experience)
- Note: Deadlines might vary slightly each semester but will be announced via email