Internship Opportunities
About Our Internships
Internships with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia provide college and graduate level students with experience in international affairs student programming, speaker events, travel programming, membership management, and development. Tasks will include (but are not limited to) research, planning and development of programs, events, and tours, on-site assistance for student and public programs, digital communications and social media support, attendance at staff meetings, support for donor and member relations, and other administrative support as needed.
Internships with the Council require excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, strong research skills, and a high level of professional etiquette when interacting with both Council staff, volunteers, and constituents (students, members, Board, etc.). Candidates must have a strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Basic knowledge of social media platforms and management tools (i.e. Hootsuite, HeyOrca!, Sendible) and Canva is preferred. Special consideration may be given to students with experience in Model United Nations, debate, and/or Mock Trial.
Students who can commit to 2 full semesters (fall and spring) will be given special consideration.
Current Internship Openings
Hours: Part-time (minimum 15 – 20 hours per week)
Stipend/Class Credit: We are willing to work with your educational institution to provide academic credit, if requested.
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks Summer, Fall, Spring terms, 2 full semesters commitment preferred.
Location: Hybrid
Description: Are you interested in foreign policy? Global change? Social entrepreneurship? World media? International security? The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program connecting current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields with their U.S. peers. IVLP interns work closely with the international exchange team to support program meetings and events across Philadelphia. Interns experience and support projects that facilitate honest dialogue, navigate global topics, and connect with leaders in the region. Specific activities may include:
- Supporting itinerary development and logistical planning for guests from the US Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program.
- Conducting research to identify programming resources and maintain visitors’ information in our database.
- Preparing cultural activities for guests.
- Helping us prepare for networking receptions and additional special events to welcome the international community.
- Escorting international delegations to meetings.
- Preparing information to acquaint international guests with Philadelphia.
Qualifications & Skills:
Successful applicants are detail-oriented, reliable, and professional. Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in international relations are a plus. Students who can commit to 2 full semesters (fall and spring) will be given special consideration.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, and strong research skills.
- A high level of professional etiquette and ability to respect different cultures and customs.
- A strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
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Basic knowledge of social media platforms and Canva is preferred
Application Instructions
Please send your cover letter and resume to careers@wacphila.org with the subject line ‘International Visitor Leadership Program Internship.’ Please describe in your cover letter why you are interested, what you hope to gain out of the internship experience, and the dates you are seeking to intern. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with start dates in September, January and May and/or the Drexel University Co-op schedule.
Update May 2023: Please note that Summer 2023 internship opportunities have been filled at this time. We are accepting applications for Fall 2023 and beyond.
Hours: Part-time (minimum 15 – 20 hours per week)
Stipend/Class Credit: We are willing to work with your educational institution to provide academic credit, if requested.
Dates: Minimum 10 weeks Summer, 12 weeks Fall and Spring terms, 1 full semester commitment preferred.
Location: In-person at our Center City office with hybrid/remote work on occasion
Description: Are you passionate about helping to bring global education to students in the city of Philadelphia and beyond? Our youth programs at the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia equip nearly 3,000 students from across 100 middle and high schools to become global citizens through developing their cultural competency, research skills, diplomacy skills, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. The Education intern will help to support the development and implementation of Council middle and high school programs such as Model Senate, Global Economic Forum, Citizen Diplomat Academy, Classroom-to-Classroom, Sister Cities High School Youth Exchange, Summer Camps, Jr. Model United Nations, and the Global Smarts Mentoring Program. Specific internship responsibilities may include:
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Researching and compiling information for topics related to the Council’s simulation (role-playing) events and programs
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Helping to conceptualize programs and willingness to share creative ideas
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Designing program materials such as resource guides, worksheets, presentation templates, class activities, and fact sheets
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Working to create and/or organize spreadsheets with data related to youth programs
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Compiling and organizing program evaluation data for reporting purposes
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Taking notes at internal and external meetings, as needed
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Staffing Education and Speaker programs, responsibilities can include:
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Serving as a “Facilitator” for youth programs, guiding student discussion and debate
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Helping with program registration and check-in
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Distributing and collecting student and teacher program evaluations
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Ushering and helping to answer questions
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Qualifications & Skills:
Successful applicants are detail-oriented, reliable, and professional. Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in international relations are a plus.
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Commitment to the Council’s mission which includes being non-partisan
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, and strong research skills; Proficiency in proper source citation required
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A strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite (Google Drive)
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Ability to work on and complete multiple tasks
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Experience working with project deadlines
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Ability to work well in a high-paced, results oriented environment
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Ability to be an independent self-starter as well as the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
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Experience and passion working with middle and high school students preferred
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A high level of professional etiquette and ability to respect different backgrounds, cultures, and customs
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Knowledge of graphic design software such as Canva is preferred
Application Instructions
Please send your cover letter and resume to careers@wacphila.org with the subject line ‘Education Internship - [Preferred Semester & Year]’ and insert your desired semester (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and year. Please describe in your cover letter why you are interested in working with our organization/department, what you hope to gain out of the internship experience, your skills/qualifications, and the dates you are seeking to intern (start and end dates and preferred working hours). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with start dates in September, January and May and/or the Drexel University Co-op schedule.
We are currently accepting applications for Spring 2023 and beyond.
Stay in Touch
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