The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan, U.S. federal government commission – the first of its kind in the world – that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad. USCIRF reviews the facts and circumstances of religious freedom violations and makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and Congressional leadership of both political parties.
General Information on USCIRF Internships
USCIRF offers the following types of internships:
- Administrative
- Communications
- Government Relations
- Legal Research
- Regional Policy Analysis (Africa; East Asia; Europe and Central Asia; Middle East; South Asia)
Currently enrolled students are eligible for internships with USCIRF. Internships are available year-round, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, the following are recommended deadlines for submitting application materials:
- Fall Semester: July 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: April 1
All USCIRF internships are unpaid; however, course credit may be available.
USCIRF does not provide housing or moving expenses; however, interns using DC-area public transportation may be entitled to a monthly, non-cash, tax-free transportation subsidy.
Internships can be full-time (40 hours a week) or part-time (20-30 hours a
week) for a minimum of 8 weeks.
General Eligibility Requirements (applicable to all USCIRF internships)
- U.S. citizenship (or otherwise authorized to intern with the U.S. government)
- Currently enrolled undergraduate (juniors and seniors) or graduate student (including JD and LLM candidates)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Successful completion of a background check
Application Requirements
- Cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you would you like to intern at USCIRF
- Resume
- Writing sample (3-5 pages)
- Letters of reference (at least 2)
How to Apply
E-mail, fax, or mail your application materials to:
USCIRF Internship Program
732 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite A714
Washington, DC 20401
202-523-3240 (phone)
202-523-5020 (fax)
Please specify the internship and semester you are applying for in your cover letter and the subject line of an e-mailed application.
Administrative Internship
- Establish and maintain files and other information as requested;
- Assist with preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events;
- Answer and direct incoming phone calls;
- Assist with drafting and/or updating office policies and procedures;
- Assist with special projects as requested;
- Provide general administrative support to the USCIRF team.
Eligible candidates should be:
- U.S. citizens (or otherwise authorized to intern with the U.S. government);
- currently enrolled undergraduates or graduate students (including JD and LLM candidates); and
- able to successfully complete a background check.
Eligible candidates should have:
- a minimum 2.5 GPA;
- strong communication skills, both written and oral;
- strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
- an interest in human rights, foreign policy, and/or government;
- ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team;
- a willingness to perform administrative tasks; and
- familiarity with the full Microsoft Office suite (Excel and Word in particular).
Communication Internship
- Maintain and expand database of media, NGO, think tank, academia, and religious contacts;
- Post on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook;
- Help update website;
- Help prepare materials for distribution to the public and press, including press releases, policy briefs, newsletters, and reports;
- Create daily press clips for distribution;
- Help organize and provide logistical support for events such as press conferences, public hearings, and speaking engagements;
- Provide general administrative support as needed.
Eligible candidates should be:
- U.S. citizens (or otherwise authorized to intern with the U.S. government);
- currently enrolled undergraduates or graduate students (including JD and LLM candidates); and
- able to successfully complete a background check.
Eligible candidates should have:
- a minimum 2.5 GPA;
- experience with Social Media such as Twitter and Facebook;
- knowledge of Adobe InDesign and other publishing programs;
- excellent writing, editing, and organizational skills;
- an interest in human rights and foreign policy;
- ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team; and
- a willingness to perform administrative tasks.
Government Relations Internship
- Track foreign policy statements, religious freedom, human rights and related legislation, and relevant policy publications;
- Attend and report on Congressional hearings;
- Review relevant government agency websites and publications daily;
- Research positions and actions taken by Members of Congress and Congressional committees and organizations;
- Undertake other research as needed;
- Provide general administrative support as needed.
Eligible candidates should be:
- U.S. citizens (or otherwise authorized to intern with the U.S. government);
- currently enrolled undergraduates or graduate students (including JD and LLM candidates); and
- able to successfully complete a background check.
Eligible candidates should have:
- a minimum 2.5 GPA;
- excellent writing and comprehension skills;
- a passion for foreign policy and human rights;
- ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and as part of a team;
- a willingness to perform administrative tasks; and
- familiarity with the full Microsoft Office suite (Excel and Word in particular).
Regional Policy Analysis Internship
- Research a variety of international religious freedom and human rights issues, with a focus in one or more of the following world regions:
– Africa
– East Asia
– Europe and Central Asia
– Middle East
– South Asia
(Please specify which region you are applying for in your cover letter and the subject line of an e-mailed application.);
- Assist with preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events;
- Attend meetings at USCIRF with international visitors and other groups interested in USCIRF’s work;
- Attend and report on public hearings and other events in the DC area on issues relevant to USCIRF’s work;
- Provide general administrative support as needed.
Eligible candidates should be:
- U.S. citizens (or otherwise authorized to intern with the U.S. government);
- currently enrolled undergraduates or graduate students (including JD and LLM candidates); and
- able to successfully complete a background check.
Eligible candidates should have:
- a minimum 2.5 GPA;
- demonstrable knowledge, including academic background, of a particular world region;
- completed coursework (or have experience) in public policy, international affairs, political science, human rights, religious affairs, government affairs, or a related field;
- a willingness to perform administrative tasks;
- familiarity with the full Microsoft Office suite.
Fluency in a foreign language (particularly Mandarin Chinese, Russian, or Arabic) is preferred, but not required.