US-Asia Internship Program — US-Asia Institute

Internships

**Applications for the Spring 2025 internship term are now closed. Applications for the Summer 2025 term will be reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted no later than March 1, 2025. Please find more information below.**

Spring 2018 USAI Interns and Staff in front of the Statue of Freedom in the Capitol Visitor Center

The US-Asia Institute (USAI) is a United Nations-associated non-governmental organization located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Our mission is to encourage dialogue and understanding between the people and governments of the United States and nations of Asia.

Since its inception in 1979, USAI has hosted an internship program for students who are interested in Asian affairs. The Institute selects two to four undergraduates, recent graduates, or graduate students during the summer, winter/spring, and fall terms. The duration of the internship is approximately two to three months, with the possibility of extension. Internships are unpaid.

The USAI Internship Program gives students a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in the field of U.S.-Asian affairs. Throughout the internship, students will play an active role in organizing educational programming, overseas Congressional staff delegations, forums, receptions, and diplomatic off-the-record briefings. Students will also be expected to represent the Institute at Congressional hearings, think-tank briefings, and other networking events in the D.C. area.

The intent of USAI internships is to supplement academic scholarship with a pragmatic program that deals with the realities of the political process in international policy development.

“What I’ve enjoyed most about this internship has been both the warmth and supportiveness of the office environment, and the interactions and opportunities for cultural and epistemological exchange which USAI’s various programs have afforded me. USAI’s wide range of programs have allowed me to interact with people from many different countries in Asia, and from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds. I doubt many other internship programs provide interns with anywhere near this much exposure. It has been tremendously helpful for thinking about future career directions. ”

Job Descriptions and Qualifications

USAI seeks highly motivated undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students with a strong interest in US-Asia relations. Foreign applicants are encouraged to apply for internships. Appropriate visa arrangements are the responsibility of individual applicants. We seek individuals possessing strong writing, organizational, and communication skills.

*At this time our internship program is in-person.*

To apply for our internship program, please submit the following, preferably as a single PDF with your name in the title of the document, to the Internship Coordinator listed below:

Resume
Cover letter detailing a plan of objectives, a brief description of your future academic and professional goals, and availability for the internship including proposed start and end dates, and day-to-day availability
Short writing sample (2-pages maximum).

USAI offers three different types of internships: Political Affairs, Communications, and Rule of Law (summer only). Click on each internship title below to read about its unique responsibilities and qualifications:

+ Political Affairs Intern

The main responsibilities of the Political Affairs Intern will be organizing events and Congressional delegations to Asia and assisting with the daily operations of the office. Other responsibilities include representing USAI at briefings and congressional hearings and corresponding with legislative staff, as well as researching and writing reports on current issues related to US-Asia relations.

Requirements:

Strong verbal and written communication skills, as demonstrated in the phone interview and the cover letter/writing sample
Excellent organizational skills and proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Self-motivated and independent
Excellent research and writing skills
Knowledge of another East Asian or Southeast Asian language a plus
Familiarity with various Asian countries through academic studies or professional experiences strongly preferred

“The best part about interning at USAI is the hands-on experience and training we got from being directly involved in the various program from the start to the end.” – Doris, 2018

“One of my favorite parts of the internship was the wide array of activities and programs that we helped organize and execute. From putting on 101 briefings to meeting with Congressmen on the Rule of Law program to hosting the Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, I was never bored with the work, and I appreciated getting the chance to connect with people from myriad different fields and organizations.” – Evan, 2018

“When I first arrived in Washington, D.C. from California, I didn’t know anyone on this side of the United States. Not only did the U.S.-Asia Institute welcome me with open arms, but they became my friends and family in what was an unfamiliar city at the time. As an intern, USAI empowered me to expand my writing and analytical skills each and every day—and I would not be where I am now without the constant support they have shown to me. I will always be thankful for the U.S.-Asia Institute and an advocate for the important work in people-to-people relations that they do. Beyond the irreplaceable joy of working with such a generous, talented, and driven group of people, my favorite part of this internship was knowing that I made my first contributions to developing strong relations between the United States and Asia at the US-Asia Institute. It is cliché, and often over-used, but as an intern at USAI, you truly make a difference.” – Axel, 2018

+ Communications Intern

The Communications Intern will be responsible for managing the website, exploring and expanding on the Institute’s social media presence, producing brochures and newsletters, as well as assisting with the daily operations of the office. The intern will also work closely with the Political Affairs Intern in attending meetings, organizing events, seeking grants, and corresponding with Hill staff.

Requirements:

Background and experience in website management and design
Familiarity working with WordPress and Squarespace
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
Experience with different social media platforms
Execellent writing and organizational skills
Familiarity with various Asian countries through academic studies or professional experiences strongly preferred

"My favorite aspect of my USAI internship has been the support I have received while I face challenging situations. Managing social media accounts while helping with delegations and events can be quite daunting, but I was fortunate to have worked with some of the most hardworking and dedicated people I have ever met. If I ever felt overwhelmed or confused, Madeline and Mary Sue listened to my ideas and encouraged me to pursue anything I wanted to try. I might have failed and made mistakes for some tasks, but I was repeatedly told that these are lessons for future internships and careers. Additionally, I learned so much about the policymaking world in DC and Asia and I hope to apply this knowledge in a future career. Interning at USAI taught me to never say no to a challenge, a state of mind that will be extremely crucial in my future career." -Aisac, 2019

“My favorite thing about the internship: THE PEOPLE. I have learned so much talking with people around Capitol Hill and working with USAI staff. The collaborative and supportive office environment at USAI makes work all the more fun!” – Emily, 2018

“As an intern as USAI, I love how a lot of the projects we work on are team-oriented, but you still have individual responsibility to complete specific tasks. Every day at USAI is different, and I felt like I got to have ownership over a variety of tasks and projects. I loved getting to meet so many influential people over the summer through USAI events and connections.” – Laurel, 2018

+ Rule of Law Intern

(Available during the summer term, not running for 2025)

The Rule of Law Intern will manage the USAI Rule of Law Program. This involves corresponding with legislative staff, scheduling meetings, acting as the liaison between Chinese Fellows and American policymakers.

Requirements:

Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Professionalism and strong time management skills
Experience managing a team
Extensive knowledge of both Chinese and American cultures
Command of Mandarin (Preferred)

“What I’ve enjoyed most about this internship has been both the warmth and supportiveness of the office environment, and the interactions and opportunities for cultural and epistemological exchange which USAI’s various programs have afforded me. USAI’s wide range of programs have allowed me to interact with people from many different countries in Asia, and from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds. I doubt many other internship programs provide interns with anywhere near this much exposure. It has been tremendously helpful for thinking about future career directions.” – Nate, 2018

Internship Periods and Application Deadlines

While the timeframes for the internships are flexible, deadlines are not. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and no additional applications will be considered if they are not not received by the given deadline.

Winter/Spring Term Deadline: November 1

Summer Term Deadline: March 1

Fall Term Deadline: June 15

All questions and applications should be directed to:

Anna Bunn, Director of Programs & Communications

anna.bunn@usasiainstitute.org

Please send your application materials (resume, cover letter, transcript copy, and 2-page writing sample), as a single PDF with your name in the title, to the Program Director and please be patient as we review your application. Please also include your potential start date in your cover letter. Your start date may impact the type of work and projects you are able to work on, so please give the earliest possible date that will work for you.

You can download the one-pager detailing information of our internship program HERE.

Linda Chu Lai Scholarship Fund

Linda Chu Lai was a beautiful, independent, and caring woman who understood the meaning of living life to the fullest. Born in Chungking in 1939 during World War II, she grew up in Shanghai and Macau as a diplomat’s daughter. Eventually, she settled in Taipei, Taiwan with her family where she attended the prestigious Taipei First Girl's High School and went to college at the National Taiwan University, receiving a B.S. in Entomology and Plant Pathology. The summer after college, she gained an enormous appreciation for French culture and cuisine while being with her father in Vietnam. In 1961, she received the Comstock Scholarship to attend Cornell University receiving a M.S. in Entomology in 1962. At Cornell, she met her future husband Michael Lai, who was then an assistant professor at Rensselelaer Polytechnic Institute. Following a whirlwind long-distance romance, where Michael traveled from Troy NY to Ithaca NY every weekend, they were engaged less than a year later and married in December 1963. Settled into their home in Troy NY they were blessed with two children, David and Michelle. They moved to Latham NY in 1975 to be closer to Albany Medical College where Linda was a Research Associate in the Physiology Department until 1994. She moved to NYC in 1994 to join her husband who was an engineering professor at Columbia University since 1987. She loved being in NYC as her love of culture, music, and art was right at her fingertips. She often would go to museums, shows, exhibitions and operas if not already at home creating her own artistic work. In addition, she loved to travel through Europe with Mike, especially on river cruises. Michael Lai is a senior advisor for the US-Asia Institute, but Linda was his advisor and accompanied him on Congressional staff delegations to China for the US-Asia Institute. A special fund -- the Linda Chu Lai Scholarship Fund -- was established in her memory at the US-Asia Institute. We here at the Institute are deeply honored to be entrusted with continuing Linda’s legacy.