Internships
October 16, 2024 2025-12-24 12:18Internships
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
**The NESA Center is no longer accepting applications for Spring ’26 internships. Application open period dates for Summer '26 internships will be posted in early January.**
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. NESA internships are full-time and unpaid.
Note: To be considered, applicants must reside in the Washington DC area for the duration of the term for which they’re applying. Geographically remote internships will not be considered.
NESA Center Interns – Spring 2026
Caroline Lochner
Caroline is a Global Studies undergraduate student at the University of South Carolina with a concentration in the MENA region. She spent a year in a Moroccan high school as a YES Abroad scholar and later continued her studies as a Boren Scholar at the University of Jordan. In both Jordan and the U.S., she has worked with refugee-serving organizations, strengthening her commitment to a career in diplomacy. Caroline speaks Arabic and French and is excited to be a part of the NESA center for the Spring ’26 term.
Ethan Baldwin
Ethan is an undergraduate at James Madison University, pursuing a B.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in International Conflict and Security and a minor in Asian Studies. Ethan’s academic interests include U.S. foreign policy regarding Middle East and Indo-Pacific regional politics. While at NESA, Ethan looks forward to supporting faculty members, gaining first hand experience with U.S. foreign policy and learning more about NESA’s diplomatic initiatives.
Grace Ware
Grace is a senior undergraduate at Kent State University majoring in Political Science with concentrations in International Relations and Comparative Politics. Her academic interests include foreign policy coordination, human rights, and regional security cooperation. Through her internship with the NESA Centers, Grace looks forward to developing a deeper understanding of strategic partnerships and security cooperation between the Near East, South Asia, and the United States, while gaining valuable experience in research, analysis, and policy engagement.
Justin Frye
Justin is a senior at James Madison University pursuing a B.A. in International Relations with a minor in French. His academic interests include Middle Eastern politics, political revolutions, and democratic accountability. Through prior research conducted with the Foreign Service Institute on democratic accountability in South America, Justin developed a strong interest in political representation. While at NESA, he looks forward to supporting faculty research and gaining a deeper understanding of the region’s diplomatic and security landscape.
Sofia Bennink
Sofia is an International Affairs major at James Madison University with a growing interest in global security, diplomacy, and the ways history and culture shape international cooperation. She is interested in international conflict, foreign policy decision-making, and the dynamics of global institutions. At NESA, Sofia is eager to deepen her research experience, engage with experts in international relations, and develop practical skills that will prepare her for future work in diplomacy, policy analysis, and global affairs.
NESA Center interns use academic 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. The NESA Center does not provide or assist interns in finding housing accommodations. The NESA Center does not sponsor travel or work visas for non-U.S. citizens.
We invite applicants seeking housing accommodation and/or travel visa sponsorship to apply through the following intern hosting organizations:
Washington Internships Institute
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).
