The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has opened applications for its 2026 CSIS Paid Internships in the United States. The program offers undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience in policy research, international affairs, global security, economics, technology, and public policy while working alongside leading experts.
CSIS internships combine meaningful project work with professional development through the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA), preparing participants for careers in international relations, government, diplomacy, and policy analysis.
CSIS Paid Internships 2026 in the USA | Applications Open for Undergraduate, Graduate and Recent Graduates
Internship Overview
- Organization: Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
- Programme: Paid Internship Program
- Location: Washington, D.C., USA
- Internship Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
- Duration: Spring, Summer, and Fall Semesters
- Eligible Applicants: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, and Recent Graduates
- Compensation: Paid
- Application Method: Online
About the CSIS Internship Program
CSIS internships provide participants with hands-on experience supporting the organization’s research and policy initiatives. Interns work directly with experts across a wide range of international affairs and public policy programs while contributing to research, writing, event planning, and project development.
Alongside their daily responsibilities, interns participate in leadership and career development sessions designed to strengthen professional skills and prepare them for future careers in policy, government, and international organizations.
What Interns Will Do
Successful interns may contribute to activities such as:
- Conducting policy and academic research
- Writing reports and background papers
- Supporting project development
- Assisting with events and conferences
- Monitoring international developments
- Preparing briefing materials
- Supporting communications and publications
- Collaborating with research teams
- Assisting programme staff with administrative tasks
Responsibilities vary depending on the department or research programme.
Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA)
A unique feature of the internship programme is participation in the Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA).
Interns receive professional development through:
- Leadership training
- Foreign policy discussions
- Career development workshops
- Policy skills training
- Networking opportunities
- Engagement with leading international affairs experts
The academy complements interns’ practical work experience and helps prepare the next generation of policy leaders.
Internship Benefits
Participants can benefit from:
- Paid internship experience
- Hands-on policy research
- Professional mentorship
- Leadership development
- Networking with international affairs professionals
- Exposure to global policy issues
- Opportunities to attend exclusive policy discussions and events
- Experience working in one of Washington, D.C.’s leading think tanks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least a college junior in good standing or a recent graduate.
- Be legally eligible to work in the United States.
- Have employment authorization if they are foreign nationals.
- Meet any additional requirements listed for individual internship opportunities.
Please note that CSIS does not sponsor visas for interns.
Internship Terms
CSIS offers internships throughout the year:
Spring Internship
- Period: January – May
Summer Internship
- Period: June – August
Fall Internship
- Period: September – December
Both full-time and part-time opportunities are available depending on programme needs.
Recruitment Timeline
Internship opportunities are generally advertised according to the following schedule:
- Summer Internships: Posted in February
- Fall Internships: Posted in July
- Spring Internships: Posted in October
Programmes may publish opportunities at different times, so applicants are encouraged to monitor the CSIS careers page regularly.
Who Should Apply?
The internship is ideal for students and graduates interested in:
- International Relations
- Political Science
- Public Policy
- International Development
- Economics
- Security Studies
- Global Affairs
- Law
- Journalism
- Communications
- Area Studies
- Public Administration
- Data Analysis
- Research
Why Join CSIS?
Interning at CSIS provides an opportunity to:
- Work alongside internationally recognized policy experts.
- Develop research and analytical skills.
- Build a professional network in Washington, D.C.
- Gain experience at one of the world’s leading think tanks.
- Strengthen leadership and communication skills.
- Prepare for careers in government, diplomacy, international organizations, NGOs, consulting, and academia.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the official CSIS Careers Portal, review available internship opportunities, prepare the required application documents, and submit their application through the online recruitment system.
CSIS only accepts applications submitted electronically through its careers platform.
Conclusion
The CSIS Paid Internship Program 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain real-world experience in international affairs and public policy while receiving professional mentorship and leadership training. With paid positions, flexible internship terms, and exposure to high-level policy work, the programme is an excellent pathway for aspiring global leaders.
SEO Keywords: CSIS Internship 2026, CSIS Paid Internship USA, Center for Strategic and International Studies Internship, Washington DC Internships, International Affairs Internship, Policy Research Internship, Public Policy Internship, Graduate Internship USA, Paid Student Internship, Think Tank Internship 2026.
