Save the Children offers a year-round internship and fellowship program for students and recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience in the nonprofit sector. The program provides semester-long paid opportunities where participants work alongside Save the Children staff on strategic projects within different departments and programs.
One notable feature is the flexibility of the program. Intern and fellow opportunities may be remote or based in Save the Children’s offices in Fairfield, Connecticut, Lexington, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C.
Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Save the Children |
| Opportunity | Internships/Fellowships |
| Location | Remote or selected U.S. offices |
| Program type | Internship and fellowship |
| Duration | Semester-long |
| Payment | Paid hourly |
| Hours | 16–24 hours per week |
| Schedule | Flexible |
| Internship applicants | Associate, Bachelor’s or Graduate students and recent graduates |
| Fellowship applicants | Graduate/post-graduate students and recent graduates |
| Work authorization | Must be eligible to work in the United States |
| Housing | Not provided |
| Relocation | Not provided |
| Program periods | Spring, Summer and Fall |
Why This Opportunity Matters
The program is designed to combine professional development with hands-on work. Participants work under the direct supervision of Save the Children staff and contribute to strategic projects rather than simply observing workplace activities.
The organization also highlights orientation, onboarding, weekly learning opportunities, mentoring and networking during the semester.
For students interested in international development, humanitarian work, nonprofit management, education, child protection, communications, fundraising, advocacy or related fields, this type of experience can provide useful exposure to how a major nonprofit organization operates.
Who Should Apply?
Internship Applicants
Save the Children states that interns may be:
- Pursuing an associate degree
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree
- Pursuing graduate education
- Graduates who completed their studies within six months of the internship start date
Fellowship Applicants
Fellowships are intended for:
- Graduate students
- Post-graduate students
- Individuals who graduated within six months of the fellowship start date
This distinction is important because fellowship eligibility is narrower than the general internship eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Explained
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
The organization states that foreign nationals must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school and possess a valid student visa.
Applicants should therefore not assume that being an international student automatically makes them eligible. Work authorization and student-status requirements need to be considered before applying.
Save the Children also clearly states that housing and relocation are not provided.
Paid Internship and Benefits
These are paid opportunities. Save the Children states that interns and fellows receive an hourly wage and generally work between 16 and 24 hours per week during a specific semester.
The program also provides:
- Orientation
- Onboarding
- Weekly learning opportunities
- Direct supervision
- Mentoring
- Networking
- Flexible work schedules
- Professional development
- Career development opportunities
- Practical nonprofit-sector experience
The source does not specify a universal hourly wage, so applicants should check the individual listing for compensation details.
Remote Work Options
One of the important features of the program is that internships and fellowships can be remote or office-based.
The listed office locations are:
- Fairfield, Connecticut
- Lexington, Kentucky
- Washington, D.C.
However, remote availability may depend on the individual opening. Applicants should confirm the work arrangement in the specific vacancy before applying.
What Participants Can Expect to Do
Rather than assigning all interns the same duties, Save the Children places participants within an assigned department or program.
Work focuses on supporting strategic projects, giving participants the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to practical nonprofit work.
Depending on the specific opening, the experience may involve areas connected to program support, research, communications, advocacy, operations, fundraising, administration or other organizational functions.
Applicants should rely on the individual vacancy for the exact responsibilities.
How Competitive Is the Opportunity?
Opportunities Feed assessment: The program has several eligibility filters that applicants should consider before applying, particularly education level and U.S. work authorization.
The application is not simply about being interested in nonprofit work. Applicants should demonstrate how their academic background, previous experience, projects and skills relate to the specific department or opportunity.
Because Save the Children states that it receives a high volume of applications and cannot contact every applicant, candidates should make their application clear and relevant.
How to Improve Your Application
Tailor Your Resume
Highlight experiences that connect directly to the opportunity, including:
- Research projects
- Volunteer experience
- Academic projects
- Nonprofit experience
- Communications work
- Leadership
- Community initiatives
- Data or analytical skills
- Relevant coursework
Demonstrate Your Interest
If a motivation statement or cover letter is requested, explain why the specific program interests you and what relevant skills you can contribute.
Avoid generic statements that could apply to any nonprofit organization.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Students without previous nonprofit employment can demonstrate relevant skills through university projects, volunteering, student organizations, research and part-time work.
For example, experience organizing a student project can demonstrate planning and teamwork, while a research project can demonstrate analytical and communication abilities.
Documents You May Need
The exact documents depend on the individual internship or fellowship listing.
Applicants should be prepared for requirements such as:
- Resume/CV
- Education information
- Academic background
- Relevant experience
- References or other supporting information if requested
International students should also ensure that they can demonstrate the required U.S. student status and work authorization where applicable.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Applying without checking U.S. work-authorization requirements
- Assuming relocation or housing will be provided
- Applying for a fellowship without meeting the graduate-level requirement
- Using a generic resume
- Failing to demonstrate relevant experience
- Ignoring the specific department’s requirements
- Waiting until the recruitment period is almost over
- Assuming every opportunity is remote
Internship Dates and Recruitment Periods
Save the Children organizes the program around three semesters:
| Semester | Internship Period | Recruitment Period |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | January–April | October–December |
| Summer | June–August | February–March |
| Fall | September–December | June–July |
Applicants should use these periods for planning, but the individual listing remains the best source for the current opening and its application details.
How to Apply
Save the Children directs applicants to its current Internships and Fellowships listings.
The practical process is:
- Review the available internship and fellowship openings.
- Identify opportunities matching your education and interests.
- Read the complete requirements.
- Confirm U.S. work eligibility.
- Prepare a tailored resume and any requested documents.
- Submit your application through the official recruitment platform.
- Monitor your email after applying.
View Save the Children Internships and Fellowships
Application Deadline
There is no single year-round deadline for all Save the Children internships and fellowships.
Instead, recruitment takes place according to the semester schedule:
- Spring: October to December
- Summer: February to March
- Fall: June to July
Specific vacancies may have their own application closing dates, so applicants should check the current listing.
What Happens After You Apply?
Save the Children states that, because of the volume of applications, it cannot contact every applicant.
If an applicant is selected for consideration, a member of the team will contact them to discuss the recruitment process.
This means applicants should monitor the contact details provided in their application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Save the Children internships paid?
Yes. Interns and fellows are paid an hourly wage. Participants generally work 16–24 hours per week during the semester.
Are Save the Children internships remote?
Some internships and fellowships can be remote. Others are based in Fairfield, Connecticut, Lexington, Kentucky, or Washington, D.C.
Who can apply for an internship?
Interns may be pursuing associate, bachelor’s or graduate education, or may have graduated within six months of the start date.
Who can apply for a fellowship?
Fellowships are for graduate or post-graduate students and individuals who graduated within six months of the start date.
Can international students apply?
Foreign nationals may apply if they meet the organization’s stated requirements, including enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate school and possession of a valid student visa. Applicants must also be eligible to work in the United States.
Does Save the Children provide housing?
No. The organization states that housing and relocation are not provided.
How many hours do interns work?
Interns and fellows generally work 16 to 24 hours per week during the specific semester period.
When are the internships offered?
The program has Spring, Summer and Fall periods.
Does Save the Children guarantee employment after an internship?
The supplied information does not state that completing an internship or fellowship guarantees a permanent job.
Opportunities Feed Verdict
Save the Children Internships/Fellowships provide paid, semester-long opportunities for students and recent graduates seeking practical nonprofit-sector experience. The program combines hands-on project work with mentoring, learning and networking.
The most important eligibility consideration is U.S. work authorization, particularly for international applicants. Students should also remember that housing and relocation are not provided.
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with Save the Children and do not recruit applicants on its behalf. Always review the official listing for the latest requirements and available opportunities.
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