Internships

The Embassy of the Republic of Iraq internship program is designed to provide students with an opportunity for involvement in governmental affairs, as well as provide a general understanding of the Iraqi-U.S. bilateral relationship through work in the Embassy. There are several positions in the Embassy, for which we screen applicants to match their particular academic and/or area of interest. The internship is highly competitive and students are encouraged to apply for academic credit from their universities for the experience or a related research project. While serving as a student internship does not offer future career employment with the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, the experiences gaineded are unique and offer useful experience.

All interns are retained on a non-remunerative basis and usually work 4 1/2 days per week. Because we offer unpaid internships, students are encouraged to apply for academic credit from their universities for the experience or a related research project.

Eligibility

  • Students must be in their Junior or Senior Year at a University
  • Student that have graduated, and are no longer attending school, are also eligible.
  • Good academic standing in an accredited institution.

Application Requirements

Our internship program mirrors the academic calendar. To apply, the following documents must be received in our office no later than the dates shown below:

  1. A cover letter that includes an autobiographical sketch stating your goals/interests and why you are applying to our program (1-2 pages). Please include up to 2 positions at the Embassy in which you are interested.
  2. A Resume
  3. Academic Transcript (unofficial)
  4. Writing sample (2-3 pages)

Application Deadlines

Summer Semester (May-August)                 April 1st
Fall Semester (September-December)       August 19th
Spring Semester (January- May)                 November 1st

Terms and Conditions

All interns are required to:

  1. Work under the direction of their immediate supervisor unless otherwise directed (a job description of duties will be provided on arrival);
  2. Complete all assignments and produce quality work;
  3. Be presentable and exhibit professional attitude at all times;
  4. Perform general office duties such as drafting routine research assignments, filing, photocopying, and other basic administrative projects (these tasks occupy a small amount of time in comparison to other responsibilities); and
  5. Research, develop and write material for use within the division and assist with briefings and other public events.
  6. All internships are UNPAID.

Evaluation of Application

Your application and supporting documents will be carefully reviewed. Due to the large volume of applications, candidates are not notified but are encouraged to contact the internship coordinator directly if they have any questions and to inquire on the status of their application. Contact information below.

Other things to Consider

Housing The Embassy does not provide any housing to any employees or interns. Many universities in the Washington, DC area offer affordable housing for interns in the summer. The average cost for a room and board is approximately U.S. $1,000/month.

Expenses Surveys suggest that past interns have spent approximately $95/ week on food, transportation, entertainment, laundry, and other incidentals. Most restaurants are comparatively expensive in Washington.

Transportation Transportation to and from the Embassy is the responsibility of the intern.

We hope this information will be useful to you. Again, thank you for your interest in our internship program, and if you have further questions please call or write to contact the Internship Coordinator.

Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
3421 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007
Tel: 202.742.1600 x115
Fax: 202.299.9833
sara.mohamad@iraqiembassy.us

Internship Departments

Media Affairs Intern

The Media Affairs Intern will assist the Media Coordinator in compiling daily media summaries of Iraq- related press from multiple sources (including print, wire, television, and radio media outlets). Additionally, the Media Affairs Intern may occasionally assist in fact checking, drafting press releases etc… The Intern will also have opportunities to attend media and political events around Washington that pertain to the cultural and political issues of the Middle East. Preferred areas of interest include Middle Eastern Studies, Journalism, Communications, and International Affairs.

Congressional Affairs Intern

The Congressional Affairs Intern will assist staff members by conducting research, tracking US legislation, Congressional hearings, and other political developments relating to Iraq. Intern may be asked to draft letters of correspondence to members of Congress and attend Congressional hearings with Embassy staff. In addition, interns may be asked to compile research on various topics, including special projects. Preferred areas of interest include Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, Law, or International Affairs.

NGO/Think Tank Outreach Intern

The NGO/ Think Tank Outreach Intern will assist staff in a variety projects relating to politics, antiquities, economics, women’s issues, refugee issues, terrorism, and law. The NGO/Think Tank Outreach Intern will be expected to research and compile of a daily digest of think-tank events and publications relevant to Iraq and the region. Occasionally, the Intern will be encouraged to attend Iraq- related events hosted by local think tanks and NGOs. The Intern is expected to be up-to-date on the events that are to take place each day, as well as to brief Embassy staff on upcoming events. In addition, the Intern may be asked to compile research on various topics, including special projects. Preferred areas of interest include Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, Law, or International Affairs.

American Administration Outreach Intern

The American Administration Outreach Intern will assist staff in a variety of projects relating to the US government directly. The American Administration Outreach Intern will be expected to research and compile a daily digest of events, briefings, and media releases from the White House, State Department and anywhere else that is relevant to Iraq and the region. The Intern is expected to be up-to-date on the events and briefings and will be asked to highlight the important aspects in reports that will be submitted to Embassy staff. In addition, the Intern may be asked to compile research on various topics, including special projects. Preferred areas of interest include Political Science, Middle Eastern Studies, Law, or International Affairs.

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