If you are an American Citizen and would like information regarding internships please follow this link: Internships for U.S. Citizens. For all other nationalities please continue below.
Foreign National Student Internship Program
What It Is
The Foreign National Student Internship Program is designed for students who are non-U.S. citizens seeking internships with U.S. Missions abroad. The program benefits both posts and students by providing the foreign national students with valuable educational experience in U.S. Missions and by assisting posts in accomplishing their mission goals. The purpose of the Foreign National Student Intern Program is to offer students the challenge of working in a foreign affairs arena and at the same time profit by their assistance. There are no benefits attached to this internship and no compensation, nor any future employment rights. The program is open to all students and provides the opportunity to work for a short period (not more than three months) in the Embassy to gain experience in various areas of foreign policy and management.
Who We Are
The U. S. Embassy in Manila is comprised of some 26 different U.S. Government agencies. The Department of State, the primary presence at the Embassy, is the official international relations arm of the President of the United States. The Department is responsible for formulating, implementing and supporting U.S. foreign policy, assisting U.S. citizens abroad and managing the human and material resources that provide the platform for U.S. foreign policy. Members of the Department's Foreign Service and Civil Service are engaged in issues such as conflict resolution, nuclear non-proliferation, human rights and democracy, environmental issues, world trade, public diplomacy, and the promotion of the interests of Americans and their businesses abroad. Department of State employees are also involved in support and management issues and improving logistical systems to get the best possible value for tax dollars. From time to time, a limited number of positions may become available for student interns who will work with State Department offices in the Embassy.
Program Requirements
This program must be in accordance with U.S. law, as well as conform to host government law. For example, the Post would be in violation of U.S. law if they allowed an individual who is not within the definition of a student as set forth in 5 USCS 3111 to participate in the Foreign National Student Intern Program at the U.S. Mission.
The Student Intern is Not Considered a Federal Employee
A student participating under this program is not considered to be a Federal employee for any purpose other than injury compensation or laws related to the Tort Claims Act.
No Compensation
No compensation or benefits are offered in connection with program. All interns will be provided with a performance evaluation at the end of their internship.
No Creditable Service
Service is NOT creditable for leave accrual or any other employee type benefits.
Minimum Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility Criteria in General
Only students who are non-U.S. citizens in the Philippines are eligible for the intern program, including any non-host country foreign nationals who are legal resident students of the host country. Non-host country foreign nationals are required to submit the same documentation as the other applicants, plus documentation proving legal resident status.
Definition of Student
Eligible students must also meet the definition of a student, pursuant to Title 5 USC 3111, as follows: "3111. For the purpose of this section, "student" means an individual who is enrolled, not less than half-time, in a high school*, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university or comparable recognized educational institution. An individual who is a student is deemed not to have ceased to be a student during an interim between school years if the interim is not more than 5 months and if such individual shows to the satisfaction of the Embassy that the individual has a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue a course of study or training in the same or different educational institution during the school semester (or other period into which the school year is divided) immediately after the interim."
*NOTE: All Foreign National Student Intern Program applicants must have graduated from high school or equivalent secondary school prior to beginning their internship.
Minimum Age
The intern program applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
Potential
The student must have demonstrated potential to accomplish the type of work to be performed.
Transcript and Permission
The student must be in good academic standing at his or her current educational institution and provide a certified transcript to verify it and must provide written permission from the educational institution in which the student is enrolled.
Certifications
The student must receive a security certification and a medical certification once selected for the program and before starting to work.
Medical Insurance
The student must have his/her own medical insurance, at least for the duration of internship.
Types of Assignments
Interns can be assigned duties that may include research, economic and political report writing, correspondence, information systems, analysis of international issues, consular work, administrative duties, budget and fiscal and personnel management.
Summary Procedures on How to Apply for Foreign National Student Internship
Before you begin
This is NOT an offer of U.S. Government employment.
There will be NO benefits, leave accrual, or credit.
There will be no compensation.
Steps to Complete
- Complete the following forms:
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Application/Resume
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Statement of Interest
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Placement Questionnaire
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Legal residency documentation (non-Filipinos only)
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- Obtain written permission from school and letters of recommendation, as applicable.
- Request that the school send an official transcript of academic standing to the Human Resources Office.
- Submit all documents in Step 1 above including any certifications, licenses and proficiencies as required to the U.S. Embassy Human Resources Office prior to the closing date.
- Read and understand the following: Responsibilities of the Student
- Be available for interview when/if called. English skills will be tested as part of the interview process. If selected, be available for medical and security certifications.
Selection and Offer
The U.S. Mission is committed to fair and equitable treatment for all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Once all personnel procedures are completed, then preliminary selection(s) are made, the Human Resources Office will send an official letter extending an offer to participate in the program to all those selected. This letter will include information on the position, the dates of the program and the work location. Final selection is contingent on passing medical and security checks.
Security and Medical Certification
Students selected for the internship program must pass a background check and receive a security certification from the post security officer before commencement of the internship. Students will be asked to provide a certificate of medical examination and NBI clearance prior to commencement of appointment to the Internship Program. In addition, all appropriate host government and post records will be checked for security risk assessment.
Information and Submission
Requests for information regarding the program should be directed to (02) 301-2000 extension 2251 or 5169 or e-mailed via the Human Resources Office.
Complete applications may be submitted directly to the U.S. Embassy Human Resources Office at 1201 Roxas Blvd. or mailed to:
U.S. Embassy
Human Resources Office, attn: FNSIP
P.O. Box 151
Manila
Current Internship Openings
Skills and background should be appropriate to any openings for which you apply. All applicants must have strong Tagalog and English language skills.
Database / Website Developer to assist webmasters and programmers with a variety of automation and paperless projects. Desired technical skills include Java, VB scripts, HTML, ASP/PHP/XML and Macromedia Flash, as used in a Microsoft environment. Desired interpersonal skills include creativity and innovation, good English communications skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
Consular Intern for various consular and visa study projects, such as: a detailed survey and analysis of fiancée visa recipients to determine how many of them actually married their petitioners in the USA, production of a high quality Tagalog language version of much of the current "English only" Immigrant Visa website information, revamp of the current Immigrant Visa website, compiling background information on economic and social issues in the Philippines to inform visa adjudicators. Applicants should have excellent computer programming skills.
Political Intern to perform research and writing on political developments in the Philippines, including the administration and opposition, civil society, political dynasties, constitutional change, current legislation, OFWs, child labor, human rights, etc. May also assist in updating the Political Section's contact list, website, and other tasks as assigned. Those interested in full-time summer internships are encouraged to apply, but we also welcome applications from students who can work part-time during the school year.
Printing Production Coordinator Intern to assist in receiving, inspecting, and organizing materials for printing at RPC coming from various customers or other sources. Controls the flow of material received to aid job scheduling and expedite printing. Monitors progress of each job throughout the production process.
Finance and Fiscal Management Intern to assist in the preparation of financial documentations in compliance with the requirements for Contract/Purchase Order close-out. Collate and disseminate payment notification to vendors. Assist in the preparation of supporting documentation for payment vouchers, maintain office files, perform administrative services and other related duties as may be assigned by the Financial Management Officer or his/her designee.
Economic Intern to perform research and writing on economic issues and developments in the Philippines, including political economy, decision makers and officials, reform prospects, macroeconomic, trade, energy and intellectual property policies, economic dynasties, current legislation, OFWs, and other economic or political economy-related subjects. Full or part time positions available year round. Students of economics, business, law and political science preferred.
Web Master Intern to assist the Web Master and Web Designer in the upgrading and maintenance of the GPS Web Site in coordination with Washington elements, worldwide customers, and GPS Management.
Human Resources Intern to assist the Human Resources (HR) Clerk/Assistants in creating, updating and purging of hard copies of HR records including Employee Records, Official Personnel Folders (OPF), subject files and chronological files according to prescribed regulatory procedures. Sorts documents according to content and files their hard copies into their appropriate file folders. Locates missing documents. Shreds obsolete files and documents. Downloads and prints electronic job applications from the HR E-mail Box. Assembles welcome kits, emergency evacuation kits and other packaged HR publications. Delivers or picks up sensitive HR documents and /or payments to appropriate destinations. Escorts official visitors of the HR Office.
Each intern will be tasked to carry out a special project or report, such as understanding and applying an area of the U.S. Human Resources regulations; some aspect of streamlining work processes; alternative ways of managing files electronically; or assistance in special events hosted or coordinated by the HR Office, etc. Performs other related duties that may be assigned by the HR officers and LE staff.
(NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE) Global Employment Initiative –Strategic Networking Initiative Program Intern to assist the Global Employment Advisor in developing career opportunities for Eligible Family Members and Members of Households for the Embassy. The Intern would assist in career counseling sessions, contact clients and schedule meetings, conduct research on client skills inventory, attend American Chamber of Commerce meetings, facilitate weekly and monthly reports, and identify job opportunities in the local economy. Excellent interpersonal skills are required. A major in business or international affairs with a focus in human resources would be helpful.
Secretarial Intern (DAO) to work under close supervision of the DAO Administrative Assistant who will determine the propriety of delegating the following duties after careful consideration of office security and the sensitivity of the situation and circumstances: Answers telephone calls and refers those calls to the appropriate recipients, makes telephone calls in behalf of DAO staff, sorts and distributes non-sensitive correspondence received from mail distribution, prepares non-sensitive correspondence and PowerPoint presentations using a stand-alone PC, files documents into file folders when appropriate, arranges non-sensitive documents to be used for meetings and presentations, updates appointment calendars of DAO staff as appropriate, and runs out-of-office but within-the-compound errands for the DAO staff, e.g. delivering or picking up mail, etc.
USADB Intern to do research, report writing and analysis of international and local economic issues, producing correspondence regarding budget, fiscal and personnel management, and administrative duties.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Intern to assist the Agricultural Specialist in conducting an in-depth economic analysis of ASEAN Free Trade Agreements and its impact on agricultural trade. A candidate must be a major in Economics with good analytical skills and good command of computer especially Excel and PowerPoint. Must be able to follow certain instruction.
Deadline for Submission
The Embassy will accept applications on a continuous basis. Internship availability and content may change depending on current availability and application qualifications. Incomplete applications are NOT eligible. All documents must be included in your application.
Fill-out the Foreign National Student Internship Application (PDF 83KB)