The Public Service Internship Program is an opportunity for undergraduates and recent graduates to contribute to the Partnership’s mission while developing valuable professional skills. Their responsibilities vary, but often include event planning and execution, research, writing and outreach to external partners, including federal agencies and colleges and universities. Additionally, there is time allocated to support the organization by taking shifts to staff the front desk and assisting other teams as needed. Summer 2021 internships will be remote. There is no single academic major or background they prefer over another.
Gilman Scholarships helps students of limited financial means study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. Students studying critical need languages may be eligible to receive an additional award of up to $3,000. This application cycle is for credit-bearing programs abroad or virtual international programs that have a start date from May 1, 2021-April 30, 2022. Specific scholarships are also available for child dependents of active duty service members, students who want to study in Israel, Wales or New Zealand, and students studying Arabic, Portuguese, or French.
TFAS is committed to providing engaging opportunities for academic and professional growth while maintaining the safety of our students, professors and internship supervisors. For in-person programs, TFAS will continue to follow all public health guidelines provided by university partners and local jurisdictions.
Gain Experience + Grow Your Network
In any given summer more than 40,000 students come to Washington, D.C. to intern and network. As you can imagine, competition is stiff. TFAS alleviates the stress of securing an internship by guaranteeing you an internship placement that matches your skills and career interests. Students intern in the following areas:
Policy groups, think tanks, federal agencies, Congressional offices and nonprofit organizations.
International NGO’s, and embassies.
Businesses, trade associations and public affairs firms.
Media outlets, PR firms and communications offices.
Additionally, TFAS provides housing, academic credit, a support network and a full calendar of events to help you learn and grow your network.
In just a couple of months, you’ll gain 250+ of real-world work experience, expand your professional network exponentially, earn course credit and gain a greater understanding of the types of jobs available to you after graduation.
Are you ready to live, learn and intern in Washington, DC?
A lifetime network!
After the program concludes, you’ll join more than 18,000 TFAS alumni who are making an impact in their communities and around the world. The TFAS Alumni Portal makes it easy to find and connect with other alumni.
Are you ready to grow your network this summer or fall?
Study Europe at KU Leuven: Information Sessions for International Students
New MAES Module on Europe and North America
The brand-new structure of the MAES programme
Upcoming lectures and events
Master of European Studies Social Activities
New publications by MAES Staff Members
The Master of European Studies is open for applications!
Study Europe at KU Leuven: Information Sessions for International Students
Are you thinking of studying Europe at the heart of Europe? Have you already applied for the programme and want to know more about the next steps in the registration process? Two forthcoming tailor-made information sessions with KU Leuven staff will provide you with all you need to apply and register for the academic year 2021-2022.
Simply sign up for one of our sessions on 18 and 19 February: Thursday, 18 February 2021, 6 pm: register here.Friday, 19 February 2021, 10 am: register here.
New MAES Module on Europe and North America
With the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the United States, a renewed push for transatlantic cooperation is high on the European agenda. As of the next academic year, students of KU Leuven’s Master in European Studies (MAES) can choose a new module on “Comparative American – European Studies.”
The module looks not only at the transatlantic relationship but also helps students to study European and American government, politics and law from a comparative perspective. The MAES programme values the perspective of experienced practitioners, which is why one of the courses in the module will be taught by Dirk Wouters, the former Belgian Ambassador to the United States. Please find more information about the module here.
The brand-new structure of the MAES programme in its first year
From this year onward, the MAES programme allows students to choose a minor and major from a total of nine (soon to be ten) modules, underscoring both its interdisciplinary philosophy and its specialized approach designed to produce experts in and across their respective fields of interest. Please find a more detailed explanation here.
Online teaching in the MAES Programme
Due to the restrictions on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, students in this academic year were given the opportunity to follow the programme completely online or in a blended format, in which students would come to Leuven to follow some courses physically, while others took place online.
Throughout the year, the MAES staff organized online lectures and discussion groups, interactive online seminars, and social activities for students. The lectures were made available through the University’s online platform, and students could follow along live or (re-)watch the lectures later. Professors also stimulate participation from students through quiz formats, brief polls, and informal discussion groups. In doing so, the MAES teaching staff hope to bring the interactive aspect of “real-life” lectures into the digital sphere.
LECTURES AND EVENTS:
Ambassadorial Lecture by H.E.Makita Shimokawa: “Japan in the new world order”
H. E. Makita Shimokawa (Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Belgium and to NATO) will be delivering an ambassadorial lecture on “Japan in the new world order: charting its own course facing new global challenges” on Thursday 25 February 2021 from 17:00 to 18:30 (CET). The lecture, including the introduction and Q&A-session, will be live-streamed. Please register via this link.
Looking back on the MAES Lecture Series on the Ambitions and Limitations of Global Europe
In December 2020, the MAES programme organised a lecture series on the Ambitions and Limitations of Global Europe. Raffaella Del Sarto (Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, SAIS Europe, Bologna), Hans Bruyninckx (Executive Director of the European Environmental Agency, Copenhagen), Kiran Patel (Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich), and Glyn Morgan (Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, NY) gave thought-provoking lectures followed by engaging Q&A-sessions.
We would like to warmly thank our speakers, who provided us with a wide array of new insights on the roles Europe can and cannot play on the global stage. We would also like to thank our participants, whose questions and comments were as interesting as they were manifold. The MAES programme hopes to continue its role as a high-level discussion forum on European affairs throughout the coming year.
MAES staff member dr. Ragnar Weilandt on the Arab Spring at Metaforum: ‘Ten years after Tahrir’
Dr. Ragnar Weilandt, postdoctoral assistant at the Master of European Studies, discussed the 2011 Egyptian uprising and its aftermath at KU Leuven’s Metaforum with Amr Ryad. Dr. Weilandt teaches the course “North Africa, the Middle East and Euro-Mediterranean Relations” in the MAES programme and lived in Cairo at the time of the General el-Sissi’s military coup in 2013. The talk is available via this link.
EUCROSS closing conference: Contestation and Polarization in Global Governance
The Jean Monnet Network EUCROSS is organising a closing conference on “Contestation and Polarization in Global Governance: European Responses in Post-Corona Times.”
The conference focuses on the state of global order, global governance and its respective contestation and polarization, but also on European responses – more specifically of the EU – to such considerable shifts.
The conference will take place on Friday, 26 February (11:00 – 18:00). Please register via this link.
MASTER OF EUROPEAN STUDIES ACTIVITIES
‘An evening with experts’: MAES Alumni discussed Internships and Job Opportunities in 2020
In November of last year, some of the MAES’ highly successful alumni were invited to discuss internships and job opportunities for MAES graduates. Speakers included Alexandra Brzozowski (EURACTIV, Brussels), Stephanie Zgouridi (Princeton University), Nadja Krotow (formerly European External Action Service), and Pavlina Pavlova (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe). The evening was moderated by prof. dr. Kolja Raube and dr. Ragnar Weilandt. The Master of European Studies is not just focused on educating top-level students, but also aims to ensure students reach their full potential after attending the MAES programme by staying in touch and following up on their careers.
MAES Career Session with diplomat Marc Franco
In November 2020, the MAES team invited diplomat Marc Franco for a ‘career session’ in which he discussed his long and successful international career, with experience in, among others, Russia and Egypt.
Dr. Franco’s track record is nothing short of impressive, having been Adviser for EBRD in Egypt (2012) and previously Ambassador, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt (2009-2012) and Head of the European Commission’s Delegation to Russia (2004-2009). He started his career in the University of Leuven (1969-1971), continued as Associate Expert of the UN in Upper Volta and Senegal (1971-1975), as PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge (1975-1978) and as official of the European Commission (1978-1989).
It was an evening full of inspiring stories and interesting tips for aspiring diplomats. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions, and they were eager to hear dr. Franco’s invaluable insights. We would like to thank him for his kind participation in our session.
MAES Online Social Activities during COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, physical lectures were replaced by distance learning in Belgian universities to curb the spread of the virus.
Due to the online format of lectures, students evidently could not socialise like they would normally do, even though social contact and international networking is an essential part of the MAES experience. This is why the MAES student representatives – elected by the students themselves – and teaching staff organised social activities throughout the year for students to come together and chat in an informal setting. One of these activities was ‘Decentring MAES: Flavours of the world,’ in which students were placed into ‘group blind-dates’ and answered questions on their favourite food, memorable experiences so far in the programme, and hobbies.
Looking ahead: The MAES Simulation Game
Even with the physical limitations imposed by COVID-19, international relations have not come to a standstill. Real diplomatic negotiations and discussions have now moved online, and the traditional MAES simulation game will follow suit.
In the simulation, MAES students re-enact high-level diplomacy on a European conflict. They will simulate the Permanent Council of the OSCE’s annual meeting on the renewal of the OSCE’s Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM).Students are divided into groups that take over either the role of an OSCE member state’s delegation, the EEAS or the OSCE’s secretariat. In an ever-evolving and increasingly digital diplomatic world, it is essential for students to become acquainted with digital forms of diplomacy. The simulation game will be an important step in shaping the MAES students into future-proof experts in international relations and negotiations.
NEW PUBLICATIONS BY MAES STAFF
KatjaBiedenkopf teaches Global Environmental Politics and Europe’s Climate and Energy Policy: Internal and External Dimensions in the MAES programme.Katja Biedenkopf teaches Global Environmental Politics and Europe’s Climate and Energy Policy: Internal and External Dimensions in the MAES programme.
Biedenkopf, K., Petri, F. (2021). The European External Action Service and EU Climate Diplomacy: Coordinator and Supporter in Brussels and Beyond. European Foreign Affairs Review.
Geert De Baere teaches The Law of the External Relations of the EU in the MAES programme.
Idesbald Goddeeris teaches History of Migration, Subalternity and Postcolonialisms as well as Global Perspectives on Contemporary India in the MAES programme.
Kolja Raube teaches Current Issues in European Governance and Global Affairs, Globalization, Global Governance and Europe, and Human Rights and Rule of Law in Europe and the World in the MAES programme. He is the academic coordinator of the Master of European Studies.
Dimitri Vanoverbeke teaches Law and Society in Japan: a Historical and Comparative Perspective as well as Transnational and Global Perspectives on East Asia: Policy, Society and Methodologies in the MAES programme.
Ragnar Weilandt North-Africa, the Middle East and Euro-Mediterranean Relations and Regionalism, Inter-regionalism and the European Union in the MAES programme
The Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives is open for applications!
nterested in enrolling for the MAES programme? Please find more information on our website or send us an e-mail at ESinfo@kuleuven.be.
If you are (or know) an ambitious Master student or graduating Bachelor student with an interest in European Studies, please do not hesitate to apply or to send them our way!
The U.S. Department of State is currently accepting applications for the Pathways Internship Experience Program (IEP). Visit USAJOBS to view the following vacancy announcement and start the application process.
This vacancy announcement will be open from February 17, 2021 to February 25, 2021, or when the application cutoff limit has been reached. The vacancy will close the day the first of these conditions is met. If the application limit is reached on the same day the announcement opened, the open and close date will be the same. Candidates are encouraged to read the entire announcement before submitting their application packages. Veterans’ preference regulations apply.
Student Trainees work closely with the U.S. diplomats and Civil Service professionals who carry out America’s foreign policy initiatives. To witness and participate in U.S. foreign policy formulation and implementation, consider a Pathways internship with the U.S. Department of State.
The Internship Experience Program (IEP) allows for non-temporary appointments that are expected to last the length of the academic program for which the intern is enrolled. While in the program, IEP participants are eligible for noncompetitive promotions. This program allows for noncompetitive conversion into the competitive service following successful completion of all program requirements. Conversion to the competitive service is not guaranteed.
The American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) is looking for talented students for their program, which offers fully funded internships. The internship program at the American Foreign Policy Council provides aspiring young foreign policy leaders with the opportunity to thrive and begin contributing to national security in a meaningful way.
Interns delve into large research projects and assist with the publication of articles and/or the organizing and execution of events with foreign dignitaries. Interns are provided the opportunity to work closely with foreign policy professionals.
Intern Responsibilities
editorial assistance with publications
logistical support of foreign delegations in Washington
foreign policy research and writing
general administrative support
special events planning
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility requirements and are applying for a fully funded internship, please state that you are applying for a fully funded position in your cover letter. The main requirement for their fully funded program is that the student must be an undergraduate and eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants. If you have not been contacted 60 days after the respective application deadline, you were unfortunately not selected for an interview.
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following by email to the AFPC Internship Program Coordinator Courtney Atwater at internships@afpc.org: cover letter (please include hours and availability), resume, foreign policy related writing sample (four pages or less)
Absolute Internship is hosting a webinar titled “Breaking Through the Wall” on Thursday, February 25 at 10 AM EST. This session will feature a conversation with four of their interns based in the UK, Thailand, and Peru. You will hear about these students’ unique journeys working remotely for international companies despite all obstacles.
Charles University is offering a new academic program Online Spring University 2021 with the title “The Future of Europe? From Lockdown to Recovery.” taking place at the Institute of International Studies, Charles University Prague, Czech Republic. This online course will be launched from April 12 to April 16, 2021.
This study program is internationally acknowledged and successful participants will be given 2 or 4 ECTS credits, depending on their work extent.
Are you a student? Are you doing innovative things with the Esri ArcGIS platform?
Then, please consider applying for the University of Michigan’s Esri Innovation Program 2021 Student of the Year Award!
Esri Innovation Program (EIP) members are leading universities that challenge their students to apply geospatial technologies in innovative ways, using the Esri ArcGIS platform. This is their third year offering the Student of the Year award. (Read about last year’s winner, Lara O’Brien)
featured in an Esri StoryMap or blog post (see 2020, 2019, and 2018 winners)
automatically entered in the International Student of the Year competition
ELIGIBILITY
You must be a U-M undergraduate or graduate student, who was actively enrolled during Fall 2020, or is actively enrolled for Winter 2021.
This year’s competition emphasizes innovation in using GIS in all manners. Maybe you created a really well-designed, impactful StoryMap? Perhaps you built an innovative workflow leveraging mobile (e.g., Collector, Survey123), web (e.g., ArcGIS Online), and desktop (e.g., Pro)? Did you develop your own GIS application (i.e., Web Builder for ArcGIS, AppStudio for ArcGIS, ArcGIS API for Javascript, ArcGIS API for Python)?
In its early years, the award focused only on development — building GIS apps or applications — so if you are not a software developer, don’t let the write-ups on past winners dissuade you, the definition of “innovative use” is now much broader!
HOW TO APPLY
Please complete the 2021 EIP Student of the Year submission form by the deadline of 22 February 2021, Monday, at Midnight (Eastern Time). Winners will be announced the following week, and will be expected to create a short StoryMap summarizing their project.
On the form, they are looking for short answers (less than 2000 characters each) to the four questions below. The form also accepts URLs and/or files, and they encourage you to reference online content and/or include images in support of your submission.
Describe a problem you solved using GIS.
Describe your solution and its impact.
How was your solution innovative?
List the geospatial technologies used, Esri and otherwise.
Join online this May 31 – June 5, 2021 for an engaging and in-depth seminar focused on the (Re)Construction of Race, Racism, and Narrative in South Africa. Through this field seminar, participants will have the opportunity to better understand the issues of race, racism, and narrative, and how these issues can be approached in an online space, all while expanding their professional skills as international educators.
Sessions include:
The History of the Construction of Race and Racism and Apartheid in South Africa
The Student Movement in South Africa: From Fees Must Fall to Decoloniality and Rhodes Must Fall
Music and Race: South African music performance, with Q&A
Engaging with and Promoting Access, Diversity, and Inclusion/BelongingAddressing Privilege, Power, and Positionality
Best Practices in Leading Debrief and Reflection Sessions
This field seminar is open to faculty and study abroad professionals at institutions of higher education. The total cost for this virtual field seminar is $995, and a limited number of scholarships are still available. You can learn more about the schedule, seminar activities, and seminar faculty here.
umichpicsannouncements.wordpress.com 