Leaders of TodayLeaders of Today
BrowseWorkspaceProfile
Leaders of Today

Every opportunity worth finding, checked against its source.

Submit an Opportunity
Leaders of TodayAbout UsBlogContactReport a Bug
LegalCookiesDisclaimerPrivacy PolicyTerms of Service

© 2026 Leaders of Today™. All Rights Reserved.

Paid CFR Foreign Policy Internship

  • Organization: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
  • Type: Internship
  • Location: United States
  • Deadline: October 11, 2026
  • Funding: Fully Funded

The Council on Foreign Relations, the New York based foreign policy think tank that publishes Foreign Affairs, runs one of the best known paid internship programmes in its field. Spring 2027 interns spend a semester working 14 to 18 hours a week on research, writing, editing and events with one of more than 30 teams, from China strategy and defence to AI engineering and data visualisation. You send one application, with a resume and a cover letter, and pick up to five teams to be considered for. **What you get:** - $18.50 an hour for 14 to 18 hours a week, over an internship of roughly 10 to 12 weeks - Professional development sessions run by CFR's Human Resources team: skills workshops, writing and research training, and career conversations - Access to CFR meetings and events with foreign policy experts, policymakers and world leaders - Work alongside CFR fellows and staff in New York or Washington, DC, with some roles open to remote interns based in the US **What you'll do:** - Research, writing and editing for CFR teams, including briefing materials and published content - Support meetings, roundtables and events - Departmental and administrative support, depending on the team you join **Key dates:** - Applications close Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. Eastern - Selection decisions by the beginning of December 2026 - Internship runs from mid-January to mid-April 2027 **More information:** - Each of the 33 team descriptions is a PDF linked from the internships page; read the ones you pick, since location (in person in New York, in person in Washington, DC, or remote) differs by team - Submit one general cover letter that covers every team you select, not one per position - Shortlisted candidates get a phone screen with Human Resources, then a 30 minute interview; some teams set a writing or editing test, and finalists provide a letter of recommendation

Apply for Paid CFR Foreign Policy Internship

Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)Internship

Paid CFR Foreign Policy Internship

Oct 11, 2026 23:55:00 ET
Opportunity type
Internship
Funding
Fully Funded
Location
United States
Deadline
Oct 11, 2026 23:55:00 ET

About this opportunity

The Council on Foreign Relations, the New York based foreign policy think tank that publishes Foreign Affairs, runs one of the best known paid internship programmes in its field. Spring 2027 interns spend a semester working 14 to 18 hours a week on research, writing, editing and events with one of more than 30 teams, from China strategy and defence to AI engineering and data visualisation. You send one application, with a resume and a cover letter, and pick up to five teams to be considered for.

What you get:

  • $18.50 an hour for 14 to 18 hours a week, over an internship of roughly 10 to 12 weeks
  • Professional development sessions run by CFR's Human Resources team: skills workshops, writing and research training, and career conversations
  • Access to CFR meetings and events with foreign policy experts, policymakers and world leaders
  • Work alongside CFR fellows and staff in New York or Washington, DC, with some roles open to remote interns based in the US

What you'll do:

  • Research, writing and editing for CFR teams, including briefing materials and published content
  • Support meetings, roundtables and events
  • Departmental and administrative support, depending on the team you join

Key dates:

  • Applications close Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 11:55 p.m. Eastern
  • Selection decisions by the beginning of December 2026
  • Internship runs from mid-January to mid-April 2027

More information:

  • Each of the 33 team descriptions is a PDF linked from the internships page; read the ones you pick, since location (in person in New York, in person in Washington, DC, or remote) differs by team
  • Submit one general cover letter that covers every team you select, not one per position
  • Shortlisted candidates get a phone screen with Human Resources, then a 30 minute interview; some teams set a writing or editing test, and finalists provide a letter of recommendation

Who can apply

  • Currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates are eligible within a one semester grace period (December 2026 graduates qualify for Spring 2027)
  • At least four semesters of college coursework completed before the internship starts (AP classes do not count)
  • Majors in international relations, political science, economics or a related field are generally considered; some teams need a regional specialism or language skills
  • Legal right to work for any employer in the United States, secured before the internship starts; international students typically need CPT or OPT through their university
  • CFR does not sponsor work authorisation, and every intern must be physically located in the US for the whole internship, including remote interns
  • Able to commit 14 to 18 hours a week

AI Verification

✓ AI Verified

Our AI read the official sources and cross-checked the key facts. Here is what held up, and what it could not confirm.

We could not fully verify this organization or all of its details. Check it independently on the official website before you apply, and never share sensitive personal or financial information until you are sure a request is genuine.

80
LOT Verification ScoreSolid

Cross-checked 12 of 14 key facts

Confirmed Our best read Not stated

Good to know

  • +Paid at $18.50 an hour at one of America's best known foreign policy organisations
  • +One application lets you choose up to five of 33 teams
  • +Open to undergraduates, graduate students and recent graduates; international students with CPT or OPT can apply
  • +Some teams offer remote roles

Worth checking yourself

  • !Closes Sunday 11 October at 11:55 pm Eastern, less than a week away
  • !You need the right to work in the US and must be in the US for the whole internship; CFR does not sponsor visas
  • !It is part time, 14 to 18 hours a week, so the pay will not cover New York or Washington living costs
  • !Most teams are in person; check each team's description for remote options
  • !CFR does not answer questions about application status

Sources checked

CFcfr.orgApplyCFcfr.orgApplyCAcareers-cfr.icims.comOfficialASassets.cfr.orgOfficial3333 Spring 2027 team description PDFs on assets.cfr.org, all linked from the internships page (pay and location lines)Official

LOT finds and checks opportunities from public sources. Always confirm details on the organiser’s own page before applying.

Paid CFR Foreign Policy Internship
Oct 11, 2026 23:55:00 ET