Internship Opportunities at CIRIS – Open Call

Develop Your Skills. Expand Your Network. Make an Impact.

The Center for International Relations and International Security (CIRIS) welcomes applications from motivated students and recent graduates interested in gaining practical experience within an international nonprofit organization.

CIRIS is an independent, U.S.-registered nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and informed discussion in international relations and international security.

We offer students the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, develop professional skills, and collaborate with an international network of researchers, academics, practitioners, and fellow students.

This is an ongoing call for applications. We welcome expressions of interest throughout the year, with internship placements depending on available projects and organizational needs.

What Can You Do at CIRIS?

Depending on your academic background, interests, and skills, you may contribute to:

• Research and Policy Analysis: Explore international relations, geopolitical developments, security challenges, human rights, and related subjects.
• Academic Writing and Publications: Develop research articles, analytical papers, and contributions to our Global Affairs Blog or support the editorial activities of Panoply Journal.
• Communications and Digital Media: Support social media, digital content development, public outreach, and organizational visibility.
• Projects and Organizational Development: Participate in ongoing initiatives, educational activities, and international collaborations.

We encourage interns to bring their own ideas and interests to the organization. Where appropriate, students may develop individual research projects aligned with CIRIS’s mission.

Join Our Community of Learners (CoL)

An important part of the CIRIS experience is our Community of Learners (CoL).

The CoL brings together students, emerging scholars, and professionals from different countries and academic backgrounds who share an interest in international affairs and lifelong learning.

Rather than simply completing assigned tasks, participants are encouraged to become active members of a collaborative learning environment.

Through the CoL, you can:

• Exchange knowledge, perspectives, and ideas with international peers.
• Develop your research, analytical, and professional communication skills.
• Participate in collaborative projects and learning activities.
• Receive constructive feedback and guidance from more experienced members.
• Build an international professional network.
• Take initiative in developing new ideas, research topics, and organizational activities.

We believe that meaningful learning comes from combining academic knowledge with practical experience, personal initiative, and collaboration.

Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as recent graduates, from international relations, political science, security studies, law, social sciences, communications, and related disciplines.

More importantly, we are looking for people with the right mindset.

CIRIS operates internationally, with much of our work conducted remotely. This provides considerable flexibility but also requires personal responsibility.

Successful applicants should demonstrate:

• Self-discipline: The ability to organize their own work, manage time effectively, and meet agreed deadlines.
• A proactive attitude: Willingness to take initiative, propose ideas, identify opportunities, and contribute without constantly waiting for instructions.
• Independence: Confidence in working autonomously while knowing when to seek feedback or assistance.
• Reliability: Commitment to completing agreed tasks and communicating progress.
• Curiosity and critical thinking: A genuine interest in international affairs and the willingness to explore different perspectives.
• Collaboration: Openness to working with people from different cultures, disciplines, and professional backgrounds.
• Strong English communication skills: Excellent written and spoken English is essential.

Previous professional experience is not required. We value motivation, commitment, intellectual curiosity, and the willingness to learn.

What Do We Offer?

An internship at CIRIS provides an opportunity to develop your professional profile while contributing to an international organization.

Depending on your role and contributions, you can benefit from:

• Practical experience in research, communications, or organizational projects.
• Opportunities to develop your academic and professional portfolio.
• Participation in our international Community of Learners.
• Collaboration with researchers, professionals, and fellow students worldwide.
• Guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional development.
• Opportunities to contribute to publications and other CIRIS initiatives.
• An internship certificate and the possibility of a recommendation letter based on your contributions.

Internship Arrangements

Location: Remote / International
Duration: Typically 8–10 weeks (but we also welcome longer appointments)
Commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week
Language: English
Compensation: Voluntary / Unpaid
Applications: Open throughout the year

Internship arrangements may be discussed individually depending on academic requirements, availability, and organizational needs.

Ready to Join CIRIS?

We are looking for students who want to do more than add another experience to their CV.

If you are motivated, intellectually curious, self-disciplined, and ready to take responsibility for your own professional development, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your application, including:

• A short introduction and motivation.
• Your academic background and areas of interest.
• Your LinkedIn profile or CV.
• Your preferred internship period and weekly availability.
• Any specific projects or ideas you would like to explore.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates will be contacted when opportunities matching their interests and qualifications become available.

Application and Selection Process

CIRIS welcomes applications throughout the year. However, as a voluntary organization with limited supervisory capacity and a growing international Community of Learners (CoL), we carefully select candidates based on their motivation, skills, interests, and compatibility with our ongoing projects and community.

Placement also depends on the availability of suitable opportunities within the CoL and our capacity to provide meaningful guidance and engagement.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications and our limited organizational capacity, we are unable to provide individual responses or feedback to applicants who are not selected.

We appreciate your interest in CIRIS and thank you for considering becoming part of our international community.