Notice
The U.S. Embassy is currently not accepting applications for our Local Internship Program. (as of August 31, 2021)
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. Read the information on this page in its entirety before you send an inquiry.
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 the Philippines 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
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.
To be considered for the FNSIP, students must have graduated from high school or equivalent secondary school prior to beginning the program and must be at least 18 years old. Also, there is not a break of service for purposes of this requirement if an individual is receiving academic credit for the internship, even if not otherwise taking classes.
Minimum Age
Students must be at least 18 years old at the time of participation in the program. However, since the FNSIP must also be consistent with local law with respect to the employment of minors, the minimum age may need to be higher than 18 at some posts, depending on local law.
Citizenship/Legal Residence
The FNSIP is only open to students who are either citizens or permanent legal residents of the host country. For permanent legal residents, post must verify the citizenship or legal residency status and authorization to work, if work authorization is needed for participation in a student volunteer program.
Potential
The student must have demonstrated potential to accomplish the type of work to be performed.
Transcript and Permission
Applicants must be in good academic standing at their current educational institution and must provide a certified transcript verifying this. Applicants must also provide written permission from the educational institution at which they are currently enrolled to participate in the FNSIP.
Medical Insurance
The student must have his/her own medical insurance, at least for the duration of internship.
Types of Assignments
Participants in the FNSIP may be involved in the following issues: research, economic and political report writing, correspondence, information systems, analysis of international matters, consular or visa matters, administrative issues, budget and fiscal issues, human resources management issues, etc., so long as the tasks are consistent with the program requirement of providing an educational experience to the student. Due to obvious and inherent physical and safety risks, the FNSIP must not involve strenuous physical or manual labor, operation of motorized equipment, heavy lifting, or other high risk activities. The Post Occupational Safety and Health Officer (POSHO) may grant exceptions on a case-by- case basis in consultation with the Office of Safety, Health and Environmental Management (OBO/OPS/SHEM). Any exception, however, must be consistent with the program requirement to provide an educational experience to the student and must be consistent with local law requirements.
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:
- Application/Resume
- Statement of Interest
- Legal residency documentation
- 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. (Letters should be addressed 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 in the Philippines Human Resources Office.
- 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.
ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE INCLUDED IN YOUR APPLICATION PACKET. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE AND WILL NOT BE REVIEWED.
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
Applicants must receive a successful security certification and medical certification from post prior to beginning the program.
Documentation
Post will need to work with academic institutions and/or schools to establish the proper documentation or evaluation requirements for each respective institution. Post should not sign any agreements with academic institutions and/or schools without review by HR/OE and L/EMP.
Inquiries and Submission Deadline
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.
The U.S. Embassy is accepting applications on a continuous basis. Internship availability and content may change based on current availability and application qualification. Applications may be submitted by e-mail to the Human Resources Office, or mailed to:
U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
Human Resources Office, attn: FNSIP
P.O. Box 151
Manila
Fill out the Foreign National Student Internship Application (PDF 125KB)