OPENING ANNOUNCEMENT

Foreign National Student Intern Program

U.S. Embassy Seoul

 

 

What It Is

 

The Foreign National Student Intern Program (FNSIP) 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 foreign national students with valuable educational experience in the U.S. Missions and by assisting posts in accomplishing their mission goals.  The purpose of the FNSIP is to offer foreign national students accepted into the program a unique training/apprenticeship opportunity within foreign affairs work environment. 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  obtain educational experience in the U.S Mission to Korea for a short period (not more than six months) in various areas of foreign policy and management.

 

Who We Are

 

The U.S. Mission to the Republic of Korea is comprised of various U.S. government agencies.  The Department of State, the primary presence at the Embassy, is the official international relations arm 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.  From time to time, a limited number of positions may become available for student interns who will be assigned to Department of State (DOS), Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), and Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) offices in the Embassy.    

 

Program Requirements

 

The student intern is not a federal employee

A student participating under this program is not considered to be a federal employee of the U.S. Embassy for any purpose other than injury compensation or laws related to the Tort Claims Act.  No compensation or benefits are offered in connection with program, and participation in the program is not creditable for leave accrual or any other employee type benefits.

 

Minimum Eligibility Criteria

 

General eligibility criteria

Only students who are non-U.S. citizens in Korea are eligible for the intern program, including any non-host country foreign nationals who is a legal resident of the host country, 19 years of age, and enrolled in a university, college, or junior college not less than half-time.  Non-host country foreign nationals are required to submit the same documentation as the other applicants as well as documentation proving legal resident status.

 

Definition of Student

Eligible students must 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 who are currently enrolled in high school must have graduated from their secondary school prior to beginning their internship.

 

Potential

The student must have demonstrated potential to successfully complete the apprenticeship, as demonstrated by transcripts and/or courses taken.

 

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 s/he must provide written permission from the educational institution in which the student is enrolled to participate in the Foreign National Student Intern Program.

 

Certifications

The student must receive a security certification once selected for the program and before beginning their training program.  The selected applicant is responsible for obtaining the medical certification.

 

Medical Insurance

The student must be covered under the ROKG’s Health Insurance Program on his/her own.

 

Internship curriculum

The internship program is a multifaceted training that may include opportunities to develop critical experience and skillsets through research, economic and political report writing, correspondence, information systems, analysis of international issues, consular work, administrative support, property management, procurement, financial management, and personnel management.

 

 

Selection Process

 

• Once applications are collected, each employing section reviews them.
• Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• Once all personnel procedures are completed and preliminary selection(s) are made, the HR Office will send an official letter extending an offer to participate in the program to those selected.  This letter will include information on the assigned apprenticeship, the dates of the program (will be arranged between the student and the assigned section), and the internship location.
• Final selection is contingent on passing security checks.

 

* 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. 

 

How to Apply

 

Students interested in this program must submit the following documents in no later than 11:59 PM (KST) Monday August 19, 2024.

 

Step 1 : Fill out Application form – https://forms.office.com/g/JRdE6Gg7HJ

Step 2 : Fill out and attach three documents below as ONE PDF file and email to seoulFNSIP@state.gov.

               You must indicate your name, section you apply to in the subject line in the email.

 

Attachments 

1. FNSIP Statement of Interest

2. FNSIP College permission form

2. Transcript - Must be in good academic standing. (Admission Letter is accepted for Graduate students.)

You must submit all required documents for acceptance of your application.  Please contact to SeoulFNSIP@state.gov if you have any questions regarding internship program. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FNSIP Winter 2024 – Current Openings

 

Consulate Busan – Political/Economic/PD Intern – 2 positions

Position Description

This position is located at the U.S. Consulate in Busan, Korea (https://kr.usembassy.gov/busan/). Applicants are expected to work inside the Consulate in Busan (near Busan City Hall).

Under guidance of the Principal Officer and local staff, the intern performs online research and analysis on political and economic trends in the Consulate district, comprised of the Yeongnam region and Jeju.  Prepares daily news summaries in English and creates brief written reports on local issues, and assists with creating presentation materials for public audiences, including at local universities.  Travels with the Consulate team throughout the district for meetings with officials, civil society leaders and academics, serves as notetaker, and assists with informal interpretation as needed.  Occasionally translates written remarks or messages.  Supports event preparation and performs routine clerical tasks, including answering the phone, in cooperation with consulate staff.  

 

Required Qualifications

• Academic Major: Political Science/International Relations, Economics, Journalism, or related business, social science or humanities field.
• Academic Year: 1st to 4th year students
• Applicant should have excellent English skills (speaking and writing)
• Period of Internship: 6 months, 40 hours a week.  The exact internship period will be arranged between the intern and the Consulate.

 

Community Liaison Office (CLO) – 2 positions

Position Description

The intern will perform as an assistant to the CLO Coordinator, CLO Assistant, and the Administrative Assistant in all CLO functions as directed.  The intern will, as directed by the CLO Coordinator, CLO Assistant, and the Administrative Assistant, provide Korean cultural and language resources to respond to the needs of families, under the guidance of the Administrative Assistant, and act on a timely basis to improve the quality of their lifestyle and host-country interactions for both employees and their family members.  A secondary function is to provide administrative assistance to the CLO Coordinator, CLO Assistant, and the Administrative Assistant in preparing newcomer and TDY packets, keeping accurate and updated records of newcomers list and CLO Activity board, coordinating and helping to execute CLO events and

activities, assisting with phone calls and all recurring needs related to office management, correspondence, files and record-keeping.

 

Required Qualifications

• Academic Major: Any area of study
• Academic year: Second, third or year university students
• Language Requirements: Level IV Korean and Level III English (Fluency) both speaking and writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills are required. The ability to organize and coordinate activities and to perform tasks independently is imperative.
• Must have a good knowledge in the use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Period of Internship: Six months, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with section

 

Department of Homeland Security-U. S Customs & Border Protection (DHS-CBP) Section Intern – 2 Positions

Position Description
The subject selected for the position will work directly for the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Attaché Office.  CBP is one of the world's largest law enforcement organizations and is charged with keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S., while facilitating lawful international travel and trade.  As the world's first full-service border entity, CBP takes a comprehensive approach to border management and control, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection into one coordinated and supportive activity.  The men and women of CBP are responsible for enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws and regulations. On a typical day, CBP welcomes nearly 1 million visitors, screens more than 67,000 cargo containers, arrests more than 1,100 individuals and seizes nearly 6 tons of illicit drugs.  CBP safeguards America's borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the Nation's global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel.  We encourage applications from individuals with an inherent interest in international travel and trade.  Duties will include corresponding public inquiry box regarding U.S. entry document requirement and customs procedure, providing translation and/or interpretation during various verbal and written settings. 

 

Required Qualifications

• Academics:  Academic Major: no preference
• Academy Year: Junior and Senior preferred
• Period of Internship: minimum 4 months, maximum 6 months

 

 

Economic (ECON) Section Intern – 2 Positions

Position Description
 Perform research and analysis related to emerging economic trends, ROK’s macroeconomic performance, and areas relevant to U.S. foreign policy priorities such as implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation, the KORUS free trade agreement, and critical and emerging technology developments in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum and cybersecurity.  Monitor and summarize relevant domestic media reports.  Perform online research to aid section reporting.  Support section events and senior leadership participation in meetings inside and outside the embassy.  Act as notetaker at official meetings, and draft correspondence to Washington, DC.  Develop contacts at relevant public and private sector institutions.  Perform routine clerical tasks as necessary, including filing, escorting visitors, and organizing meetings.  Applicant should have excellent English skills (speaking and writing) in addition to social and computer skills necessary to perform above-referenced tasks.

 

Required Qualifications

• Academics Major:  Economics, trade, finance, international relations, or related fields.
• Academic Year: Preferably third- or fourth-year undergraduate students.
• Period of Internship: Six months, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with intern supervisor.

 

EXEC (Protocol) Section – 1 Position

Position Description 

Mainly perform U.S. Embassy Contact Relations Management (CRM) database updates on high-level EXEC contacts along with their biographies.  Support AMB and DCM hosted events by guest list input, following-up with guests through phone calls and emails using the CRM with appropriate manner, checking-in and escorting guests onsite, and preparing biographical information and appropriate briefing memos.  Prepare and participate in the U.S. Embassy’s annual Independence Day Reception possibly in June or July as a member of the Protocol Office team.  Perform routine clerical tasks as assigned. 

 

Required Qualifications

• Academic Major:  Any areas of study but International Office Management is preferred.
• Academic Year:  Preferably third-or fourth-year undergraduate students but not limited to.
• Applicant with proficient computer skills in MS Excel or database and MS Word is preferred as well as who could communicate and write well both in Korean and English. 

• Period of internship: 6 months but hours can be discussed especially during school period, however, required to be available for the U.S. Embassy’s annual Independence Day Reception possibly in June or July.

 

Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) Intern – 3 positions

Position Description

- Working closely with Commercial Service American Officers and Korean Commercial Specialists to help U.S. executives & exporters understand Korea and Korean commercial opportunities; 

- Preparing market research;              

- Participating in the organization of trade events and exhibitions; and 

- Office management/administration projects on an as-needed basis.

- We would like to request three interns. Our reason is that if 1 of the interns give up or quit at the start or in the middle of the program, the remaining 2 interns will be overwhelmed.

 

Required Qualifications

• Academic major: Any area of study
• Academic Year: 2^nd – 4^th year students
• Period of Internship: 6 months, full time (40 hours per week)

 

General Services Office (GSO) – Admin Assistant Intern – 1 position

Position Description

The incumbent will work as an intern in the General Services Office (GSO) of the US Embassy.  GSO is a team of 60 Korean and American employees providing operational and logistical support to the Embassy.  Our main functions are housing, shipping, procurement, motor pool, travel, and property management.  This internship is a good opportunity to experience the back-office administrative work that supports American diplomacy.  It is ideal for interns who want to experience detail-oriented work in an office environment.

 

Your main projects will be:

• Assist the Embassy GSO Procurement team with purchasing a wide variety of goods and services
• Assist the Embassy GSO Property team with record-keeping and warehouse management
• Assist the Embassy GSO Admin assistant and housing unit with administrative duties, house inspections, and a variety of housing issues
• Assist the Embassy GSO Shipping team with Embassy inbound and outbound shipments
• Organize and upload files to create digital archives

 

Other projects may include some of the following, depending on our needs and your interests:

• Research regulations and update instruction documents for embassy customers
• Analyze customer service data and create reports
• Inspect embassy houses
• Update housing records online
• Participate in GSO team meetings and activities
• Assist with logistics for VIP visits
• Back up Embassy admin staff who are on leave

  

Required Qualifications

• Academics:  Any area of study, University years 3-4
• Skills/Qualifications: Your application should include a brief statement (~one-half page) in English, describing why you are interested in an internship in GSO, and what you hope to learn.  If you are called for an interview, you should demonstrate strong spoken English, excellent interpersonal skills, and a willingness to work in a team.  You should also be prepared to tell us which types of GSO projects are most interesting to you.
• Period of Internship: 5 – 6 months, full-time (40 hours per week)
• Location: Main location is the Embassy Annex near Namyeong Station. You may also visit from time to time at the Embassy Chancery new Gwanghwamun.

Korea Welcome Center (KWC) – 2 Positions

Position Description
Perform various customer-oriented projects, such as: detailed research of cross-cultural differences between Korea and the U.S. to provide guidance for U.S. diplomats and their families including locally employed staff, production of a high-quality of Welcome Book for new arrivals, revamp of the Korea Welcome Center website.  Organize and lead monthly seminars for interns to gain knowledge about embassy operation and Foreign Service, sharing experiences.  Publish Korea Welcome Center newsletters, introducing Korean culture.  Perform clerical tasks as necessary, providing administrative support for U.S. diplomats and their families.  Applicants should have excellent customer service, computer, and English communication skills. 

 

Required Qualifications

• Academic Major:  Any area of study  
• Academic Year:  Preferably third-or fourth-year undergraduate students 
• Period of Internship:  Six months, full-time, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with intern supervisor.  

 

Public Diplomacy (PD) Section – 4 Positions

 

1. Emerging Voice Team: 1 Position

Position Description 

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section engages with Korean youth through cultural, educational, and professional exchanges and programs. This intern will provide administrative and programmatic support for the promotion of a variety of public engagement programs including educational outreach programs, English language programs, experiential learning programs, and youth relations.  The intern will conduct research to identify and recruit program participants, draft relevant internal documents and outreach materials, and provide content for the embassy’s social media accounts. Incumbent will also provide logistical support, take photos of program activities, update reporting systems, compile contact databases, escort visitors, and provide informal translation assistance as needed. Applicants should be proficient in both English and Korean and be familiar with social media.

 

 Qualifications

• Academics: Open to all majors. Open to all academic years, preferably second, third, or fourth-year undergraduate students.
• Period of Internship: Six months, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with intern supervisor
    

2. EOL Team & Exchanges and Alumni Team: 1 Position

Position Description  

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section engages with the Korean public through cultural, educational, and professional exchanges and programs.  The intern for the EOL and EX & A teams will provide administrative and programmatic support for public engagement outreach on programs and exchanges with professionals and experts in security, economy, and democracy as well as Embassy exchange and program alumni.  This intern will assist with identifying key audiences, support the creation and execution of programs, research on current issues, and draft supporting documents including internal memos, highlights, public presentations, and content for the embassy’s social media accounts.  This intern will also provide logistical support, update reporting systems and contact databases, and provide informal translation assistance as needed.  Institutional knowledge on civil societies, think tanks, research centers, etc. and international relations, including our bilateral relationship, would be helpful, in addition to familiarity with Microsoft Office and social media.  Applicants must be proficient in both English and Korean.

 

Qualifications

• Academic Major: Open to all majors.
• Academic Year: Preferably second, third or fourth-year undergraduate students
• Period of Internship: Six months, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with intern supervisor.  

  

3. American Diplomacy House Team: 1 Position

Position Description  

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section engages with the Korean public through the American Diplomacy House. In addition to the American Diplomacy House in Seoul, there are also five partner American Corners in Busan, Gwangju, Pyeongtaek, Gangneung, and Jeju. We are seeking a motivated and passionate intern who will collaborate with us to implement innovative and interactive leadership programs for Korean youth. These programs will allow participants to have a better understanding of U.S. foreign policy and build critical leadership skills. The intern’s core responsibilities will include: program planning, research, administrative support, escorting guests, hosting events, taking photos/videos, and assisting in all aspects of ADH outreach programs. Knowledge of Korean higher-education and U.S.-ROK bilateral relationship will be helpful, in addition to familiarity with Microsoft Office. The applicant must be proficient in both English and Korean.

 

Required Qualifications   

• Academic Major: Open to all majors
• Academic Year: Open to all academic years
• English Required: Yes
• Preferred Skills: Preference will be given to candidates with strong interpersonal and communication skills. General knowledge of MS Office, photo editing software and social networking apps is a plus.
• Period of Internship: 6 months. The exact internship period will be arranged between the intern and the Public Engagement Team.

 

4. Communications Unit: 1 Position

Position Description  

The U.S. Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section engages with the Korean public through digital outreach, including social media, as well as interviews and engagements with traditional print and broadcast media. This intern will provide administrative and programmatic support for the embassy's digital outreach to communicate messaging about U.S. foreign policy, values, and culture directly to the Korean people. This intern will assist with digital content creation, audience analysis, and research related to current trends in the digital space. This intern may also provide support for projects related to traditional press, including basic translation and other admin duties. Experience using social media platforms, design/video editing software, and digital/smart devices is highly desired. Applicants must be proficient in both English and Korean.
 

Required Qualifications 

• Academic Major: Open to all majors  
• Academic Year: Undergraduate students  
• Period of Internship: Six months, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with intern supervisor
• Preferred Skills: Preference will be given to candidates with graphic design, photo/video editing software (ex. Procreate, Photoshop, etc.) and/or SNS experience. 

 

Political (POL) Section– 3 Positions

 

1. Political-External Unit: 1 Intern Position

Position Description

Intern will assist in political information gathering and reporting.  Areas of research may include North Korea, South Korean public opinion, and the Republic of Korea’s foreign policy,­ particularly with China, Japan, and Russia.  Intern responsibilities may also include interpretation, translation, and general administrative support, including for VIP visitors.  Strong writing skills in Korean and English language skills are desirable.  

 

Required Qualification

• Academics:  Political Science, International Studies, North Korean Studies, Regional Studies, Social Sciences and the Humanities, Law
• Strong writing skills and oral proficiency in both English and Korean
• Period of Internship:  90-180 days.  The exact internship period and daily schedule will be arranged between the intern and the Political Section.

2. Political-Military Unit: 1 Position

Position Description

Intern will assist in political information gathering and reporting, with areas of research including military capabilities and trends in South Korea, security cooperation in Northeast Asia, political developments in the U.S.-ROK Alliance, legal matters related to the Status of Forces Agreement, and ROK defense trade with third countries.  Intern responsibilities may also include notetaking, interpretation, translation, and general office support

 

Required Qualification

• Academics:  International Studies, Political Science, Security Studies, Regional Studies, Law
• Skills: Strong writing skills and oral proficiency in both English and Korean
• Period of Internship:  90 to 180 days.  The exact internship period and hours per week will be arranged between the intern and the Political Section

3. Political-Internal Unit: 1 Position

Position Description

Intern will perform research and writing on political developments in the Republic of Korea, including the positions of the current administration, ruling and opposition parties in the National Assembly, political factions, and current legislation.  Intern will also assist in information gathering on civil society, child labor, human rights, religious freedom, and trafficking in persons.  Intern responsibilities may also include notetaking, interpretation, translation, and general administrative support.

 

Required Qualification

• Academics:  International Studies, Political Science, Government, Social Science-related majors (e.g., sociology, history)
• Skills: Strong writing skills and oral proficiency in both English and Korean
• Period of Internship: 90 to 180 days.  The exact internship period and hours per week will be arranged between the intern and the Political Section

 

Management Section (MGT)  - 1 position

Position Description

The intern will support Management Assistant to assist Management Counselor and operation of the Management Office. Will be required to perform a wide variety of administrative assignments as needed under the guidance of the Management Assistant as below.

Major duty is to provide administrative assistance to the Management Counselor under the guidance of the Management Assistant in scheduling meetings, organizing documents, preparing a brief draft, coordinating official event as directed, assisting with phone calls and visitors, and all recurring needs related to office management, correspondence, file, and record-keeping. updating the Management’s contact list and other tasks, as assigned.  Interns will have the opportunity to develop important professional skill sets, to learn the inner workings of what an actual Embassy does and learn professional protocol practices and office operation planning. 

Required Qualifications

Intern should feel comfortable in interacting in the cross-culture setting with strong sense of responsibility with flexible manner. The ability to organize and coordinate activities and to build contacts is imperative. Decent interpersonal, enthusiasm of learning office operation, keen understanding of authority, taking instruction clearly, and respecting office rules are required. 

 

• Familiar in the use of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Familiar in the use of MS One drive and Outlook to deal with email exchanges.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Academic major: any area of study
• Academic year: preferred junior or sophomore university students and hours per week will be arranged between the intern and the Management Office.
• Language Requirements: Level IV Korean and Level II English (Fluency) both speaking and writing

 

Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) – 1 position

The Foreign Agricultural Service’s Agricultural Trade Office links creates opportunities for U.S. agriculture by connecting U.S. suppliers and Korean buyers, organizing trade shows and trade missions, and providing market information. 

 

Position Description

Collect information on market developments and trends and conduct analysis on how these developments and trends impact U.S. food and agricultural exports.  Independently develop and/or work with FAS Seoul staff to write up product briefs on various agricultural products which will be used to introduce U.S. exporters to the Korean market, including key market and regulatory information.  Conduct research into competitor market activities, opportunities for, and successes of U.S. trade growth, and other market developments.  Use research to create presentations for briefings on current market trends.  Support ATO Seoul’s market promotional efforts in trade shows, seminars, and outreach programs and perform routine administrative tasks, as necessary.  Applicant should have strong English skills (speaking and writing) as well as social and computer skills necessary to perform above tasks.

 

Required Qualification:

• Academic Major: Economics, trade, agriculture, international relations, marketing, or related fields
• Academic Year: Preferably third- or fourth-year undergraduate students
• Period of Internship: Six months, 40 hours per week. Exact length of internship subject to discussion with intern supervisor