The Government Department funds summer internships through the Chair’s Traveling Fund. Offered in partnership with several Harvard Centers, these internships offer the opportunity to fuse practical and academic experiences. These internships are open only to Government concentrators, unless otherwise noted. Please note that selection in each case will be made by a joint Government/Center committee and may also require an interview with the host institution. This list is updated periodically, so please check back in the future.
Centre for Global Studies
University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
The Centre for Global Studies (CFGS) in Victoria (BC) is pleased to offer fully funded research internships over the summer (preferred period: May-June). The intern will be involved in the Centre’s multidisciplinary and international research initiatives, participating in a highly engaging and collaborative work environment organized around four core themes: governance, environmental challenges, social justice, and culture and identity. The CFGS and its core research projects are strongly committed to community-based research and innovative outreach initiatives. The Centre has a rich history of producing cutting-edge research and disseminating it in accessible ways for both policy makers and the wider community.
The intern will be part of one of the Centre’s core projects all critically concerned with Canada’s legacy of colonial structures and dedicated to working with Indigenous communities:
- The POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, exploring new governance approaches with an explicit focus on ecological function and healthy watersheds, conservation, community-driven collaboration, stewardship, and respect for Indigenous rights and knowledge;
- The Borders in Globalization – 21st Century Borders with a focus also on Nationhood & Nationalism: Indigenous Self-Determination;
- The EU funded Jean Monnet Project on Memory Politics exploring past injustices in a comparative, transatlantic perspective.
In addition, intern will have the opportunity to connect with UVic’s Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-led Engagement.
The tasks of the intern may include, but are not limited to:
- Assistance in research projects: literature research, data analysis, communication, visualisation and presentation of research findings and outreach initiatives;
- Assistance in project related events or initiatives in the community.
The precise content of the internship is going to be agreed on between the academic mentor and the intern.
CFGS staff will be able to point interns to relevant sources of information for finding housing in Victoria.
Application deadline is February 9, 2024. Please apply through CARAT.
Please include in your application:
- One-page cover letter (should address what part of the program appeals most (e.g., environment, Indigenous rights, etc.)
- Unofficial transcript
- One letter of recommendation
ZOiS Internship, Berlin, Germany
The Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS) in Berlin can offer generously funded research internships over the summer. Thanks to the internship, students can be involved in one of the capital’s most dynamic research institutes on Central and Eastern Europe and acquire a deeper understanding of the political and public dynamics in Germany. The institute undertakes fundamental research and also plays an active part in the political and public discourse on Germany.
The intern will be part of one of the institute’s main research clusters (Youth in Eastern Europe, Societies between Stability and Change, Conflict Dynamics and Border Regions, Migration and Diversity, and the Political Economy of Eastern Europe). Therein, the person will contribute to one specific research project and will have the opportunity to pursue work on an independent research paper in consultation with the supervisor. The academic leader of the chosen research cluster is also going to act as the personal supervisor of the intern. The tasks of the intern may include, but are not limited to:
- Assistance in research projects: literature research, data analysis, visualisation and presentation of data (using R) and research findings, and support in conceiving new projects
- Background research for project- and event-related publications or lectures by ZOiS staff or for media requests
The precise content of the internship is going to be agreed on between the academic mentor and the intern.
Excellent Microsoft Office skills are required; knowledge of a statistical programming language such as R is an advantage but no requirement. Knowledge of Russian or another East European language is desirable. Knowledge of German is helpful but not required.
Administrative staff at ZOiS can point to relevant sources of information for finding housing in Berlin.
**Please note: The application deadline for this internship has been extended until February 29, 2024.** Please apply through CARAT.
Government Department Chair’s Traveling Fund for Brazil
The Department of Government at Harvard University and the Brazil Studies Program & Office of Harvard’s David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies are partnering to offer an enriching internship experience in Brazil during summer 2024. Two highly qualified Government concentrators will receive a full stipend to take up one of the specified internship opportunities, while also being welcome to participate in cultural immersive activities led by DRCLAS Brazil. This eight-week program takes advantage of our strong network of relationships, local presence, and years of on-the-ground experience.
Internships will take place in leading Brazilian organizations mainly in the Southeast of the country. The Harvard-DRCLAS Brazil Office is located in Sao Paulo and will provide pre-orientation, on-the-ground logistical support – connecting students to Host Organizations, while offering optional cultural immersive activities.
For more information and to apply, see the DRCLAS webpage. The application deadline is February 5, 2024.
Harvard China Student Internship Program
Embark on a transformative journey with the Harvard China Student Internship Program (HCSIP), an eight-week immersive experience placing Harvard undergraduates in corporations, NGOs, and multinational companies across Greater China. HCSIP blends cultural exploration with professional development, offering internships in diverse industries. The program includes a week-long field trip, connecting students with cultural institutions, entrepreneurs, and academics. With a legacy since 2008, HCSIP has become Harvard’s largest summer internship initiative. Applications are now open. More details can be found on the program website above. Apply by January 29, 2024! This internship is open to all Harvard undergraduates.