13 Best Internships for Political Science Majors

Embarking on a career in political science can be both an exciting and a daunting prospect. One of the best ways to gain practical experience and build a solid foundation for your future is through internships. Here, we’ll explore a plethora of the best internships for political science majors.

Political science major internships provide hands-on experience, fostering a practical understanding of theories studied in classrooms. They serve as a stepping stone toward a successful career, nurturing critical skills such as analytical thinking, research acumen, and persuasive communication.

Political science internships are a bridge connecting academic learning with the real-world political arena. Internship opportunities for political science majors offer unparalleled exposure to policy-making, public affairs, international relations, and many other facets of the political sphere.

Are there paid internships for political science majors?

You’ll find a myriad of internships available, each offering unique learning opportunities. Paid internships for political science majors are available across various sectors. However, depending on your specialization, the amount of the stipend may vary:

• Think tanks and research institutions: These are primarily funded privately and usually budget for human resources costs, which normally include hiring interns.
• International organizations: Large international organizations like the UN tend to pay their interns.
• Private corporations: Some corporations require people with a background in political science or with related skills in positions in communications, policy development, or economic analysis. Such organizations likely have budgets for paying interns.
• Government and public administration: This varies depending on the country where you’d like to do your internship. Usually, well-funded governments are able to pay their interns, whereas an under-funded nation may require the help of unpaid manpower.
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): This depends on the size of the organization. A larger one might be able to provide financial compensation, but a smaller one that does more grassroots work may need help to do so.
• Nonprofits: As mentioned in the name, these organizations do not operate for profit, so funds are usually tight. These organizations tend to prioritize interns who can work on a volunteer basis or pay for the opportunity to work there.

When looking for internships, always check if the job description specifies an amount you’ll be paid. You can sometimes negotiate after making it through the first rounds of the application. If you want to intern in a sector that unfortunately cannot pay, try to do so at a time when you don’t need to cover other living expenses such as rent or travel.

You’ve studied hard. Now take your learning to the next level with a hands-on internship.

Securing some of the best internships for political science majors involves a combination of diligent research, a strong application, and effective networking. Keep an eye on job boards, leverage your university’s career services, attend career fairs, and don’t underestimate the power of networking.

13 best internships for political science majors

1. EMIGP - Bundestag Internship

The Emigre Memorial German Internship Program (EMGIP) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provide internship opportunities in Germany’s Bundestag for Canadian and U.S. students. These internships are designed to align with your interests and professional experience.

The DAAD, a self-governing entity funded publicly and privately by German higher education institutions, facilitates these opportunities as part of its mission to foster international cooperation and academic relations. This is one of the best internships for political science students and affords you the unique experience of living and working in Germany while directly contributing to the German parliament.

• Where? Berlin, Germany
• Duration? 2 months
• Learn more about DAAD

2. Government Internships in Argentina

This program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the political sphere of Argentina, enhancing democracy through dialogue, transparency, and public information dissemination. As part of a key project, interns will contribute to an annual almanac detailing the voting records and funding sources of senators and representatives. Customized internships are designed to align with individual interests and career goals, ensuring relevant professional experience.

The program is set in Buenos Aires, a vibrant city with a European feel and Latin flair, where participants can enjoy cultural offerings such as art, music, food, and dance. Program highlights include enjoying traditional Argentine steak dinners, dancing the tango at local milongas, exploring natural wonders like Perito Moreno Glacier and Iguazu Falls, and networking while improving your Spanish language skills. You’ll immerse yourself in a new culture, broadening your horizons both personally and professionally.

• Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Duration? Flexible
• Read World Endeavors reviews

3. Nonprofit Management Internship at Social Nonprofit

Roots, an organization committed to supporting small nonprofits and startups with ethical and sustainable practices, offers rewarding NGO management internships in Africa. These internships provide you with valuable international work experience and deep insights into grassroots charities and nonprofit organizations.

Interns will gain specific experience in areas like fundraising strategy, sustainability, project coordination, and development, contributing to diverse projects such as organic farming, early childhood development, refugee/migrant integration, and female empowerment. Interns are matched with organizations and projects that align with their skills, interests, and passions, so you can contribute meaningfully while achieving your learning objectives. The program also provides opportunities to immerse in rich local cultures and explore stunning African landscapes.

• Where? Locations in Zambia and South Africa
• Duration? 4 to 26 weeks
• Read Roots Interns reviews

4. Political Science Internship in Belize

This unique political internship in Belize is for you if you’re interested in politics and international relations. Participants join a minority party, established in 2013, that advocates for anti-corruption practices, freedom of speech, and real democracy, with a growing support base for the upcoming 2025 election.

Responsibilities vary, ranging from community engagement and campaign strategy analysis to collaborating directly with party executives on research and idea generation. Open year-round, the program requires a keen interest in politics and the maturity to work with high-level political figures. This internship provides valuable, relevant experience for your CV, insight into Belize's political system, and a unique understanding of the challenges faced by minority parties advocating institutional reforms.

• Where? San Ignacio, Belize
• Duration? 4 to 12 weeks
• Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews

5. Human Rights in Argentina

Project Abroad offers a unique human rights internship program based in Córdoba, Argentina. You’ll have the opportunity to engage at a grassroots level, promoting human rights awareness among marginalized or at-risk communities. Daily activities might include interviewing victims of human rights abuses, conducting academic research, reporting, fieldwork, community presentations, and contributing to human rights conferences, public debates, and workshops.

This immersive experience in Argentine culture, set in the vibrant city of Córdoba, not only enhances practical skills in advocacy for justice and dignity but also offers opportunities for personal exploration of local attractions. This is one of the best internships for political science students and provides valuable experience that could lead to sought-after career paths.

• Where? Córdoba, Argentina
• Duration? 1 to 52 weeks
• Read Projects Abroad reviews

6. Non-Profit P.R. Internship in Buenos Aires

Mente Argentina offers an internship program that lets you support an Argentine organization focused on enhancing the assets and capabilities of civil society organizations (CSOs). As an intern, you may be involved in tasks like drafting newsletters, creating blog posts, assisting with website maintenance, releasing press statements, covering events, and researching international partnerships.

This experience provides a significant opportunity for interns to build their resumes and gain insight into international business, with the added benefit of enrolling in Spanish language courses to learn business-related vocabulary and phrases. The program offers pre-departure assistance, weekly cultural activities and excursions, and a customized internship schedule based on your expectations and interests, making it an ideal opportunity for those interested in nonprofit organizations and understanding the Latin American civil society sector.

• Where? Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Duration? 4 to 16 weeks
• Read Mente Argentina reviews

7. Internship in Palestine - Refugees, Law, and Human Rights

The Excellence Center offers the Internship in Palestine Program in Hebron, West Bank, providing international participants with a unique opportunity to immerse in Palestinian culture, politics, human rights, and refugee situations while contributing to a renowned community development initiative. The program includes visits to various NGOs, governmental organizations, factories, and refugee camps, allowing interns to gain firsthand experience of daily life in the region.

You’ll also have the opportunity to study Arabic, develop transferable skills, engage with the local community, and stay with a Palestinian host family. The program, open to students, graduates, professionals, and retirees from around the globe, is ideal for anyone eager to advocate actively for human rights and the refugee cause in Palestine. Program highlights include conversational Arabic lessons, visits to key sites in Hebron, living in a politically charged region, exploring tourist attractions like Bethlehem and the Dead Sea, and receiving support from highly qualified Arabic teachers.

• Where? Hebron, Palestine
• Duration? 1 to 3 months
• Read The Excellence Center in Palestine reviews

8. International Development Internship in Cambodia

This internship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia offers a unique opportunity to work with a respected humanitarian organization dedicated to promoting human rights and advocating for laws in the public interest. Interns may contribute to initiatives such as land and housing rights, aiding evicted families to obtain compensation, or assisting marginalized communities at risk of losing their livelihoods. Your roles and responsibilities will be tailored to your interests and background.

Tasks may include editing documents, compiling reports, attending workshops and meetings, and participating in site visits within Phnom Penh or other provinces in Cambodia. This program provides experience in human rights law, insights into social issues in South Asia, and valuable professional experience in an international setting. It’s an ideal opportunity for international development students, career breakers, and compassionate human rights workers.

• Where? Phnom Penh, Cambodia
• Duration? 1 to 8 weeks
• Read Volunteering Journeys reviews

9. Internship/Academic Program in Croatia

One of the more intensive summer political science major internships takes place in Vukovar, Croatia. This program provides students with an insightful platform to examine post-conflict conditions, drawing from seminars and forums conducted by professionals from diverse fields including physicians, economists, religious leaders, local politicians, and NGO workers. Encouraging creativity and independent thinking, the program also offers opportunities for excursions around the Balkans and assistance with academic thesis research.

Applicants, who must be at least 22 years old with a minimum of two years of university study, are expected to be dedicated and serious about this intensive work, not merely seeking a vacation or a CV boost. The program facilitates a practical understanding of post-conflict politics, religion, health, civil society, human rights, economics, and reconciliation, as well as critical evaluation of various approaches to post-conflict issues, juxtaposing theoretical approaches with on-ground realities. An optional project period further enables the application of specific post-conflict knowledge to the case of Vukovar.

• Where? Vukovar, Croatia
• Duration? 3 to 6 months, 1 year
• Learn more about Coalition for Work with Psychotrauma and Peace

10. Human Rights and NGO Management Internship in Morocco

This internship program in Morocco invites individuals to contribute to a project supporting refugees and migrants grappling with the nation’s migration crisis. The program is based at an NGO that encourages the social integration of refugees and migrants via social assistance, education, and vocational training. Your tasks will be aligned with your skills, background, and interests and may involve project implementation and management, event planning, conducting workshops, or providing social support.

This opportunity is particularly suited to those interested in migration issues, human rights, social justice, international development, and nonprofit management in an emerging country. Proficiency in French is necessary for those aiming to work on the project’s administrative aspects. Interns have the option to live with a Moroccan host family to immerse themselves in local culture, take French or Arabic lessons for an additional fee, and explore the charms of Rabat and its surroundings.

• Where? Rabat, Morocco
• Duration? 4 to 12 weeks
• Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews

11. Internship in Halle, Germany (Refugees and Migrants)

This program, hosted by the Excellence Center in Halle (Saale), provides a platform for those keen on gaining leadership experience, making a difference in the lives of refugees, and immersing themselves in Arabic or German culture. The center primarily serves refugees and migrants from Syria, Palestine, and other Arabic and African nations, bridging gaps between the Arabic, German, and international communities in Halle through various cultural and educational exchange programs.

Ideal for international students, English speakers, gap year/semester students, those politically interested in refugee situations, or anyone aiming to contribute significantly to people’s lives, this program offers a chance to interact with diverse nationalities, learn colloquial German, participate in community development activities, understand the refugee situation in Germany, and enhance your resume with international work experience. It’s a great option for anyone looking for summer internships for political science majors.

• Where? Halle, Germany
• Duration? 1 to 3 months
• Read Excellence Center in Europe reviews

12. NGO Management and Administration

The Aldeas de Paz Foundation offers a versatile NGO management and administration experience, providing an all-encompassing view of running a grassroots NGO. This program is perfect for those aspiring to start their own charity or seeking hands-on experience in NGO operations. Participants observe and assist the coordinator and director with office work, project support, administrative tasks, coordination, and supervision of community programs.

The program emphasizes direct work and expects participants to engage in foundation-wide events. As NGO volunteers and interns are crucial to smooth operations, you’ll need flexibility and dedication. Program highlights include assisting daily NGO operations, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the foundation’s programs, promoting the cause and fundraising through social media and grant writing, exploring local sights, and experiencing everyday life in Las Terrenas as you foster connections with locals.

• Where? Samaná/Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
• Duration? Minimum commitment of 2 weeks
• Read Fundación Aldeas De Paz - Peace Villages Foundation reviews

13. Rural Costa Rica: Migrant and Refugee Services

This program in northern Costa Rica offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and practical work experience in rural communities. Interns live and work alongside Costa Rican and Nicaraguan families, studying a range of subjects from human rights and border issues to public health, migrant and refugee services, women and rural development, and food security. You will have the chance to live in a farming community established by Nicaraguan refugees, offering invaluable insight into the realities of life in such environments.

Program highlights include full community immersion, living with a local homestay family and participating in their daily life, and gaining hands-on experience in human rights, migrant and refugee services, farming projects, and women’s organizations. This practical experience will not only enhance your worldview but also add unique skills and experiences to your resume, setting you apart in your future academic or professional endeavors.

• Where? Rural communities in Costa Rica
• Duration? 1 to 3 months
• Read Viva Nicaragua! Abroad reviews

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Launch your career in political science with an international internship!

Before you close the book on your college degree, jump-start your future career with an internship.

Political science internships are a powerful tool for launching a successful career in the political sphere. The best internships for political science majors will provide you with practical experience, cultivate essential skills, and offer invaluable networking opportunities.

Explore the many internship opportunities for political science majors while prioritizing your personal goals. Start your journey today and pave the way toward a promising future in political science.