The Heinrich Böll Foundation in Washington, D.C. offers a paid internship program designed for students and recent graduates who are passionate about global policy, environmental sustainability, democracy, and social justice. The internship provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in an international policy environment while contributing to the Foundation’s mission of promoting democracy, human rights, and environmental responsibility.
Program Overview
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Duration: 3 to 6 months (full-time, approximately 40 hours per week)
- Monthly Stipend: USD $700 (adjusted for part-time roles)
- Leave: Five paid vacation days for every three months of full-time work
- Visa Support: J-1 visa sponsorship and related cost coverage available for eligible international interns
Internship Focus Areas
Interns are placed in one of the Foundation’s key thematic areas:
- Climate and Environment – Policy research and advocacy on global environmental issues, energy transition, and sustainability.
- Democracy and Foreign Policy – Promoting human rights, civic participation, and international cooperation.
- Global Transition and Digital Policy – Examining the impact of technology on society, governance, and equitable global transitions.
Roles and Responsibilities
During the internship, participants will:
- Conduct policy and background research on assigned topics.
- Support event organization, logistics, and visitor coordination.
- Contribute to communication activities, including drafting articles, blogs, and social media updates.
- Assist with administrative duties such as database management and program documentation.
- Develop and present a capstone project such as a policy paper, interview, blog series, or multimedia presentation related to their program area.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have completed at least two years of university education.
- Be currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program, or have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree within the past year.
- Demonstrate strong interest and experience in one of the Foundation’s focus areas.
- Exhibit commitment to the Foundation’s values, including democracy, environmental sustainability, and social equity.
- Possess excellent written and spoken English skills. (German proficiency is an asset but not required.)
- Applicants who have already earned a Master’s degree, PhD, or have significant professional experience are not eligible.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing academic background and relevant experience.
- Cover Letter: Explaining motivation for applying and alignment with the Foundation’s mission and focus areas.
- Challenge Statement: A short analytical piece (approximately 250 words) addressing a recent policy or political issue.
- Proof of Enrollment or Graduation: From an accredited university.
Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s online recruitment portal.
Additional Information
- The Foundation encourages interns to seek external funding or scholarships to supplement living expenses in Washington, D.C.
- Successful candidates are expected to actively engage in professional events, lectures, and forums throughout their internship.
- The internship fosters a collaborative environment, allowing interns to connect with experts, policymakers, and advocates working toward sustainable and democratic global solutions.
Apply here;https://usboell.bamboohr.com/careers/
Application Deadline
October 30, 2025