For more than 30 years, the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), a
major tax-exempt, nonprofit, and nonpartisan national research and
information organization, has offered internships in Washington in the
fields of U.S., Latin American, and Canadian relations. These
internships provide practical, entry level experience regarding a
variety of political, economic, diplomatic, and trade issues. They also
provide young scholars with excellent exposure to the policy making
process. COHA seeks highly qualified undergraduate and graduate students
as well as those who have already earned degrees. During its
existence, nearly 1,000 successful candidates have interned in COHA’s
Washington office.
COHA internships, which are available
throughout the year, are entirely voluntary and are highly competitive
(with summer positions being the most sought after). Schedules for the
18-week internships (14 weeks for the summer internships) can be
arranged to meet the individual’s needs, although full-time and
full-term applicants are given preference in the selection process.
Interns play an integral role in COHA’s activities, which include the
following: issuing statements and providing commentary to the print and
electronic media; submitting articles on hemispheric issues to
regional and national media; monitoring human rights and press freedom
violations; promoting constructive U.S. policy initiatives; formulating
viable alternatives that seek a diplomatic rather than a military
solution to disputes; attending briefings by visiting Latin American
dignitaries; and surveying legislation focused on social justice and
the expansion of authentic democratic institutions.
Qualifications
Intern
candidates should have some knowledge and/or interest in U.S.-Latin
American affairs or international relations and should display
impressive research and writing skills. Proficiency in Spanish or
Portuguese is desired, though experience in journalism, English, or one
of the social sciences may be substituted for the normal background
requirements. Ideal internship candidates should be highly motivated and
will be expected to show initiative and a capacity for innovation.
Environs
COHA’s
downtown Washington office is located in the prestigious Dupont Circle
area, a fast-paced and highly professional yet congenial area. Former
interns have had their by-lined work published in various COHA
publications as well as in the Congressional Record and the opinion
pages of newspapers across the world including the New York Times,
Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Christian Science Monitor, Washington
Times, and many others (see our online cite page for examples). COHA
internships are highly respected by the Washington policy-making
community for their rigor and valuable learning experience. Former COHA
interns have gained prominent positions in journalism, the Foreign
Service, and congressional offices as well as admittance to some of the
most prestigious professional schools in the country.
Application Process
Please
send a completed internship application form, along with a resume,
cover letter and a brief writing sample (two pages), to COHA. Also
arrange for an official transcript (photocopies are acceptable) and two
letters of recommendations to be mailed. Applications are accepted on
a rolling basis, but positions tend to be filled quickly; it is
advised that you apply several months prior to your desired starting
date. Applications may be addressed to our Intern Coordinator and sent
via:
Mail:
Council on Hemispheric Affairs
1250 Connecticut Ave., N.W., Suite 1C
Washington, D.C. 20036
Fax: (202) 223-4979
Email: coha@coha.org
for more information, go to www.coha.org
