Internship Opportunities

The World Affairs Council of St. Louis is always seeking interns to assist with the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) & other Council programs. Undergraduate or graduate students may earn academic credit relevant to their field of study. Internships are unpaid.

Internship Openings: 

  • Non-Profit Operations Intern
  • Social Media and Marketing Intern
  • Global Affairs and International Exchange Intern

Applications will close approximately two months before the respective semester begins. 

Applications for the Spring Semester close November 20th

Applications for the Summer Semester close April 20th

Applications for the Fall Semester close July 20th

Information and Expectations

Interns are expected to contribute an average of 15 or more hours per week, depending on academic credit requirements. This unpaid internship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who may be eligible to receive academic credit from their universities.

Successful candidates must demonstrate:

  • Strong English communication and interpersonal skills

  • Time management, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines

  • Cross-cultural competence and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

  • A willingness to learn new skills

  • Experience with Microsoft Office and/or Google Docs is highly preferred

Interns will use their own devices and internet to perform tasks and will support both programmatic and administrative functions of the Council.

Internship Application

Interested candidates must submit the following:

Internship Openings and Descriptions
Non-Profit Operations Intern

Overview:
As a Non-Profit Operations Intern, you will play a vital role in supporting our organization’s mission and day-to-day functions. This internship offers hands-on experience in non-profit management, including administrative support, event planning, volunteer engagement, and communications. You’ll work closely with our team on projects that directly impact the community. This opportunity is ideal for individuals interested in careers in the non-profit or government sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with general office tasks: filing, data entry, document organization

  • Support event planning for fundraisers, community outreach, and volunteer activities

  • Conduct research on grants, community needs, and nonprofit best practices

  • Draft and edit newsletters, social media posts, and promotional materials

  • Assist with basic bookkeeping, donation tracking, and budget prep

  • Help recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers for events and programs

  • Maintain donor and volunteer databases with accurate records

  • Collaborate on program delivery and assist in gathering feedback

  • Attend staff meetings, take notes, and support report and presentation creation

  • Respond to inquiries from donors, volunteers, and community members


Global Affairs & International Exchange Intern

Overview:
We are seeking a motivated intern with a passion for writing, international relations, and cultural exchange. This role offers hands-on experience supporting global events, communications, and project coordination. Interns will collaborate on both international initiatives and local programming, gaining meaningful exposure to cross-cultural interaction and diplomacy.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Write content including event descriptions, proposals, reports, and social media posts

  • Support event planning and logistics for international visitors and cultural programs

  • Attend internal and external meetings; provide summaries and follow-ups

  • Conduct research on global affairs, trends, and cultural exchange programs

  • Work with team members to solve challenges and improve program delivery

  • Create and maintain spreadsheets, reports, and documents (Excel, Word, etc.)

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support ongoing projects

  • Take initiative in developing new skills and seeking learning opportunities

  • Stay informed on global issues relevant to Council programs


Social Media & Marketing Intern

Overview:
As a Social Media and Marketing Intern at the World Affairs Council of St. Louis, you’ll help enhance our digital presence and promote global engagement. This role involves creating content, managing social media accounts, and supporting outreach efforts for events and initiatives. It’s a perfect opportunity for creative individuals interested in digital marketing and communications within a purpose-driven organization.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Create social media posts, graphics, and videos to promote the Council’s mission and events

  • Schedule and monitor content on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

  • Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages

  • Assist in developing and executing marketing campaigns for fundraising and outreach

  • Stay current on digital marketing trends and apply best practices

  • Track and analyze social media metrics to evaluate campaign performance

  • Help write and distribute newsletters and email communications

  • Collaborate on marketing strategies aligned with organizational goals

  • Ensure consistent brand messaging across all marketing materials

  • Develop promotional content for upcoming events and initiatives

How Interns Benefit

Interns will gain valuable professional experience and exposure through a variety of tasks and learning opportunities, including:

  • Enhanced office and technical skills, including word processing and database software

  • Sharpened interpersonal and communication skills in a professional setting

  • Hands-on experience with social media tools and strategies

  • Exposure to international visitors and engagement with global professionals

  • Access to U.S. State Department communications, including updates on events, internships, and career opportunities

  • Increased knowledge of international diplomacy and Department of State initiatives

  • Practical event planning experience, from logistics to execution

  • Insight into the operations of a nonprofit organization and its role in international engagement

What We Do

Career Opportunities in Foreign Service

Working with local universities, our “Career Opportunities in Foreign Service” panels may include representatives from the US State Department, Peace Corps, Fulbright, local businesses, and non-profits with an international or language focus. This event gives college students chances to learn about local and global careers.

 

Dinner Diplomacy

Our Dinner Diplomacy program allows St. Louisans to host small dinners in their homes or attend receptions for international visitors participating in the International Visitor Leadership Program. These informal social gatherings allow for 1:1 conversation with new friends from around the world. Members receive priority to host and attend.

Great Decisions

Great Decisions Speaker Series is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of St. Louis and UMSL Global. Topics are chosen annually by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA), focusing on the most critical global challenges to US foreign policy. Utilizing St. Louis connected experts, the programs aim to present all sides of each issue to inform and educate the public. Eight webinars are held each year.

International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Work with the U.S. State Department to deliver socially impactful, custom programs through the IVLP initiative. IVLP brings professional visitors from other countries to the United States, including visits to St. Louis, for cultural and professional exchanges.

IVLP Alumni 

Engage with St. Louis IVLP Alumni to gauge their experience in St. Louis and understand how their IVLP experience has impacted their career and personal life.

Saint Louis University Academic WorldQuest

A primary focus of our education program is the Academic WorldQuest competition. AWQ tests high school students’ knowledge on pressing global issues. The winning team goes on to the national tournament in Washington, DC, funded by our Council. The top three teams receive cash prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500, respectively. In 2024, 30 teams (130 students) from 24 high schools competed.

 

Speed Networking with UMSL

We work with University of Missouri-St. Louis to organize Speed Networking events. These events provide real world employment assistance for students. Designed to introduce students to the interview process and assist them in marketing themselves, the events allow them to be more comfortable in interviews. Participating companies also get to meet potential new workforce talent.

 

Meet our Current Interns

Manaswini Gunturu

Manaswini Gunturu

Summer 2025 Intern

Manaswini Gunturu is a senior at Marquette High School in St. Louis. She plans to study economics and public policy in college and is excited to intern with World Affairs STL to explore real-world advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys watching. movies, traveling, and spending time with her family. 

Tyler Seigel

Tyler Seigel

Summer 2025 Intern

Tyler Seigel is a senior Communications major at the University of Missouri. After a recent trip to Europe sparked a deeper interest in global cultures– especially Italian, Turkish, and Greek– he’s excited to continue learning through his internship with World Affairs STL. Tyler looks forward to helping enrich St. Louis’s cultural landscape while gaining new global perspectives.

Taylor Spencer

Taylor Spencer

Summer 2025 Intern

Taylor Spencer is a rising junior at the University of California San Diego, majoring in Political Science – International Relations and minoring in Law and Society. Originally from St. Louis, she’s excited to support the International Visitor Leadership Program and reconnect with her hometown. In her free time, Taylor enjoys trying new foods, hiking, and reading.

Delaney Sullivan

Delaney Sullivan

Summer 2025 Intern

Delaney Sullivan is a St. Louis native entering her second year studying International Relations at King’s College London. She supports study abroad initiatives through AIESEC UK and has worked with American Councils for International Education to guide exchange students. Delaney is excited to contribute to World Affairs STL programs like the International Visitor Leadership Program and help make St. Louis a more globally connected city.

Sophia Wilson

Sophia Wilson

Summer 2025 Intern

Sophia Wilson is a senior at St. Louis University majoring in International Studies with minors in Foreign Service and Chinese. A lifelong traveler and language learner, she’s passionate about cultural exchange and has enjoyed studying Mandarin in recent years. As a St. Louis native, Sophia is excited to support World Affairs STL’s mission of connecting local communities to the world.

Past Interns
2024 Summer Interns

Anagi Pieris, University of Tulsa

Anna Lawrence, University of California, Santa Barbara

Grace McGinness, Depauw University

Jaden Stricker, Union University

Leo Bochicchio, University of Pittsburgh

Sarah Kriesel, Ohio State University

 

2024 Spring Interns

Dwight Jackson, Lindenwood University

Lila Singley, Saint Louis University 

2023 Fall Interns

Alexia Prudencio, Lindenwood University

Leo Klayman, Washington University

2023 Summer Interns

Ally Denton, University of Kansas

Cate VanSchaik, Kalamazoo College

Evelyn Berg, Eureka High School

Patrick Lee, Indiana University

Sofia Gonzalez, Southern Illinois University-Ewardsville

Thrisha Kosaraju, Washington University

2023 Spring Interns

Noah Cella, University of Missouri St. Louis

Ziwang (Michael) Suo, Lindenwood Univesity

2022 Fall Intern

Valerie Holt, Saint Louis University

2022 Summer Interns

Alex Bowles, University of Missouri

Ella Zimmerman, Gettysburg College

Eva Oelsner, University of Missouri

Caroline Kopsky, Washington University

Matthew Matava, American University

2022 Spring Intern

Ashley Brown, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

2021 Fall Interns

Ashley Brown, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Blerta Beluli, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Brooklyn Hollander, Washington University

Elana Tognola, Washington University

Jonathan Gutierrez, University of Missouri-St. Louis

2021 Summer Interns

Brylie Noe, Washington University

Estavan Hutchinson, St. Charles Community College

Jensen Bee, Syracuse University

Leila Payer, Grinnell College

MacKenzie Fraser, University of Wisconsin-Madison

2021 Spring Interns

Anna Pruitt

Estavan Hutchinson, St. Charles Community College

Michael Kruse, University of Missouri-St. Louis

2019 Interns

Grace Marker

Lily Wurm