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. Internships may begin anytime during the year, on a rolling basis. Undergraduate or graduate students may earn academic credit relevant to their field of study. Internships are unpaid.
Meet our Interns
Anagi Pieris
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Anagi Pieris and I am a rising sophomore at the University of Tulsa studying environmental policy and political science, with coursework in Mandarin. I am a Show Me state native and worked as a student election judge with the St. Louis County Board of Elections over the past four-year election cycle. When I am not being too competitive puzzling out the New York Times crossword, I enjoy curating TEDx Talks through the UTulsa chapter, volunteering with Every Campus A Refuge, and serving as an active senator in student government. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in law and public policy and am most excited to intern with World Affairs STL to gain greater experience in the non-profit sector, particularly by helping implementing the International Visitor Leadership Program.
Anna Lawrence
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Anna Lawrence. I am from St. Louis, Missouri and am a rising sophomore at the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in Global Studies and History with a minor in French. In my free time, I love biking, baking, and performing with my university’s improv team. I look forward to working on the International Visitor Leadership Program throughout my internship, and am excited to help connect St. Louis to the international community.
Grace McGinness
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Grace McGinness and I am from Edwardsville, Illinois. I am a rising junior at DePauw University studying History and Hispanic Studies. In my free time, I like to cook and play the piano. During this internship I am most excited to help plan events and see how nonprofits work from an inside perspective.
Jaden Stricker
Summer 2024 Intern
I am from Saint Louis, Missouri, and go to Union University in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I study Business Management and Finance. I enjoy playing sports, especially baseball and soccer. In my first year at college, I played soccer for the school team. I also like to travel and try new foods from different places. I am always curious to learn more about the world around me and look forward to what the future holds.
Leo Bochicchio
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Leo Bochicchio and I am originally from Baltimore, Maryland, and I’m currently a senior Politics and Philosophy major at the University of Pittsburgh. In my free time, I love to perform, to learn languages, and reading classic literature. I am eager to connect with the international community and further his knowledge of diplomacy with the World Affairs STL team.
Sarah Kriesel
Summer 2024 Intern
My name is Sarah Kreisel, and I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I am currently a junior at Ohio State University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. A fun fact about me is that I am a first-generation American, with most of my family residing in Germany. I am excited to be part of an organization that educates local communities on world affairs topics. I am also looking forward to expanding my knowledge on the workings of a non-profit organization.
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.
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.
About the Internship Program
General Requirements
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- Internships are unpaid. Undergraduate or graduate students may be eligible to receive academic credit from their university.
- Interns are expected to work on average 15 hours a week during the school year, and more hours depending on academic credit requirements. During the summer semester we expect all interns to work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- Interns must have effective communication skills (written and oral) in English as well as excellent interpersonal skills, time management abilities, and cross-cultural competence.
- Interns must be self-directed, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines, be detail oriented, and maintain accurate records is required.
- Interns must be willing & able to learn new skills.
- Computer experience in Microsoft Office software and/or Google Documents, specifically word processing and database software is highly preferred.
- Interns will use their personal devices and internet service to perform their duties.
- Interns will assist with the planning and execution of all programs offered by the Council as well as Council administrative needs.
What Interns Do
• Research, update, input & organize data for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and other Council programs. Data may include cultural events in St. Louis, professional resources, and dinner diplomats for IVLP, mailing lists, and more.
• Brainstorm & execute ideas for virtual engagement of international visitors. Video filming/editing skills a plus!
• Create promotional materials for events & meetings.
• Social media posting of pre-prepared posts.
• Help identify & draft proposals for IVLP programs suitable for St. Louis.
• Assist in setting up & conducting virtual and in-person professional meetings & cultural events for IVLP visitors. Such as: acting as a backup for Zoom/in-person meetings; general tech assistance; moderating questions; scheduling meetings; observe professional meetings.
• Event planning & event execution assistance. For example, attend & help tally WorldQuest competition answers & results.
How Interns Benefit
• Improved office skills such as word processing & database software skills
• Sharpened interpersonal skills — how to communicate more effectively on a professional level
• Social media skills
• Exposure to international visitors & professional resources
• Access to U.S. State Department communications on events, internships & jobs
• Greater knowledge of international diplomatic endeavors by the Department of State
• Event planning skills
• Understanding of the workings of a non- profit organization
Past Interns
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