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
Blerta Beluli
a. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
b. Class of 2022
c. International Studies, minors in Business Administration and Spanish
Ashley Brown
a. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
b. Class of 2022
c. International Studies, minor in Sociology
Jonathan Gutierrez
a. University of Missouri – St. Louis
b. Class of 2022
c. International Relations
Brooklyn Hollander
a. Washington University in St. Louis
b. Class of 2024
c. Global Cultural Studies Major, minor in Korean
Anna Pruitt
Elana Tognola
a. Washington University in St. Louis
b. Class of 2023
c. Political Science, minors in Economics and Anthropology
What We Do
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.
Academic WorldQuest
Partner with Saint Louis University to present Academic World Quest, a competition for high-school-age students to demonstrate knowledge of current world.
Great Decisions
Educate the community through Great Decisions, which is a speaker-series program of the Foreign Policy Association. The format is delivered through a free series of presentations, videos, and discussions.
Annual Awards Event
Honor St. Louis regional leaders through Gateway Globes and the International Humanitarian of the Year awards.
Other Initiatives
Connect St. Louis to the world via guest speakers, corporate tours, and other special events.
General Requirements
Internships are unpaid. Undergraduate or graduate students may be eligible to receive academic credit from their university.
A minimum time commitment of 8 hours per week on a reasonably consistent schedule, as mutually agreed upon, is required.
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
Grace Marker, 2019 Intern
Lily Wurm, 2019 Intern