Internship Program

Internship Program Overview

martha at internship in africa

The IAFS 4930: Internship in International Affairs class offers credit for internationally-focused work with a variety of organizations in the United States and abroad. The class is offered for three credits and is open to junior and senior IAFS majors. IAFS 4930 includes an academic component, and combines the internship experience with relevant research and writing in international affairs. The university requires that students take the internship class during the semester that they are interning. Click below for a list of the approved IAFS 4930 internships to get ideas of where to do your internship. 

Approved IAFS 4930 Internships 

Why do the internship class for credit?

Not only can students fulfill the Off-Campus Experience requirement through IAFS 4930, but an internship for credit also has other benefits. Some organizations require students to receive credit. Also, your internship will be part of your academic transcript for employers or graduate and professional schools. As well, the internship class allows students to reflect on their experiences in a structured way, and to connect those experiences to research that interests and motives them. 

International Content

Please note: Internships approved for IAFS 4930 must include substantial international content. 

The intern's work must clearly connect to global issues, foreign policy, international engagement, or related international impact.

Next steps:

  • IAFS 4930 approved internships - This is not a comprehensive list, but gives students a great place to start their search (if your internship is not on the approved internships list, you can seek approval from the IAFS internship director - see step three).
  • CU in DC - Semester- or summer-long professional internship in Washington D.C.
  • CU Public Interest Internship Experience (PIIE) Program - For summer interns, Career Services provides funding for internships focused on civic engagements.
  • CU Education Abroad - A variety of programs where students can study and intern abroad.

Need help finding an internship, with your resume, cover letters, or networking skills? Check out the resources available to you on the CU Career Services website, such as their Handshake postings for internships as well as Career Help on Demand.

  • Fill out the IAFS Internship Program - Application Form (Microsoft Form). Must be logged in with CU Boulder IdentiKey.
  • In addition to general internship/organization information, you will need to describe:
    • what the organization does,
    • your general internship duties, and
    • how your work will be directly connected to global issues, foreign policy, international impact, etc.  
  • Email IAFS Internship Director, Prof. Jeffrey Nonnemacher (Jeffrey.Nonnemacher@Colorado.EDU) to set up a meeting where you will discuss your internship and research project ideas.
  • Internships must be approved by the IAFS Internship Director before submitting the Internship Agreement.
  • After meeting with the IAFS Internship Program Director and receiving internship approval, students must submit the IAFS 4930 Internship Agreement DocuSign Powerform (instructions below).
  • In order to complete the Internship Agreement - you will need to be able to describe:
    • your internship and how it relates to international affairs,
    • what you hope to learn,
    • how you will accomplish your educational goals,
    • how you will evaluate your experience, and
    • how often you will interact with your supervisor.
  • DocuSign Instructions:
    • Important: The Internship Agreement DocuSign PowerForm must be completed in one sitting.
    • On the first screen, enter your name and email address, as well as your Internship Supervisor’s name and email address. Click "Begin Signing" and complete all required fields.
    • Once completed, click "Finish." The form will automatically route to your Internship Supervisor for review and signature.
    • After the supervisor signs, copies of the completed agreement will be sent to you, the Internship Supervisor, and the IAFS Internship Program Director.
  • Once you have submitted your agreement and it is approved, the IAFS program coordinator can enroll you in IAFS 4930 for the chosen term.
  • Start your internship, keep up with assignments, check in with your supervisor, etc.
  • If you run into any issues with your internship, supervisor, or work - please contact the IAFS Internship Director! 
  • Refer to the IAFS 4930 syllabus to review and understand the final steps and assignments for the class.
  • As part of the final project for the IAFS 4930 internship, your internship supervisor must complete the Internship Supervisor Evaluation Form (Microsoft Form).
  • You must ensure the evaluation is complete and submitted by the final project due date.