CSIS Internships 2026 in the USA | Paid Internships
Washington DC draws students who want real policy experience. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) runs paid internships in spring, summer, and fall. Spring 2026 starts early February to May. Full or part-time spots help undergrads (after 2 years), grads, or recent grads with research, writing, events, and projects.
CSIS is a top bipartisan think tank on global issues like security, trade, and Asia. Interns join programs like Americas, Korea Chair, or Nuclear Issues. All paid with monthly stipend (~$16-20/hour or $2,000-3,000/month based on 2025 data; exact varies by role). No visa help – need US work authorization (F-1 OPT/CPT, J-1 self-sponsored).
From my years guiding policy interns, CSIS stands out for networking. One student from Pakistan on J-1 CPT got a Hill job after. Another from India applied without work auth and got rejected fast. Tools like Numbeo show DC costs $2,500-3,500/month. Stipend covers basics if shared housing.
Also apply for United Nations Internships 2026
What Is the CSIS Internship?
CSIS posts program-specific roles (e.g., Americas full-time Spring 2026 from Feb 2). Interns support research, events, comms. Plus Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy (AILA) training on policy skills.
Key facts:
- Spring: Jan-May (posted October).
- Full (35 hrs/week) or part-time.
- Paid hourly/monthly stipend.
- In-person DC office.
- Rolling review; apply early.
DC policy hub. CSIS building central.
Eligibility Criteria
You need:
- US work authorization (no sponsor; J-1 visa your cost).
- College junior+, grad, or recent grad.
- Interest in policy/research.
- Prior experience helps (writing, analysis).
Open all nationalities with auth. No citizenship needed.
One applicant I helped had F-1 OPT; easy. Without, no chance.
Internship Benefits
Paid work with perks.
- Monthly stipend ($16.10-$18.10/hour recent; ~$2,500 full-time).
- AILA leadership events.
- Expert talks, briefings.
- Networking for jobs.
- Resume boost (CSIS name strong).
Table: Stipend Examples (2025 Data; 2026 Similar)
| Role Example | Hours/Week | Hourly Rate | Monthly Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (35) | 35 | $16-20 | $2,200-2,800 |
| Part-time | 20 | $16-20 | $1,300-1,600 |
Glassdoor avg $20/hr research intern. No housing, but WISH discount.
Programs You Can Pick
Roles by project:
- Americas Program
- Korea Chair
- Economics/Scholl Chair
- Critical Minerals
- Congressional Affairs
- Renewing American Innovation
- iDeas Lab (multimedia)
Check careers.csis.org/opportunities?category=internships.
Required Documents
- Resume.
- Cover letter (tailored).
- Writing sample (policy-related).
- Transcript (unofficial ok).
How to Apply for CSIS Internships?
- Check careers.csis.org/internships.
- Pick role (Spring 2026 posted ~Oct 2025; some now like Americas).
- Apply online tracking system.
- Upload docs.
- Rolling; early best.
No fee. Decisions weeks.
Tip: Match writing sample to program. Email HR if questions (employment@csis.org).
Why Intern at CSIS?
Bipartisan research leader. Real tasks, not coffee runs. AILA unique.
DC networking gold. Safe, walkable.
Contrarian: Competitive, needs work auth. But better resume than unpaid NGOs. Reddit: “Shiny but respected; great events.”
More Internships
Useful Links
- careers.csis.org/internships – Official postings.
- careers.csis.org/opportunities?category=internships – Jobs list.
- csis.org/about/careers-culture/faq – Rules clear.
- csis.org/about/careers-culture/internships – Overview.
- numbeo.com Washington-DC – Costs real ($3,000 single).
- glassdoor.com CSIS salaries – Stipend insights ($20/hr).
- indeed.com CSIS-internship-DC – Listings.
Scholarships.com volume but spam; Going Merry clean.
Application Checklist
- Work auth (OPT/J-1).
- Tailored cover.
- Strong writing sample.
- Unofficial transcript.
- Resume 1-page.
- Apply multiple roles.
- Early October for Spring.
- Housing plan (WISH).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
No work auth (instant no). Weak writing (needs policy edge). Late apply (rolling fills). Generic cover. Miss AILA fit.
PAA: Visa? No sponsor. Stipend? $16-20/hr. Deadline? Rolling, post Oct.
Living Costs in Washington DC
Single $2,500-3,500/month (Numbeo Jan 2026). Rent $1,200-1,800 shared. Food $500. Stipend covers if frugal.
Numbeo honest: High but internships cluster.
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