MPI Internship FAQs
Find here the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program.
Can I apply if I am not a U.S. citizen?
U.S. citizenship is not required.
Applicants residing in the United States: Must have U.S. work authorization before the internship begins, whether the internship is completed in person or remotely.
Applicants residing outside the United States: No U.S. work permit is required for remote internships. Note: MPI cannot provide supporting documents for a U.S. visa application.
Can I intern remotely from anywhere globally?
Yes. You can intern fully remote from anywhere in the world, or in person in Washington, DC.
Interns based in the DC area may also do a hybrid schedule, typically 2–3 days in the office and the rest remote.
I have a senior thesis or another paper longer than 5 pages. Can I submit it as a writing sample?
Please submit an excerpt (not the full paper) that best demonstrates your strongest writing and analytical skills, up to 5 pages, excluding references, sources, or endnotes. At the top of the sample, note where the excerpt is from and who the intended audience was.
Can I intern part-time?
Yes. You can intern part-time (i.e., at least 20 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week), at the discretion of the MPI program’s needs for that particular cycle.
Is the internship paid?
Yes. Full-time interns receive a biweekly stipend, with a prorated stipend for part-time interns depending on the number of hours they work.
Do you offer academic credit?
Yes. Students may arrange academic credit for their internship with their home institution; MPI does not provide credit directly.
Can I submit a writing sample in Spanish or another language?
No. All work at MPI is conducted in English, so strong English writing skills are a key requirement.
I have just applied for the internship program. What are the next steps?
If you are selected for an interview, you will hear directly from a member of the MPI team within 8 weeks of the application deadline. We are fortunate to receive a large number of applications, so we are only able to notify those applicants who are being selected for an interview. We kindly ask that applicants not contact us by phone or email to inquire about application status.
I have not heard back and it has been more than 8 weeks. What should I do?
Given the volume of applications, we are only able to reach out to candidates selected for interviews. If it has been longer than 8 weeks past the deadline, you can assume your application is no longer under consideration for that cycle, but you are welcome to apply again in a future cycle.
If I was not selected for this term, can I reapply? Can I volunteer?
Please submit an application with updated materials for the next cycle, following the steps outlined on the internship page. Unfortunately, we are not in position to offer volunteering opportunities.
Can I simultaneously apply to an internship position at MPI Europe?
The timing and requirements differ between the two organizations. For MPI Europe positions, please visit its internship page.
What is the best way to keep up to date on internship and job opportunities?
Please sign up here for notification of future internship and job postings at MPI.
And for MPI Europe, sign up here.