Experiential Learning and Internships

Error rendering macro 'toc' : For input string: "h2"

Global Programs

Global programs allow students to gain direct experience in the international, professional world. These programs are integral to students who seek international employment, whether in law, economics, non-profits, the private sector, or any other field where exposure to the international realm is a competitive advantage. 

Students pursuing the MAIR degree are expected to spend only two semesters on campus, and then finish their education by either 1) utilizing our global programs, 2) completing an independent global internship or 3) a combination of 1 and 2. 

Videos of presentations and interviews from past program participants are available at https://video.syr.edu/channel/Max%2BEXL/187876873. 

Internships & Practical Experience 

Internships and practical experience combine professional development with academic coursework. These programs focus specifically on internships with seminars designed around practical training. 

Coursework Abroad 

Coursework abroad is sub divided into global studies and world partners. Global studies are specialized seminars and classes, while world partners are universities around the world where students can study for SU academic credit.  Students have the option of engaging in an internship if their schedule and language abilities permit. Please note that space in these exchange programs may be limited. 

More information about these programs, including when they are offered throughout the year, can be found in the IR Handbook: https://answers.syr.edu/display/Maxwell/MAIR+Handbook. 

Please reach out to Maria Boemi at mboemi@syr.edu with any questions about the Global Programs or to discuss how to best incorporate these elements into your time at Maxwell.  

Internship Resources

The Department of Public Administration and International Affairs sees the internship search as an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge needed to successfully search for jobs in international relations and public policy.  As such, we provide support, guidance and mentoring to students during the process, but encourage students to engage in the search directly.

Please use the following resources to help identify opportunities in the international affairs space.

Job Boards

• UNjobs.org
• Daybook - Political, Policy, and Non-Profit Job Board
• GlobalJobs.org - Policy, NGOs, and Academia
• Devex Job Board - Relief and Development, primarily with USAID support contractors
• ReliefWeb Job Board - Relief and Development
• USAjobs.gov - U.S. Federal Government Jobs
• AvueDigitalServices - U.S. Federal Government Jobs
• SAM.gov - U.S. Federal Contracting Jobs
• Businesses for Social Responsibility  - Corporate Social Responsibility jobs
• Traverse Jobs - Advocacy Jobs in Politics, Policy & PR
• EuroBrussels - Jobs in European Affairs

Identifying Organizations

In the international development space, bilateral aid is carried out through partnerships with locally-based organizations, known as implementing partners or grantees.  By identifying who works where, it can be helpful to focus on particular sub-fields or employment locations

• ForeignAssistance.gov - U.S. government bilateral aid
• UNDP Transparency Portal - UN funding disbursed through UNDP
• Think Tank and Civil Society Program - University of Pennsylvania listing of internationally renowned Think Tanks

Washington, D.C., & Global Organizations