American Hellenic Institute

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: C. Franciscos Economides
February 19, 2009—No. 15 (202) 785-8430

AHIF Internship Program in Washington D.C.

The American Hellenic Institute Foundation (AHIF) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the AHIF Internship Program for the summer of 2009. The internship gives Greek American students an opportunity to live and work in Washington, DC. Designed for undergraduate and graduate students interested in U.S. politics, foreign policy and American government, the internship can serve as a great way to introduce and jump start their career in politics, journalism, lobbying, government, or the nonprofit sector.

Currently we have internships available in several congressional offices, one position in each of the Embassies of Greece and Cyprus, and multiple internships at AHIF. All internships are unsalaried. Where available, opportunities for college credit may also be arranged through their respective universities.

Capitol Hill

We have summer internship positions with Representatives Zack Space (D-OH), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Niki Tsongas (D-MA), and Dina Titus (D-NV), and a fall internship with Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME). The duration of the summer internship varies depending on each position and runs between the end of May to the end of August.

All interns are expected to work a standard eight-hour work day. Internship responsibilities usually include monitoring congressional hearings, performing data entry, answering constituent mail, researching legislative issues, and performing other administrative duties. Internships that take place during the school year will fill the duration of one semester, and summer internships generally last 6 to 8 weeks.

Embassies of Greece and Cyprus

The intern for the Embassy of Greece can either be a Greek American or Greek national; however, he/she must be a graduate student. The summer internship lasts from the end of May till the end of July. The preferred majors/areas of interest are: international relations, political science, journalism, public diplomacy, strategic studies and political campaigning. The Embassy of Cyprus requires interns to be Cypriot nationals. The internships last from the end of May till the end of July.

AHIF

AHIF offers internships throughout the year. Summer internships are 35 hours per week while 12-15 hours per week for the academic year. The internship is unsalaried. Interns will participate in a variety of activities such as monitoring legislation and congressional hearings, liaison with Congressional offices, conduct research on issues affecting U.S.-Greece-Cyprus relations and write memoranda, press releases and draft letters to the media and members of House and Senate. The work will also include routine office chores.

“Through this internship program our young Greek Americans will have a greater exposure to the policy-making process in our nation's capitol and increase their understanding of the importance of civic participation and public service,” said Gene Rossides, AHIF president.

AHIF was established in 1975 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt educational and charitable organization. It is an educational and research organization and is the first “think tank” devoted exclusively to the study of the issues confronting the Greek American community.

Application Process

Qualified applicants must have excellent oral and written communication skills. The application process takes two weeks with review of the above forms and a telephone interview. For the positions on Capitol Hill and the Embassy the process will take longer. We will review the applications and pass them on to the congressional staffer who will then contact you directly.

Interns will be responsible for making their own housing arrangements. We can provide a list of reasonably priced housing and also website addresses where housing leads are posted.

To apply the applicant must submit the following items:

  1. the completed AHIF Internship Application Form;
  2. cover letter: The cover letter should specifically mention the position for which you are applying and be addressed to that office;
  3. current resume;
  4. current transcripts;
  5. a one to two page writing sample; and
  6. three letters of recommendations.

What is the deadline for applying for an internship?

Application deadline for the Summer Internship is March 31, 2009. The Congressional offices and Embassy however are currently accepting applications therefore, we do strongly encourage students to apply early, since the process is competitive and positions are filled quickly.

Application deadline for the Fall Semester is August 1, 2009 and for the Spring Semester: December 15, 2009.

How should I send my application for open positions?

There are two options for submitting your application:

  1. By Email: yola@ahiworld.org  (Preferred method)
  2. By Mail: Yola Pakhchanian
    AHIF Internship Program
    American Hellenic Institute Foundation
    1220 16th Street N.W.
    Washington, DC 20036

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If you have any questions please contact Yola Pakhchanian directly via email at yola@ahiworld.org. For additional information you may refer to our Web site at www.ahiworld.org.

 


The American Hellenic Institute is a nonprofit public policy organization that works to strengthen relations between the United States and Greece and Cyprus, and also within the American Hellenic community.

1220 16th Street, NW | Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone 202-785-8430 | Fax 202-785-5178 |
www.ahiworld.org

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