General Information

GFSIS offers a unique internship experience for students interested in international security, post-Soviet studies, and economic development.  Situated in downtown Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, GFSIS provides interns with an opportunity to learn about the region first-hand from analysts and government officials. 

GFSIS interns will not be asked to do administrative tasks, and they will have tremendous freedom to conduct their own research.  GFSIS staff will schedule appointments with high-level figures in the Georgian government and civil society.  Interns will also have the opportunity to attend meetings, conferences and lectures with leading scholars, journalists and government officials throughout the region.

Eligibility

• Fluent in English and have excellent writing skills with no need of editing
• College junior or senior, a recent graduate, or a graduate student.
• GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Need not be fluent in Russian or Georgian, though familiarity or fluency in one of these is useful.

Work

There may be occasional assignments for research projects, donor proposals, conference reports, and news updates, but these will be rare.  The focus of this internship is to encourage intensive study of Georgia and the region.  This is an opportunity for highly motivated students with an interest in international affairs, national security, economics, political science and foreign policy to have unmatched regional access and resources that will enhance the interns’ independent research and overall experience in Georgia.

Interns must have a strong sense of initiative. Graduate students working on a dissertation or thesis are likely to receive the most tangible benefits.  Undergraduates or recent graduates who are not working on a long term research project, such as a dissertation or thesis, will also find this internship highly rewarding if they are proactive and determined to take advantage of GFSIS’s location and resources.  Interns should arrive with an idea of what they want to research and become acquainted with the politics and social dynamics of the region.  GFSIS staff can assist in developing and refining interns' research ideas before they come to Tbilisi.
 
Compensation

Unfortunately, GFSIS is unable to provide any compensation or course credit.  Naturally, we will be happy to write a letter of recommendation, or provide an internship certification letter to a granting institution.  In the past, interns have received funding from their colleges or from other philanthropic institutions.

GFSIS often publishes articles written by interns on the GFSIS website.  GFSIS will also help to arrange the publication of interns’ articles through other outlets (such as newspapers and magazines in the region).  GFSIS provides a warm work environment with experienced scholars, renowned political practitioners, and IT professionals—all of whom welcome questions, requests and feedback from interns. 

GFSIS staff will also help to arrange (though not fund) any leisure/research travels in the region 
 
Visa

GFSIS will support a visa application for the duration of all internships.  Interns from the United States and the European Union do not currently need visas unless they intend on staying for longer than 90 days.  Interns from other countries should check with their local embassy, as these rules often change. 

Housing

Students from the US may contact the American Councils for International Education (http://www.amcouncils.ge) to arrange their housing (usually costing about 12 US Dollars per day, including two meals) while others should be able to find families to stay with or apartments through alternative avenues.  GFSIS can assist in these arrangements.

When to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however we ask that you please apply at least three months before you expect to begin your internship. This is the approximate amount of time needed to review your application, obtain a visa, and coordinate housing. If you are applying for a more traditional fall, winter, spring, or summer internship, deadlines are as follows:

• Winter Internship (January – March): September 31
• Spring Internship (March – May): December 31
• Summer Internship (May – August): February 28
• Fall Internship (September – December): May 31

Application Materials

• Cover letter. Your letter should include an explanation of what interests you about the South Caucasus region and an explanation of how an internship at GFSIS fits into your future career plans. Please address your letter to Jonathan Kulick, Director of Studies.
• Resume. Your resume should not exceed two pages.
• Writing samples. Please include two or three writing samples, not to exceed a total of 20 pages. At least one sample should be on international relations or post-Soviet studies.
• Recommendations. Please include two recommendations from professors or supervisors. Recommendations should address writing ability, work ethic, and interest in international relations.

All applicants should apply by email and include their application materials attached as PDF files or as Microsoft Word documents.

Questions

Any questions about the internship program should be directed to Ms. Keti Emukhvari. 

Contact

Please send your application to keti@gfsis.org