Paid Spring Internships at Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC

Applications are now open for the Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC Spring 2027 Internships in Washington, DC, USA. Two positions are available: Global Dialogue and Digital Policy, and Foreign Policy and Communications. This is a partially funded opportunity that offers a monthly stipend of $700, with J1 visa costs covered by the foundation where required.

It is open to students currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program and to recent Bachelor’s graduates (within the last year). The listing does not mention any application fee. The deadline is October 30, 2026, and the internship starts on March 1, 2027. You can check out BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

  • Organization: Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
  • Opportunity Type: Paid internship (partially funded)
  • Host Country: United States (Washington, DC)
  • Start Date: March 1, 2027
  • Application Deadline: October 30, 2026
  • Open to All Nationalities: Yes

Internship 1: Global Dialogue and Digital Policy Internship, Spring 2027:

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC is looking for a Global Dialogue and Digital Policy intern. The internship starts on March 1, 2027, and applications close on October 30, 2026.

Quick Details:

  • Organization: Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
  • Location: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
  • Start date: March 1, 2027
  • Duration: 3 to 6 months
  • Commitment: 40 hours per week
  • Stipend: $700 per month
  • Deadline: October 30, 2026

Who You Will Work With:

You will work closely with the program directors for Global Dialogue and Digital Policy.

About the Programs:

Global Dialogue: This program recognizes that planetary boundaries are at a breaking point and that multilateral systems often fail to provide adequate solutions. It works to rethink global economic power structures and build a more inclusive culture of international cooperation. It fosters dialogue on a sustainable, democratic, equitable and human rights based approach to development.

Digital Policy: This program promotes transatlantic and global dialogue on the digital transformation of our societies. It works to advance standards for inclusive digital governance that supports human rights and democracy, promotes a shared technology future and protects our planet.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Experience in the relevant program area
  • A genuine interest in the values and mission of the foundation
  • Competent command of English (German is not required)
  • A full time commitment of 40 hours per week for 3 to 6 months (part time only on a case by case basis)
  • At least 2 years of university level experience
  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program, or a Bachelor’s degree completed less than 1 year ago

Applications from mid career professionals, or from applicants who have already completed a Master’s or Ph.D., will not be accepted.

Benefits:

  • A monthly stipend of $700 for full time positions (proportionally less for part time)
  • 5 paid vacation days per 3 month period for full time internships
  • If required, the foundation can cover most costs associated with a J1 visa

The foundation cannot guarantee US visa approval. Washington, DC is an expensive city, so apply for external funding and scholarships, and start looking for housing early.

Responsibilities:

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Provide logistical support for visitor programs and events
  • Manage front desk duties
  • Manage contact and program specific databases

Communications Responsibilities

  • Develop social media content and communications strategies
  • Update content on the website and blogs
  • Write copy and analysis for different formats

Research Responsibilities

  • Conduct background research on topical issues and current events
  • Prepare research for upcoming events, tours and speaker series

Capstone Project:

Every intern completes a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Examples include:

  • A policy paper of 5 to 10 pages
  • An interview with policy experts, as an article or a video
  • A script for a 2 to 3 minute explanatory video
  • A series of short blog pieces or op eds

How to Apply:

  • Submit a US style resume
  • A cover letter and a challenge statement.
  • Put the challenge statement in the same document as your cover letter.

Challenge Statement (Maximum 250 Words)

Reflect on how one personal experience or belief has shaped a concrete change you want to see for a more just, inclusive and sustainable world in the next fifteen years. You may address digital technology such as AI, international development or multilateral organizations, but you do not have to.

Also Check: NASA Paid Internship Programs 2027

Internship 2: Foreign Policy and Communications Internship, Spring 2027:

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC is looking for a Foreign Policy and Communications intern. The internship starts on March 1, 2027, and applications close on October 30, 2026.

Quick Details:

  • Organization: Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
  • Location: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
  • Start date: March 1, 2027
  • Duration: 3 to 6 months
  • Commitment: 40 hours per week
  • Stipend: $700 per month
  • Deadline: October 30, 2026

Who You Will Work With:

You will work closely with the program director for Foreign and Security Policy and the Head of Communications.

About the Program and Team:

Foreign and Security Policy: This program supports a broad idea of security policy. It aims to increase transatlantic and global solidarity to chart a more peaceful, feminist and sustainable future.

Communications: The foundation’s communications work ranges from writing internal briefings on a wide variety of topics to designing graphics that explain complex issues, and everything in between.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Experience in the relevant program area
  • A genuine interest in the values and mission of the foundation
  • Competent command of English (German is not required)
  • A full time commitment of 40 hours per week for 3 to 6 months (part time only on a case by case basis)
  • At least 2 years of university level experience
  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program, or a Bachelor’s degree completed less than 1 year ago

Applications from mid career professionals, or from applicants who have already completed a Master’s or Ph.D., will not be accepted.

Benefits:

  • A monthly stipend of $700 for full time positions (proportionally less for part time)
  • 5 paid vacation days per 3 month period for full time internships
  • If required, the foundation can cover most costs associated with a J1 visa

The foundation cannot guarantee US visa approval. Washington, DC is an expensive city, so apply for external funding and scholarships, and start looking for housing early.

Responsibilities:

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Provide logistical support for visitor programs and events
  • Manage front desk duties
  • Manage contact and program specific databases

Communications Responsibilities

  • Develop social media content and communications strategies
  • Update content on the website and blogs
  • Write copy and analysis for different formats

Research Responsibilities

  • Conduct background research on topical issues and current events
  • Prepare research for upcoming events, tours and speaker series

Capstone Project

Every intern completes a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Examples include:

  • A policy paper of 5 to 10 pages
  • An interview with policy experts, as an article or a video
  • A script for a 2 to 3 minute explanatory video
  • A series of short blog pieces or op eds

How to Apply:

  • Submit a US style resume
  • A cover letter and a challenge statement.
  • Put the challenge statement in the same document as your cover letter.

Challenge Statement (Maximum 250 Words)

Write a statement on a recent development in international relations. In what ways does it advance or regress a progressive vision for a multilateral world? What would be a recommendation for reform to move toward a more inclusive system?

Also Check: EPFL E3 Summer Research Internship 2027 in Switzerland

Internship 3: Climate and Democracy Internship, Spring 2027:

The Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC is looking for a Climate and Democracy intern. The internship starts on March 1, 2027, and applications close on October 30, 2026.

Quick Details:

  • Organization: Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC
  • Location: Washington, District of Columbia, USA
  • Start date: March 1, 2027
  • Duration: 3 to 6 months
  • Commitment: 40 hours per week
  • Stipend: $700 per month
  • Deadline: October 30, 2026

Who You Will Work With:

You will work closely with the program directors for Transatlantic Democracy and Climate and Environment.

About the Programs:

Transatlantic Democracy: This program brings together US and German policymakers, activists, experts, civil society organizations and community leaders to explore the challenges, changes and opportunities facing our democracies. Its current activities focus on rights at risk, democratic resilience, and democracy at the local and community level.

Climate and Environmental Policy: This program focuses on progressive policy approaches to the ecological crises facing communities in the United States and Canada. It seeks to make equitable and viable climate and environmental policy a foundation of the transatlantic relationship.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Experience in the relevant program area
  • A genuine interest in the values and mission of the foundation
  • Competent command of English (German is not required)
  • A full time commitment of 40 hours per week for 3 to 6 months (part time only on a case by case basis)
  • At least 2 years of university level experience
  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program, or a Bachelor’s degree completed less than 1 year ago

Applications from mid career professionals, or from applicants who have already completed a Master’s or Ph.D., will not be accepted.

Benefits:

  • A monthly stipend of $700 for full time positions (proportionally less for part time)
  • 5 paid vacation days per 3 month period for full time internships
  • If required, the foundation can cover most costs associated with a J1 visa

The foundation cannot guarantee US visa approval. Washington, DC is an expensive city, so apply for external funding and scholarships, and start looking for housing early.

Responsibilities:

Administrative Responsibilities

  • Provide logistical support for visitor programs and events
  • Manage front desk duties
  • Manage contact and program specific databases

Communications Responsibilities

  • Develop social media content and communications strategies
  • Update content on the website and blogs
  • Write copy and analysis for different formats

Research Responsibilities

  • Conduct background research on topical issues and current events
  • Prepare research for upcoming events, tours and speaker series

Capstone Project:

Every intern completes a capstone project on a topic of their choosing. Examples include:

  • A policy paper of 5 to 10 pages
  • An interview with policy experts, as an article or a video
  • A script for a 2 to 3 minute explanatory video
  • A series of short blog pieces or op eds

How to Apply:

  • Submit a US style resume
  • A cover letter and a challenge statement.
  • Put the challenge statement in the same document as your cover letter.

Challenge Statement (Maximum 250 Words)

Where is democracy working? Governments are struggling to respond to crises that shape people’s daily lives, from climate change and affordability to migration and policing, contributing to declining trust in democratic institutions. Identify a recent local example that offers a different way forward. How did a local government or democratic institution work with the people affected to respond differently or more effectively? What can we learn from it?

Also Check: Emirates Group Elevate Internship Programme 2027

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Dr Engr Muhammad Umar

As the founder of Fellowships Guide, my name is Dr. Muhammad Umar. I completed my higher education from GIK Institute. I am an alumnus of the TWAS-TUBITAK, Turkiye and have participated in many international conferences. I have also been part of various international academic and research programs. Since 2017, I have explored and benefited from multiple fully funded opportunities. Based on my journey, I launched Fellowships Guide to help students access scholarships, fellowships, and exchange programs worldwide. I actively mentor those passionate about studying abroad and professional development. Read our Disclaimer Policy. Read About Us.

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