MEI offers a diverse range of internships across its research programs and all of its departments. Browse the positions below to find the best fit for you.

  • Arts and Culture

    Arts and Culture Center

    Not accepting applications at this time.

    Department Description: The Arts and Culture Center facilitates cross-cultural understanding by promoting the work of emerging Middle Eastern artists through the MEI Art Gallery and by organizing innovative programming, including panels, art talks and film screenings to amplify the voices of artists, writers, filmmakers and more  from the region. The Center also promotes cultural diplomacy by engaging in cultural collaborations with arts institutions in the Middle East connecting US and Arab cultural leaders.

    Internship Description: The Arts and Culture Center seeks an intern to assist with critical archiving, marketing and organizational needs. You will be involved in assisting with the opening and marketing of an exhibition of contemporary Middle Eastern art, as well as learning about the role and impact of art, artists and culture on society, policy and cultural diplomacy. 

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  • Communications

    Communications Department

    Not accepting applications at this time.

    Department Description: The Communications Department manages MEI’s media relations, social media outreach, and multimedia production. It regularly engages with MEI’s scholars and departments to bring their work to key target audiences and the general public. 

    Internship Description: The Communications Department seeks an intern to assist with promoting MEI's products through strategic and creative digital marketing, especially on social media. The intern will also support in the creation of promotional materials, content editing and media tracking.

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  • Development

    Development Department

    Not accepting applications at this time.

    Department Description: The Development Department works to increase institutional capacity through fundraising, membership, events, grants, and donor management.

    Internship Description: The Development Department seeks an intern to assist with all matters related to this goal alongside the Chief Development Officer, Associate Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, Development Coordinator, and Development Administrator.

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  • Programs and Events

    Programs and Events Department

    Not accepting applications at this time.

    Department Description: The Programs and Events Department organizes and manages all public and private webinars, roundtables, panels and conferences. This team works closely across all other departments to ensure programming and events are timely, relevant and support the greater mission of MEI.

    Internship Description: The Programs and Events Department seeks an interns to support in the planning and implementation of all MEI events. The includes providing logistical and communications support as well as occasional research and writing tasks.

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Application Process

[Note: Applications for Spring 2025 internships have now CLOSED. Please continue to monitor this page for any updates.]

To apply for an internship, submit a cover letter and resume to the email address listed under the individual internship position description. 

Format the email's subject according to the model: “Last Name - Spring 2025 Internship”.

Due to the many applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interested applicants from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to those applicants with superior writing, organization, word-processing, and Middle Eastern language skills.

Internship start and end dates are flexible based on the intern's and supervisor's schedule.


Summer 2023 Interns

Internship Benefits


MEI interns are presented with exciting opportunities to do real work and complete substantive assignments with personal guidance and hands-on training from their supervisors. Enjoy access to MEI events and roundtables as well as opportunities to engage with other think tanks and organizations near our centrally-located headquarters in Washington, DC’s Dupont Circle neighborhood. Interns also receive a free, one-year electronic subscription to the MEI's flagship publication, The Middle East Journal, the oldest peer-reviewed journal dedicated to Middle East scholarship.

Additional Opportunities


Research Assistantships

Fellowships

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about the application process or the Leadership Development Internship Program can be found on our FAQ page.

View FAQ

Contact Us

For any questions not covered in our FAQ, please contact us at internships@mei.edu. Due to the large volume of applicants, we ask that you do not call to inquire about the status of your application.