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.
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Arts and Culture
Arts and Culture Center
Summer 2025 Internship applications are currently open.
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
Summer 2025 Internship applications are currently open.
Department Description: The Programs and Events Department is the public face of MEI, organizing and managing its webinars, roundtables, panels, and annual conferences. The department works with colleagues across the Institute to ensure our events are timely, relevant, and reach the right audiences.
Internship Description: Programs and Events interns assist in the organization, promotion, and management of MEI’s various events. Interns can expect to carry out events-related research, conduct internal and external outreach, assist with communications, and help with general administrative tasks.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the application process or the Leadership Development Internship Program can be found on our FAQ page.
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.