Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern - Korea Chair (Spring 2026)

at Center For Strategic And International Studies

🏢 About Center For Strategic And International Studies

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a premier bipartisan policy research organization that provides strategic insights and policy solutions to global challenges. Working at CSIS offers direct exposure to policymakers and thought leaders in international relations, particularly valuable for those interested in U.S.-Asia Pacific relations. The Korea Chair specifically focuses on advancing U.S. interests through research on Korean politics, security, and economics.

About This Role

This 12-week internship involves conducting research on Korean politics, economy, and culture, analyzing policies on trade and security, and assisting with program management for Korea-related events. The role is impactful because it contributes directly to CSIS's policy recommendations that influence U.S.-Korea relations and provides hands-on experience in a leading think tank environment.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning research on Korean economic indicators, followed by drafting a brief for an upcoming Korea Chair event. The afternoon could include team meetings to plan a workshop on U.S.-Korea security cooperation and reviewing policy documents related to current bilateral issues.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Center For Strategic And International Studies Is Looking For

  • Has completed coursework or research projects specifically on Korean politics, economics, or U.S.-Korea relations
  • Demonstrates strong analytical writing skills through policy briefs, academic papers, or published articles on Korea-related topics
  • Shows experience working both independently on research projects and collaboratively in team settings, possibly through academic group projects or previous internships
  • Possesses language skills in Korean or familiarity with Korean cultural/political context through study abroad, coursework, or personal background

📝 Tips for Applying to Center For Strategic And International Studies

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific Korea-related research, coursework, or language skills—CSIS values regional expertise

2

Reference specific Korea Chair publications or recent events in your application to show genuine engagement with their work

3

Prepare a writing sample that demonstrates policy analysis on a Korea-related topic, ideally 2-3 pages with clear recommendations

4

Mention any experience with event planning or program management, as this role involves assisting with conferences and workshops

5

Connect your academic background directly to the internship's focus areas: politics, economy, and culture of Korea

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Explain your specific interest in U.S.-Korea relations and how it aligns with the Korea Chair's mission", 'Highlight any previous research or analysis on Korean trade, security, or human rights policies', 'Describe your ability to work independently on research while contributing to team-based program management', "Mention how your skills would contribute to the Korea Chair's current projects or publications"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review recent Korea Chair publications and events on the CSIS website to understand their current focus areas
  • → Study CSIS's bipartisan approach and how it influences their research on U.S.-Korea relations
  • → Familiarize yourself with key staff in the Korea Chair program and their areas of expertise
  • → Understand CSIS's role in Washington policy circles and how think tanks influence government decision-making

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Discuss your analysis of a current U.S.-Korea policy issue (e.g., trade agreements, security cooperation, or diplomatic relations)
2 Explain how you would research a specific topic related to Korean politics or economy
3 Describe your experience with program management or event coordination in academic or professional settings
4 Talk about a time you worked both independently and as part of a team on a research project
5 Ask informed questions about the Korea Chair's current research priorities or upcoming events
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't mention Korea or CSIS specifically
  • Failing to provide writing samples or research examples related to Korea or policy analysis
  • Showing limited understanding of current U.S.-Korea relations or the Korea Chair's work at CSIS

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Center For Strategic And International Studies!

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