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 closed.
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 assist with opening and marketing 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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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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Events & Communications
Events & Communications Department
Fall 2025 Internship applications are currently open.
Department Description: The Events & Communications Department manages MEI’s media relations, website content, social media marketing, and multimedia production. The team regularly engages with MEI’s scholars and departments to bring their work to key target audiences and the general public, including through webinars, roundtables, panels, and annual conferences.
Internship Description: Events & Communications 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.
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Policy Center
Policy Center
Fall 2025 Internship applications are currently open.
Department Description: The Middle East Institute, Washington’s oldest think tank devoted to the study of the region, seeks interns to support the Policy Center’s programming and operations. Interns will support various research projects of MEI scholars, as well as manage logistics and administrative tasks.
Internship Description: The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented and highly organized individual with a strong background in research, analysis, writing methodologies, and data analysis, as well as a demonstrated interest in the Middle East. They should be an excellent communicator with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and contribute to the success of research projects. Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and integrity will be key.
Application Process
[Note: Currently accepting applications for Fall 2025 internships. Please continue to monitor this page for any updates.]
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.