Asia Society Policy Institute Summer Internship – International Trade

Position: Asia Society Policy Institute Summer Internship – International Trade

Position Type: Part-time (20-35 hours per week)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Washington, D.C.

Department: Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI)

Reports To: Director of Trade, Investment, and Economic Security

Compensation: $17.95 - $18.40 (based on local minimum wage)

Duration: Late May/Early June to Mid/Late August 2026

Application Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026

Summary:

With a problem-solving mandate, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is a think- and do- tank that tackles major policy challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in Security & Diplomacy; Trade, Investment, & Innovation; Climate & Energy; and Society, Technology, & Public Health.

The Washington, D.C. office of the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is seeking one or two intern(s) with a demonstrated interest in international trade. The selected intern(s) will directly support the Asia Society Policy Institute’s senior leadership with their research agendas and programming in Washington, D.C. and would be assigned to an advisor during the course of the internship.

Key Responsibilities:

Tasks will vary for individual intern positions, but all interns will be asked to contribute in a number of ways, including but not limited to:

• Track and research development of current trade issues;
• Write, edit, and proofread in-depth research assignments, policy memos, and event/meeting summaries on critical trade issues, including economic security topics, the U.S.-China trade relationship, APEC policies, critical mineral partnerships, new and existing industrial policies and more;
• Data entry, including updating and maintaining contact databases;
• Administrative work in support of ongoing projects including, but not limited to: event/conference coordination and staffing, event management, and drafting invitations and event blurbs;
• Other duties, as assigned.

Requirements:

• Candidates are expected to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for a period of at least 12 weeks;
• Must be able to able to participate in person at the ASPI offices in Washington, D.C., for at least two days a week;
• Must be at least a junior in college, a graduate student, or a recent graduate, with a preference for graduate-level students;
• Familiarity with Asia policy issues and international trade concepts through previous academic study and/or internship experience;
• Must have the ability to work independently;
• Strong research, writing, and editing skills;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Ability to meet tight deadlines;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and social media platforms;
• Flexibility with handling diverse tasks;
• U.S. government experience not required, but highly desirable;
• Moderate working proficiency, or higher, in Japanese, Korean, or Mandarin Chinese preferred, but not required;
• Be based in the U.S., as well as have U.S. work authorization.

Compensation:

Internships are paid at $17.95/hour to $18.40 (based on local minimum wage) and in person. Summer 2026 interns will be expected to participate in person at the ASPI offices in Washington, D.C., subject to CDC guidelines, for at least two days a week.

About Asia Society:

Founded in 1956, Asia Society’s purpose is to navigate shared futures for Asia and the world across policy, arts and culture, education, sustainability, business, and technology. We provide a platform for dialogue and encourage a diversity of views as we try to find the most effective ways forward. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has thirteen other Centers around the world, a global staff of over 200, and an annual global operating budget in excess of $44m.

With a problem-solving mandate, the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) is a think- and do- tank that tackles major policy challenges confronting the Asia-Pacific in security, prosperity, sustainability, and the development of common norms and values for the region.

How to Apply:

To be considered for this role, all interested applicants must submit a completed application to: [email protected].

A completed application must include:

• Resume or CV;
• Cover Letter, indicating your interest in International Trade;
• 2–4 page double spaced Writing Sample or Abstract;
• Confirmation of ability to work the minimum hours required. If possible, please list availability by day;
• Include the job title and subject area in the subject line of the email.

Please submit your Resume or CV, Cover Letter, and Writing Sample as separate PDFs attachments in your application email. Please also list your availability in the body of your email, including your preferred start and end dates, and your daily availability. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Asia Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer who values diversity in the workplace. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.