Indo-Pacific Affairs Internship Program

The Indo-Pacific Affairs Internship (IPAI) Program provides $4,000 stipends to support undergraduate and graduate students at UH Mānoa pursuing internships related to Indo-Pacific affairs. Since many internships are usually unpaid, these stipends increase the accessibility of these opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students from diverse backgrounds. Undergraduate and graduate students from all majors and programs of study are encouraged to apply. No previous experience is required.

Stipends will be awarded to support 1–2 students at each of the participating partner organizations below during Summer 2024 (for a total of 6–7 stipends across all of the organizations). These organizations may also have additional unpaid positions available. When you apply using the IPAI application form, we will also forward your materials directly to the internship organization as necessary. You do not need to apply to the organization separately. Even if you are not offered funding through the IPAI program, you may be offered an unpaid internship opportunity directly by the host organization.

Applications Now Closed

For Summer 2024, the Indo-Pacific Affairs Internship Program partnered with the organizations below to provide valuable professional experiences for UH Mānoa students. You can apply for all of these internships and for the $4,000 stipend with one easy application.

The White House Initiative on Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders is charged with driving an ambitious, whole-of-government agenda to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities. Interns support the Federal Executive Board in its involvement with the WHIAANHPI’s Hawaii and Pacific Islands Regional Network of federal agencies. 
Application Deadline: February 20, 2024 (apply now)

Pacific Forum is a non-profit foreign policy research institute in Honolulu that examines political, security, economic and business issues and facilitates dialogue in the Indo-Pacific with the region’s academic, government, and corporate leaders. Interns assist with formatting and designing publications, video editing, social media, and database entry. In addition, they have access to local Pacific Forum events, and they may also choose to write something for publication by Pacific Forum.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2024 (apply now)

The Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs carries out responsibilities for the US territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. Interns will support the Office of Insular Affairs to respond to environmental and climate-related concerns in these areas through research, compiling white papers, preparing materials for meetings and/or workshops, communicating with partners, and presenting findings. Topics of potential research include biosecurity, transportation infrastructure, energy, invasive species, coral reefs, nature-based solutions, food security, and water resource management. The ideal candidate is a self-starter and an excellent communicator with knowledge and experience working with Pacific Islander or Caribbean communities.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2024 (apply now)

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a US Department of Defense institute in Honolulu that addresses regional and global security issues. Interns support courses by assisting professors in seminars attended by US and foreign military and civilian security practitioners, perform research, and attend visits from US officials and foreign dignitaries.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2024 (apply now)

The Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture (FestPAC) is the world’s largest celebration of indigenous Pacific Islanders, drawing artists, cultural practitioners, scholars and officials from member nations of the Pacific Community. The 13th Festival of Pacific Arts & Culture, will convene in Hawaiʻi on June 6–16, 2024. Interns will work with the East West Center’s Pacific Islands Development Program to support the event.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2024 (apply now)

The Headquarters United States Indo-Pacific Command (HQUSINDOPACOM) Student Volunteer Fellowship Program allows students to explore career opportunities within a professional work environment while learning about the Department of Defense mission and objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
Application Deadline: November 17, 2023 (more information)

Learn More:

The IPAI program is a collaborative initiative organized by the Center for Indo-Pacific Affairs, the School of Pacific and Asian Studies, the Center for Pacific Islands Studies, and the College of Social Sciences Internship Program. The IPAI stipends are made possible with the support of Congressional funding.