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General Intern

About BCFA: The Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs (BCFA) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to citizen education in foreign affairs. Our mission is to empower citizens to critically analyze foreign policy and actively engage in national debates on international issues.

Internship Overview: BCFA offers internship opportunities for diligent, well-organized, and personable students, preferably with a strong interest in international affairs. This non-paid internship provides valuable experience in various aspects of our organization and is eligible for course credit. Transportation expenses will be reimbursed.

Specific Duties of Intern: Interns will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of tasks that enhance their understanding of American foreign policy, contribute to Council development projects, and assist with administrative tasks. Duties may include but are not limited to:

A. Programs:

  • Assistance at Distinguished Speakers Programs.
  • Background research for the Distinguished Speakers Program: current American policy rationale; key contemporary issues; and experts on key topics.
  • Cable television network expansion.
  • Foreign Policy Conferences assistance.
  • Event documentation, including capturing high-quality photographs during BCFA events.

B. Membership and Audience Development:

  • Enhancement or creation of membership development rosters.
  • Young professionals development project.
  • College and university liaison.
  • Clerical assistance to membership secretary: membership surveys, inquiries, and reports.

C. Administration:

  • Office computerization enhancements; data entry.
  • Documentation and organization of event photos.

D. Support Activities:

  • Publicity.
  • Newsletter.
  • Grant proposal assistance.
  • Survey of the nation’s councils project.
  • Montage creation: the photographic history of the Council.

E. Photography-related Tasks for General Interns:

  • Event documentation through photography, including capturing key moments and attendees.
  • Basic photo editing and organization tasks (e.g., cropping, resizing, and cataloging event photos).

Type: Non-paid internship; transportation expenses will be reimbursed; eligible for course credit

Position Dates: Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms. Acceptances ongoing.

Total Number of Hours: 120-hour minimum

Number of Hours per Week: Flexible within Council office hours: M-F 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Application Process: To apply for the General Intern position at BCFA, please fill out the form below with:

  • A letter expressing your interest in the internship.
  • A brief resume highlighting your qualifications and relevant experience, including your willingness to assist with photography-related tasks.
    • Please include Language Skills if applicable
  • A writing sample.

Apply for this position

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Wilson Center

Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!

At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.

The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.

Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.

International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.

It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.