Intern, Knowledge Development

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world’s largest association of professionals committed to advancing international education and exchange. The association provides professional development and learning opportunities, promotes research and knowledge, and convenes conferences and collaborative dialogues. 

The Knowledge Development (KDEV) team leads NAFSA’s efforts to further higher education internationalization; produce publications and thought leadership and provide robust conference and global program content and networking experiences. 

The KDEV department includes the following areas:

• Academic Affairs and Internationalization 
• Conference Program
• Publishing Services

This internship is a joint position shared between the departmental units and will report to the Associate Director, Internationalization Services.

Summer 2026 Intern Projects (Mid-June through August):

• Assist with higher education internalization leadership engagement activities, including the NAFSA Executive Internationalization Leadership e-Institute.
• Support outreach and engagement strategies for senior international officers, including conference follow-up work.
• Assist with preparations for KDEV programs (webinars, senior leader summit, webinars, global visitor groups, etc.). Support conference program team follow up work from the 2026 conference, including thank you notes to presenters, others, etc. Assist the conference team with the compilation of data for global attendees at the 2026 annual conference.
• Support the conference program team efforts with the 2027 conference proposal submission promotion and expressions of interest.
• Conduct location research on higher education institutions and organizations for the 2027 NAFSA conference in Los Angeles. 
• Conduct research on possible speakers and presenters for the 2027 annual conference. 
• Support the planning and development of NAFSA global and leadership programming for the 2027 annual conference.
• Research global trends in international higher education in certain key regions.
• Review web pages related to KDEV programs and thought leadership and make recommendations for updates and changes. 

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic and personable, detail-oriented, proficient with Microsoft Office suite applications, especially Excel and Word; experienced with customer service; adept with Zoom and social media platforms; and have excellent written, oral, and communication skills. Preferred candidates will have an interest in and/or knowledge of higher education, global affairs, travel or event planning, and project management.

If interested, please address the following questions in your cover letter: 

1. What type of professional experience would you like to gain through this internship? 
2. What is your availability?
3. What is your interest/background in international education?
4. What is your level of familiarity with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)? Please share any other relevant productivity and technology platforms in which you are proficient.

Compensation: $18.00/hour for 20 hours per week with opportunity for holiday, retirement benefits, if eligible.

To be considered, you must be able to demonstrate that you are authorized to work in the US without requiring NAFSA’s sponsorship. We welcome F-1 students wishing to complete their practical training through their established curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT) eligibility.