China & Taiwan Intelligence Analysis Internship Fall 2026

ISW Internship Program Overview

ISW is offering in-person, remote, and hybrid internships for Fall 2026. Instructions to apply for the scholarship are below.

About the Role

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is committed to training the next generation of national security leaders through its innovative educational programs. ISW seeks motivated and experienced college students or recent graduates to join our intern team. Internships are available across diverse research portfolios and departments, including Russia, China, and Iran's Axis of Resistance, Geospatial Intelligence, National Security Technologies, the Cognitive Warfare Task Force, and Communications.

Why Work for ISW?

ISW believes that ground realities must drive the formulation of strategy and policy. Interns have the opportunity to analyze conflicts in ways that directly inform policymakers on some of the most pressing issues facing American national security. Interns work directly with analysts, receive classroom education, regular leadership engagement, and a chance to work with cutting-edge technologies employed in business and the intelligence community. Interns have the opportunity to stand at the front lines of military research and policy development, tackling the latest crises in the headlines.

Qualifications

• Motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with demonstrated expertise in a related field.
• Excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Strong critical language capabilities in Mandarin. Additional proficiency in Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, Taiwanese Hokkien, and other regional languages is a plus.
• Ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Self-motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to and interest in the core mission and values of ISW.

Benefits

This is a full-time internship (five days per week), but part-time work will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Scholarship

ISW will offer intern candidates up to a $1,000 monthly living stipend as part of a scholarship program. To be considered for the scholarship, candidates must upload a scholarship application as part of their internship application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until July 24, 2026.

Instructions

Please upload your resume, cover letter, and writing sample. Your cover letter and writing sample should be no longer than five pages combined; the writing sample can be excerpted from a longer paper. ISW will work with students to gain academic credit for internships where applicable.

Fall 2026 Internship Program Dates

ISW internships start on September 8, 2026. The program runs until December 11. Interns must both be authorized to work in the United States and be physically present in the United States during their internship tenure. Working remotely outside of the United States is not authorized. If you attend a US university on a student visa, you must be eligible for and obtain a CPT authorization before beginning at ISW.

Questions?

Email internships@understandingwar.org for more information.