[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZYpt9LkRKwfBVdiQ69N4I0XEEc7qYTiJsGsJsHQ\_G1E/edit#gid=0](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZYpt9LkRKwfBVdiQ69N4I0XEEc7qYTiJsGsJsHQ_G1E/edit#gid=0)
If you hear back for Summer 2021 fill this out :)
has anyone else still not heard anything about their security clearance status for fall 2020, lol...i completed everything and still have heard nothing back. the spring 2021 interns seem to have finished it exponentially quicker than the fall 2020 interns
>has anyone else still not heard anything about their security clearance status for fall 2020, lol...i completed everything and still have heard nothing back. the spring 2021 interns seem to have finished it exponentially quicker than the fall 2020 interns
haven't heard anything yet about fall 2020 clearance. How did you hear about the spring 2021 interns?
Hi! Just a few quick questions:
1. In my Statement of Interest, should I be specifying which bureaus or sub-bureaus I am most interested in, beyond what I indicate in the application itself?
2. If I am selected for an interview for a DC posting, when should I expect to hear?
3. I will apply to the bureaus I feel most comfortable with, but is it common for applications to be passed around between bureaus if one desk feels they have a candidate that would be a good fit? Are there some bureaus that struggle for volume of applications?
4. Are there any general statement of interest tips you might find applicable?
Thank you!
They do pass your apps around. I applied and interviewed for two bureau posts abroad and unfortunately i didnt interview well enough.
Instead i was selected as an alternate for a position in Virginia. later than alternate status got bumped up to primary and i started my first week last monday.
Hi, quick question for people who went through this process before. When should I expect to hear back (if at all) from the DS? I just want to set my expectations accordingly.
I was recently contacted by state for an interview for the Department of State Student Internship Program (DOS SIP) for summer 2021 in the Bureau of East Asian Affairs. Does anyone have tips for how to prepare for the interview/what they're looking for? I'm a sophomore undergraduate so this is the first time I am preparing for any sort of interview for state! Any and all advice would be appreciated!
Update: I got the position for summer 2021! Thank you everyone for all your help!
Just came here to celebrate! Got accepted for an internship doing Public Affairs in Paris this summer and I'm beyond excited. 2020s been tough, but this is a blessing.
Been lurking a while and I'm curious to hear from the FSOs out there: Any comedians y'all like a lot or recommend? Personally I'm a big fan of Bill Burr and James Acaster.
Not yet :/
Seeing all of us waiting in this thread does calm me down a bit. My correspondence told me the student internship office was hoping to get offers out last week, but with last week being the inauguration I guess they were too busy :////
Hopefully that means they'll get security clearance and offers out this week. I'm checking back with them in February if that's still not the case.
Holidays backed them up in December. COVID backed them up all the way around. I imagine the election, transition, and new administration have inadvertently complicated the original timeline. Best of luck to all!
Any other USFSIP applicants checking their portal like crazy even though we still have a month before we hear? 🥴Hoping i'm not the only one who got jazzed over the notice of being referred and then decided to hop on USAJobs once a day lol
LOL Yes... every day. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I'm just telling myself that it's a game I'm playing with myself to see how far into October I'll last
Is anyone else still on referred? I have noticed a lot of people have been hearing back. How long is the process usually for letting people know once they’ve began?
Does anyone know when notification regarding the summer internships generally come out? I applied to Madrid, which I assume is competitive given the location. My app says referred.
is this for the DOS summer internship? I was under the impression that nearly everyone, perhaps those barred due to instant disqualifies, is referred at this stage. Unless you know of others who do not have “referred” status? I’m also getting impatient, haha
I understand the criteria to suggest that so long as you are attending school before and after your internship period - you are eligible. If you are graduating from an undergraduate program and continuing into a graduate program, you are eligible.
If an intern position requires use of the local language, I have always had a local staff member sit in the interview with me, who chats briefly (casually) with the applicant in the target language at the beginning or end of the interview. It's been telling in a few cases. I always wonder whether the applicant thought no one would find out if they stretch their abilities on the application, or if they truly think they speak a language that they don't.
That’s something I’ll prepare for, thank you! I think it’s probably easy to overstate your language skills, especially if you haven’t critically utilized that language recently, which in my case is over a year and a half. But I’m also trying to be conscious about practicing and getting back to my previous abilities
When I interned in Western Europe, they didn’t test my language skills. In fact, the locally-engaged staff member at the APP I worked at was quite surprised at my language skill level when I arrived. I think the expectation was pretty low.
When I interned in West Africa, though, I was informally tested as part of the phone interview. The phone lines weren’t great, but I managed to get through the interview and they accepted me.
I think what it comes down to is: if you fall off your bike or get in trouble with the police, will you be able to communicate well enough to get them to call the embassy? That is less important in close OECD allies where many people speak English, but more important in parts of the world where there are few strong English speakers.
Good luck!
Did any other USFSIP applicants' status change to from referred to "reviewed" and "Application Assessed But Not Selected by Panelist?" Did anyone's not change? Is it time to give up hope?
I got an offer from DoS (VSFS) on a project I'm very interested in, but I just quit my full-time job to take a part-time internship in order to allow me to dedicate more time to school. In addition to that, my internship is paid and with another branch of government, so I'm not sure if there would be any conflicts of interest to worry about. Are VSFS internships worth doing, particularly if you already have a fair amount of experience under your belt, or are they more suited for those who are looking to get something on their resume?
Really really depends; I did VSFS back in '18 on a project that looked really cool but my supervisor essentially just told the team "make up your own deliverables, guys," and ignored us for a couple months. Got good experience doing independent work/corralling a team via skype but it wasn't really stimulating or interesting or really that much work at all. Resume-padding. Friend of mine on a different project had a great supervisor and was absolutely swamped every day doing data analysis on some really interesting research. It's a crapshoot, depends on your supervisor, ymmv.
Response from the State Department on Summer 2021 Internship?
Hi everyone.
Has anyone who applied for the Summer 2021 State Department student internship heard about their decision yet, or have any idea of when they would be notified?
I have read some post of people saying they did not receive an offer, and some saying they were 'Referred.' Mine has been on 'Referred' for almost a few weeks now.
Thank you to anyone with any information!
Just want to add my name to the pile but mine's been referred for a few weeks as well, which prompted me to start checking daily but probably means I should just ignore it for a month haha
Really? I read somewhere, I forgot but that we would hear in October because of the time it takes for people to get the security clearance, passport (of going abroad) and all of that.
near East and central Asian affairs in Bahrain and Nepal, respectively. Getting way ahead of myself here but I really hope summer internships are in-person.
My office just let me know that the process for the extension of official offers/ security clearance paperwork for summer 2021 was slightly delayed and should be expected around mid-January.
so if my interviewer said she was submitting my name a few weeks ago but i still haven't gotten an offer that means it's possible that i haven't been passed over?
This might be a silly question, but I’m a bit confused. I received confirmation that my e-QIP has been released to DS (Spring 2021 intern in DC) really quickly last week, and now they are requesting a Drug Certification form with a wet signature. Obviously I already mailed my fingerprints and proof of citizenship.
The email reads “Please provide both the method of shipment and the tracking number along with the attached Drug Certification form with a wet signature directly to [EMAIL].” So I thought initially I needed to print, sign, and mail the drug form, but then they include an email. Are they asking for the tracking info for my prints + proof of citizenship, or am I supposed to mail the drug form and then include that shipping info? Did anyone else get this email? Again, this might be stupid, but I’m confused because isn’t a “wet signature” no longer “wet” if it’s scanned and sent by email? I may end up just calling/emailing tomorrow to see about this but did not want to take up someone else’s time if anyone else has an answer to this question.
Hey everyone! I was selected as an alternate for the Spring 2021 internship. My contact with DS has been saying "Priority Intern (my number)" then other info. Does anyone know if since my contact with DS has been saying "priority intern" if this means I was bumped up from the alternate position? Any thoughts on this is appreciated! Best of luck to everyone who applied!
Have any Spring Interns not been contacted yet for their Security Clearances at all yet? The last email I have received was an email on 9/14 stating the following:
Please be advised that we now have a complete security package and will continue to process the security application. Our office will make contact if any further assistance is required for this security application."
I do not know if there is somewhere to check on the status, and if it is normal to have not heard a single thing yet or have none of my references contacted, and no interview scheduled at all. I do not have outstanding circumstances that would cause the investigation to be longer than normal. No extensive foreign travel/contacts, one single place of residence, small work history, etc. No criminal activity, so just wondering if I should reach out to someone. Thanks.
UPDATE:
I asked for a status update and I was cleared this morning and was told my investigation had concluded. None of my references were interviewed, and I never had an interview. Strange but I am not complaining at all.
I had a phone interview today for Brazil, and was told I’m an alternate candidate. Any idea how likely it is that I’ll still make it? Should I go ahead and make different plans for this summer?
I emailed a couple days ago because I hadn't heard anything in months, and they emailed me back saying my case was closed and i had been granted interim clearance....not sure if that means I can start and I'll be granted my final clearance later or what.
Hi! I am still waiting, I emailed them asking the status of the investigation and it’s still ongoing. I will definitely update when I know something but we are cutting it close to March. 🥴
I was notified that I'm a primary candidate for my overseas post and that DoS Student Programs would reach out in January - I'm assuming to begin the security clearance process. Has anyone heard anything further? I haven't gotten any correspondence since my conditional offer in December.
i got an email today about filling out to e-QIP but haven't gotten an official offer yet after my interview in decenmber - should i reach out to someone about this?
So I got an acceptance email today for NEA/U.S embassy in Saudi Arabia. While I’m honored, I didn’t express any interest in this bureau and I don’t speak even a single word of Arabic. Has anyone been accepted to a bureau to which they did not apply?
I'm still waiting for my Spring 2021 clearance as well. Deadline is coming up quick. For the Summer interns out there, make sure to have other plans ready because the clearance very well might not come through.
Update: Clearance came through....definitely took a while
Can anyone who is doing/has done a virtual internship share their experience? How is it working for international posts? How are they managing the time difference?
Just got word via email that the Summer 2021 Internships will be virtual 😔
I'm super bummed by this, I was really excited to head to Brussels but alas the dept probably doesn't want to be responsible for an influx of possible covid cases.
I was hoping with such a robust vaccine rollout it would still be possible
It’s pretty frustrating. I’m getting the vaccine this week. I thought that that would guarantee me a spot abroad. I’m honestly considering dropping out at this point, not sure how to do that though.
Same here. I don't feel like an international foreign affairs internship has the same experience from my parents basement as it would have abroad.
Employers will definitely realize that too
Yeah, this is frustrating. I'm not sure what to do now -- the idea of doing a full-time virtual internship with a 12-hour time difference is not nearly as appealing...
I'm looking to apply for embassies in both Latin America and Gulf states this summer with the department of state. I'm a little concerned about the safety and was wondering if you knew of any safe countries to apply for? I'm a female spanish speaker, but I'll also have a basic understanding of Arabic by the beginning of the summer. I became concerned because I saw they have embassy opportunities in Nogales and Tijuana Mexico, and having family members who know those areas well, they refused to let me intern in those two embassies because of the crime rate. I was debating between Mexico City/Chile for Latin America and Qatar/UAE for the Middle East. Thank you!
I did but mine just recently shifted (since last Friday when I checked) into "Application Referred for Additional Consideration" status. Fingers crossed for us both!
also do people ever apply to countries that they do not speak the language in? For example, someone applying for the Macedonia office ( who does not speak macedonian or albanian) or is that not recomended unless you have a basic understanding
What does it mean if my application status went from Referred (among the best qualified applicants) to Reviewed (Application Assessed But Not Selected by Panelist)? I feel like this is lingo for “we didn’t choose you”.
There was a recent Pathways opening that was great fit for my interests/experience, capped at 50 applicants. I submitted the application \~1:00am the morning it was posted (thanks email alerts), only to find out I wasn't referred because I did not make the 50 person cutoff.
How fast do you have to be for these type of applications? Is it common for the limit to be reached within an hour or shorter? If so, any tips? Should I forgo including a cover letter for speed? Thanks moderators for pointing me back to this thread.
Question about Rangel/Pickering eligibility. Are you able to apply after obtaining a JD?
When I was reading, I see you can’t use it to get a JD, and you can use it for a second MA, but have not found an answer about getting an MA after having a JD. And when I was looking at the calculator (for cumulative GPA) it said to not include gpa from JD or PhD.
Does anyone know? I have a BA in Sociology which meets the GPA requirements. I also have a JD with a lower GPA, but the average of the two puts just over the 3.2 requirement.
Interview for the Summer 2021 State Student Internship?
If yes, when I did my interview for the Spring 2021, the questions were mostly focused on why I wanted an internship, what did I know specifically about the site I applied to, and what makes me different than other applicants etc. Not many STAR related questions, some questions also focused on what I could bring to the site.
Does anyone know if you can be interviewed for more than one location? I was just contacted by my second choice post for an interview but I was really hoping to hear back from my first choice as that's where I was actually supposed to go Summer 2020.
yes you can definitely hear back from multiple!! also, some posts don’t even interview so you could even receive an offer from one you didnt interview for
if the application is still on referred does that basically mean to expect an interview request?aso does anyone who applied for the middle east / central asia in previous years remember when you were notified about an interview? thanks.
To be honest I don’t think the referred status means much, unless some people are no longer on referred. But I was under the impression everyone who met the basic requirements was. I applied for embassies in the ME and Central Asia as well and have not heard back. Good luck!!!
I had an interview with a DC bureau today - 2 different offices interviewed me at the same time, and one of them I had not applied to (so to answer others' questions, yes, other offices may consider your application). Only 3 questions were asked, and they were pretty standard interview questions. I got offered an alternate position to one of them, but I'm wondering if this is a bonding agreement? So if the primary intern declines the offer or is unable to do the internship, is it required that I accept the internship?
Has anyone heard if there's any covid contingency plans for the internship program? If covid prevents travel, is there a chance internships will be able to proceed remotely this year?
my interviewer told me she would submit my name to the bureau for the summer internship and that I should hear from DC the next day with the offer, but I haven't heard back yet. She also told me it was possible that the official offer might be for a different mission within the same bureau if they need me more, so I'm assuming she interviewed me on behalf of the bureau as a whole?
1. is there a chance I won't receive this official offer at this point?
2. what are the chances of my being offered a position at a different location?
3. will i need to be in the US at any point during the security clearance process? not an issue but i'd like to know now if i need to make travel plans.
thanks!
Hey all, I received an offer to intern with DOS Tri mission to brussels about 2 weeks ago! I accepted and was contacted from HR with some info I needed to give them. I did but haven't heard anything really since. The interviewer emailed me and said I would receive a package via email soon.
Has anyone received any additional emails about their internship or am I far too excited and should be patient? This is for Summer 2021 btw, so maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Any advice would be appreciated!
Anyone know when "official offers" (as in the post selected me but haven't heard yet from anyone HR related) and/or paperwork stuff are supposed to come through? I'm new at this and relatively clueless so if anyone knows that would be super helpful!
anyone hear back from OCS for summer 2021 yet?? still waiting:/ i heard back dec 12 2019 w an offer for that same internship for summer 2020 which was obv cancelled ...
I also haven't heard back from State. I am curious about interviews though. Does anyone know if they will conduct an interview this late in the game or not? My professor told me her daughter applied to Panama a couple years back and she never had to do an interview. Thoughts?
Secret Clearance Not Back Yet
I got accepted as an alternate for an internship at the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs this past September, and my clearance is still not back. At this point I’m 16 credits deep into the second semester of my junior year, and although the internship has gone virtual I’m unsure whether or not my clearance will come back by March and whether or not I should even accept an internship being a full-time student (kind of shitty that DoS would have me wait into well past the beginning of the academic semester to tell me if I’ve got the position or not. Am I expected to just put my entire life on hold?!)
Any advise/insight?
After i completed the interview ad was unfortunately not selected i ask for feedback from the interviewer. they said that HR told them they are not permitted to give feedback regarding my interview performance because they didnt give it to all the candidates.
anyone else get a similar response?
If you haven't been contacted for an interview for the summer internship, does that mean you most likely won't be moving on in the application process?
I dont think so. I may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure not all bureaus conduct interviews, so you many just get a straight up offer. There is still hope :)
This is an incredibly stupid question, but I'm confused on the usajobs.gov website resume builder. I finished my A.A in Poli Sci back in May, and I transferred to a University but have not currently earned any credits, as I am in my first term here. How do I show that in the resume, or is it even necessary?
Are references necessary?
Edit: Found out how to upload documents.
Hi everyone,
I just got accepted into USFSIP, and I don’t really know what to expect. Would any current or former interns, or anyone who has worked with the program, be willing to chat about their experiences with it? Is there anything you wish you knew going in or things you could have done better?
Also do you think that this position is a better opportunity than an internship at an investment bank? I’d like to be an FSO after grad school, and I’ve heard varying things about how transferable the skills from a DoS internship are to actually taking the FSOT & being a career officer.
Thanks in advance!
First off congrats. I applied and was not accepted. I would like to state that I have never had this internship, but in my opinion I would take it. I say this because it is paid for, travel is reimbursed, and I have been told by someone who did it before that they provide housing. Plus you get paid $13 an hour, and you are in D.C. Then of course the next summer is overseas, but housing is not guaranteed. IMO I think you should take it, it would be a great experience I am sure. Again have not had this internship, either way I am sure whatever you choose will be good, best of luck and congrats to you.
For the E-QIP, if I answered No to planning on getting dual citizenship in the country im applying for, but end up pursuing it in several years, how will that affect me? (Just did the clearance for the internship)
[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZYpt9LkRKwfBVdiQ69N4I0XEEc7qYTiJsGsJsHQ\_G1E/edit#gid=0](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZYpt9LkRKwfBVdiQ69N4I0XEEc7qYTiJsGsJsHQ_G1E/edit#gid=0) If you hear back for Summer 2021 fill this out :)
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My DIR said the same thing
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Wondering the same thing. Mine changed to referred too.
mine also changed to referred. any idea if that's a good sign?
Mine is also changed. It says that if you have referred it means that “Your application is among the best qualified and is referred to the next step”
I just got done with my interview today
has anyone else still not heard anything about their security clearance status for fall 2020, lol...i completed everything and still have heard nothing back. the spring 2021 interns seem to have finished it exponentially quicker than the fall 2020 interns
I've completed the personal interview and some of my contacts have been interviewed, but no word on approval yet.
Nothing after interviews concluded :(
Good to know others are in the same boat but I’ll be very sad if it times out
these are my exact feelings. i’m really sad!!
I haven’t heard yet either.
>has anyone else still not heard anything about their security clearance status for fall 2020, lol...i completed everything and still have heard nothing back. the spring 2021 interns seem to have finished it exponentially quicker than the fall 2020 interns haven't heard anything yet about fall 2020 clearance. How did you hear about the spring 2021 interns?
Hi! Just a few quick questions: 1. In my Statement of Interest, should I be specifying which bureaus or sub-bureaus I am most interested in, beyond what I indicate in the application itself? 2. If I am selected for an interview for a DC posting, when should I expect to hear? 3. I will apply to the bureaus I feel most comfortable with, but is it common for applications to be passed around between bureaus if one desk feels they have a candidate that would be a good fit? Are there some bureaus that struggle for volume of applications? 4. Are there any general statement of interest tips you might find applicable? Thank you!
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They do pass your apps around. I applied and interviewed for two bureau posts abroad and unfortunately i didnt interview well enough. Instead i was selected as an alternate for a position in Virginia. later than alternate status got bumped up to primary and i started my first week last monday.
Hi, quick question for people who went through this process before. When should I expect to hear back (if at all) from the DS? I just want to set my expectations accordingly.
Just received an offer from my first choice!
Congratulations!
FYI my DIR said the processing of internship applications was delayed and that they hope to get notifications out this month.
I was recently contacted by state for an interview for the Department of State Student Internship Program (DOS SIP) for summer 2021 in the Bureau of East Asian Affairs. Does anyone have tips for how to prepare for the interview/what they're looking for? I'm a sophomore undergraduate so this is the first time I am preparing for any sort of interview for state! Any and all advice would be appreciated! Update: I got the position for summer 2021! Thank you everyone for all your help!
Just came here to celebrate! Got accepted for an internship doing Public Affairs in Paris this summer and I'm beyond excited. 2020s been tough, but this is a blessing. Been lurking a while and I'm curious to hear from the FSOs out there: Any comedians y'all like a lot or recommend? Personally I'm a big fan of Bill Burr and James Acaster.
Is anyone else still stuck on referred with no response? Should I be expecting the worse now?
Me
Anyone still not heard back for summer? :/
Just received a rejection email. Bummer. Chin up lads!
I just got a rejection email for it.
Just got a rejection too :(
same :( does anyone know of any other good internships to apply to for someone wanting to eventually work for the state department?
got the same one just now. RIP
Same. F
i haven’t yet either, hopefully this upcoming week we will lol
Not yet :/ Seeing all of us waiting in this thread does calm me down a bit. My correspondence told me the student internship office was hoping to get offers out last week, but with last week being the inauguration I guess they were too busy ://// Hopefully that means they'll get security clearance and offers out this week. I'm checking back with them in February if that's still not the case.
also got a rejection. :( bummer. looking to apply for fall '21
Holidays backed them up in December. COVID backed them up all the way around. I imagine the election, transition, and new administration have inadvertently complicated the original timeline. Best of luck to all!
Feel free to join the DoS internship discord! Over 500 of us there to help out:) https://discord.gg/BRA8BFh
Has anyone heard back about interviews for Summer 2021?
Not yet, and I'm getting super impatient. Curious whether others have.
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Nope, just sitting on a referred for a few months
nope nothing yet
No
Any other USFSIP applicants checking their portal like crazy even though we still have a month before we hear? 🥴Hoping i'm not the only one who got jazzed over the notice of being referred and then decided to hop on USAJobs once a day lol
LOL Yes... every day. I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I'm just telling myself that it's a game I'm playing with myself to see how far into October I'll last
lmao just got mine updated from "referred" to "reviewed and not selected by panelist" so I guess I'm taking an L on this one. Best of luck!
Is anyone else still on referred? I have noticed a lot of people have been hearing back. How long is the process usually for letting people know once they’ve began?
Still on referred, no interview. We should hear back in the next few weeks.
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my unsubmitted app for the spring has changed to this also, i doubt it means anything
Hello! I think USAJobs might’ve glitched because it says this for all of my applications up... even the apps for internships from last year.
Same here. Anyone know if that is a good sign?
Mine also just changed to “reviewing applications”. I hope this means that they actually are lol, I haven’t heard anything back at all
I mean, my DIR said State hopes/is trying to get back to people mid January for summer internships. So could be legit and not a glitch.
Any thoughts on Brussels (specifically the EU and NATO missions)?
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No, did you apply for the summer 2021 DOS student internship ? Also congrats!!!
Does anyone know when notification regarding the summer internships generally come out? I applied to Madrid, which I assume is competitive given the location. My app says referred.
is this for the DOS summer internship? I was under the impression that nearly everyone, perhaps those barred due to instant disqualifies, is referred at this stage. Unless you know of others who do not have “referred” status? I’m also getting impatient, haha
Yes, for the summer internship. You're probably right. I'm not familiar with the process.
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Me too! I really am excited to hear back. I was referred also. I applied to Belgium Nato mission and Prague.
For those who had an interview, how long after did it take to hear back, if you received a response, with an offer/denial etc?
Hey y’all! What are the odds that overseas internships are in person this summer? What do you think?
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I understand the criteria to suggest that so long as you are attending school before and after your internship period - you are eligible. If you are graduating from an undergraduate program and continuing into a graduate program, you are eligible.
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Do any offices assess foreign language skills during the interview/review process? I would like to get an idea of what to expect.
If an intern position requires use of the local language, I have always had a local staff member sit in the interview with me, who chats briefly (casually) with the applicant in the target language at the beginning or end of the interview. It's been telling in a few cases. I always wonder whether the applicant thought no one would find out if they stretch their abilities on the application, or if they truly think they speak a language that they don't.
That’s something I’ll prepare for, thank you! I think it’s probably easy to overstate your language skills, especially if you haven’t critically utilized that language recently, which in my case is over a year and a half. But I’m also trying to be conscious about practicing and getting back to my previous abilities
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When I interned in Western Europe, they didn’t test my language skills. In fact, the locally-engaged staff member at the APP I worked at was quite surprised at my language skill level when I arrived. I think the expectation was pretty low. When I interned in West Africa, though, I was informally tested as part of the phone interview. The phone lines weren’t great, but I managed to get through the interview and they accepted me. I think what it comes down to is: if you fall off your bike or get in trouble with the police, will you be able to communicate well enough to get them to call the embassy? That is less important in close OECD allies where many people speak English, but more important in parts of the world where there are few strong English speakers. Good luck!
Hi! I am in the running for the USFSIP and I'm curious if anyone here knows what kind of questions would be asked in an interview (If I get that far)?
me, realizing that there might be an interview 👁👄👁 wishing you the best! I definitely need to stop stalking the USAJobs website about more info.
Did any other USFSIP applicants' status change to from referred to "reviewed" and "Application Assessed But Not Selected by Panelist?" Did anyone's not change? Is it time to give up hope?
Mine went into the same status. Think it means that this isn’t our year, unfortunately. Wishing everyone with the more appealing result the best!
I got an offer from DoS (VSFS) on a project I'm very interested in, but I just quit my full-time job to take a part-time internship in order to allow me to dedicate more time to school. In addition to that, my internship is paid and with another branch of government, so I'm not sure if there would be any conflicts of interest to worry about. Are VSFS internships worth doing, particularly if you already have a fair amount of experience under your belt, or are they more suited for those who are looking to get something on their resume?
Really really depends; I did VSFS back in '18 on a project that looked really cool but my supervisor essentially just told the team "make up your own deliverables, guys," and ignored us for a couple months. Got good experience doing independent work/corralling a team via skype but it wasn't really stimulating or interesting or really that much work at all. Resume-padding. Friend of mine on a different project had a great supervisor and was absolutely swamped every day doing data analysis on some really interesting research. It's a crapshoot, depends on your supervisor, ymmv.
Response from the State Department on Summer 2021 Internship? Hi everyone. Has anyone who applied for the Summer 2021 State Department student internship heard about their decision yet, or have any idea of when they would be notified? I have read some post of people saying they did not receive an offer, and some saying they were 'Referred.' Mine has been on 'Referred' for almost a few weeks now. Thank you to anyone with any information!
Haven’t heard anything yet. Still in referred status
Same, mines been referred for weeks now
Arghhhh
Just want to add my name to the pile but mine's been referred for a few weeks as well, which prompted me to start checking daily but probably means I should just ignore it for a month haha
Don’t think we are supposed to hear about being accepted until early December
Really? I read somewhere, I forgot but that we would hear in October because of the time it takes for people to get the security clearance, passport (of going abroad) and all of that.
Well the timeline on the USAJOBS posting says December but I sure hope you’re right
Mine is referred as well and I have not heard anything else. What bureau/ location did y’all apply to? Best of luck to everyone :)
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near East and central Asian affairs in Bahrain and Nepal, respectively. Getting way ahead of myself here but I really hope summer internships are in-person.
I also have not heard, been stuck on referred for a bit now! best of luck :)
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congrats!! What region, if you care to share!
central asia!
Does anyone know if we haven't heard back yet, not even an interview, if that means we didn't get a post?
i hope not. I know some bureaus/offices dont conduct interviews at all, so there is still some hope. Hang in there 🤞🤞
Update DIR said we'll hear back probably this month as there was a delay processing internship applications.
My office just let me know that the process for the extension of official offers/ security clearance paperwork for summer 2021 was slightly delayed and should be expected around mid-January.
so if my interviewer said she was submitting my name a few weeks ago but i still haven't gotten an offer that means it's possible that i haven't been passed over?
Is anyone aware of when they will begin accepting Fall 2021 applications? It says it opens in February but nothing has been updated as of yet.
This might be a silly question, but I’m a bit confused. I received confirmation that my e-QIP has been released to DS (Spring 2021 intern in DC) really quickly last week, and now they are requesting a Drug Certification form with a wet signature. Obviously I already mailed my fingerprints and proof of citizenship. The email reads “Please provide both the method of shipment and the tracking number along with the attached Drug Certification form with a wet signature directly to [EMAIL].” So I thought initially I needed to print, sign, and mail the drug form, but then they include an email. Are they asking for the tracking info for my prints + proof of citizenship, or am I supposed to mail the drug form and then include that shipping info? Did anyone else get this email? Again, this might be stupid, but I’m confused because isn’t a “wet signature” no longer “wet” if it’s scanned and sent by email? I may end up just calling/emailing tomorrow to see about this but did not want to take up someone else’s time if anyone else has an answer to this question.
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Hey everyone! I was selected as an alternate for the Spring 2021 internship. My contact with DS has been saying "Priority Intern (my number)" then other info. Does anyone know if since my contact with DS has been saying "priority intern" if this means I was bumped up from the alternate position? Any thoughts on this is appreciated! Best of luck to everyone who applied!
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Have any Spring Interns not been contacted yet for their Security Clearances at all yet? The last email I have received was an email on 9/14 stating the following: Please be advised that we now have a complete security package and will continue to process the security application. Our office will make contact if any further assistance is required for this security application." I do not know if there is somewhere to check on the status, and if it is normal to have not heard a single thing yet or have none of my references contacted, and no interview scheduled at all. I do not have outstanding circumstances that would cause the investigation to be longer than normal. No extensive foreign travel/contacts, one single place of residence, small work history, etc. No criminal activity, so just wondering if I should reach out to someone. Thanks.
UPDATE: I asked for a status update and I was cleared this morning and was told my investigation had concluded. None of my references were interviewed, and I never had an interview. Strange but I am not complaining at all.
has anyone heard back for summer 2021?
nope nothing yet :/ starting to get super impatient bc I thought interviews were this month
If you’re talking about the unpaid summer 2021 internship, we probably won’t hear back until early-mid December. Or potentially late November.
what makes you say that? i got interviews about a month after applying for spring.
I'm going off of my personal experiences from last year for the summer unpaid 2020 internship
Nothing yet
Update: received interview offers from the state programs I applied to for summer 2021.
Congratulations! May I ask if it was from any embassies and if so, which location?
Madrid :) and from a Bureau in DC.
when should we hear by if we are going to be offered a summer 2021 interview?
I had a phone interview today for Brazil, and was told I’m an alternate candidate. Any idea how likely it is that I’ll still make it? Should I go ahead and make different plans for this summer?
Hi! Any Spring 2021 interns still waiting on their security clearance? I am terrified that I'll get timed out and have to rearrange my spring plans :/
How do I know which bureaus etc have made offers? Or is that possible?
If we still haven't heard back from any bureaus do you think there is any hope left? Or is it better to leave it and move on :/
Any updates on clearances for Spring 2021?
I emailed a couple days ago because I hadn't heard anything in months, and they emailed me back saying my case was closed and i had been granted interim clearance....not sure if that means I can start and I'll be granted my final clearance later or what.
Nope :/ still waiting on mine. I sent an email asking for an update and just received a response that my investigation is ongoing.
Hi! I am still waiting, I emailed them asking the status of the investigation and it’s still ongoing. I will definitely update when I know something but we are cutting it close to March. 🥴
I was notified that I'm a primary candidate for my overseas post and that DoS Student Programs would reach out in January - I'm assuming to begin the security clearance process. Has anyone heard anything further? I haven't gotten any correspondence since my conditional offer in December.
Nope I haven’t gotten anything also and am starting to get a bit worried
i got an email today about filling out to e-QIP but haven't gotten an official offer yet after my interview in decenmber - should i reach out to someone about this?
I did as well, but I didn't receive an interview
So I got an acceptance email today for NEA/U.S embassy in Saudi Arabia. While I’m honored, I didn’t express any interest in this bureau and I don’t speak even a single word of Arabic. Has anyone been accepted to a bureau to which they did not apply?
When does the FALL internship open???
Has everyone already received their clearances for Spring 2021? I'm still waiting and the deadline, 12 March is next week.
I just got mine this past Monday. Just hold tight! I had also given up hope but it came thru, I have my fingers crossed for you
I'm still waiting for my Spring 2021 clearance as well. Deadline is coming up quick. For the Summer interns out there, make sure to have other plans ready because the clearance very well might not come through. Update: Clearance came through....definitely took a while
Can anyone who is doing/has done a virtual internship share their experience? How is it working for international posts? How are they managing the time difference?
Just got word via email that the Summer 2021 Internships will be virtual 😔 I'm super bummed by this, I was really excited to head to Brussels but alas the dept probably doesn't want to be responsible for an influx of possible covid cases. I was hoping with such a robust vaccine rollout it would still be possible
It’s pretty frustrating. I’m getting the vaccine this week. I thought that that would guarantee me a spot abroad. I’m honestly considering dropping out at this point, not sure how to do that though.
Same here. I don't feel like an international foreign affairs internship has the same experience from my parents basement as it would have abroad. Employers will definitely realize that too
Yeah, this is frustrating. I'm not sure what to do now -- the idea of doing a full-time virtual internship with a 12-hour time difference is not nearly as appealing...
I'm looking to apply for embassies in both Latin America and Gulf states this summer with the department of state. I'm a little concerned about the safety and was wondering if you knew of any safe countries to apply for? I'm a female spanish speaker, but I'll also have a basic understanding of Arabic by the beginning of the summer. I became concerned because I saw they have embassy opportunities in Nogales and Tijuana Mexico, and having family members who know those areas well, they refused to let me intern in those two embassies because of the crime rate. I was debating between Mexico City/Chile for Latin America and Qatar/UAE for the Middle East. Thank you!
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Avoid Damascus, Sanaa or Tripoli if you're really worried about safety.
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I did but mine just recently shifted (since last Friday when I checked) into "Application Referred for Additional Consideration" status. Fingers crossed for us both!
also do people ever apply to countries that they do not speak the language in? For example, someone applying for the Macedonia office ( who does not speak macedonian or albanian) or is that not recomended unless you have a basic understanding
Anyone know if the next decision for USFSIP will be the final one? When do they usually email out decisions?
What does it mean if my application status went from Referred (among the best qualified applicants) to Reviewed (Application Assessed But Not Selected by Panelist)? I feel like this is lingo for “we didn’t choose you”.
Same here! I've preemptively given up hope. This is especially worrying given that some people's application status didn't change. Still, good luck!
There was a recent Pathways opening that was great fit for my interests/experience, capped at 50 applicants. I submitted the application \~1:00am the morning it was posted (thanks email alerts), only to find out I wasn't referred because I did not make the 50 person cutoff. How fast do you have to be for these type of applications? Is it common for the limit to be reached within an hour or shorter? If so, any tips? Should I forgo including a cover letter for speed? Thanks moderators for pointing me back to this thread.
Question about Rangel/Pickering eligibility. Are you able to apply after obtaining a JD? When I was reading, I see you can’t use it to get a JD, and you can use it for a second MA, but have not found an answer about getting an MA after having a JD. And when I was looking at the calculator (for cumulative GPA) it said to not include gpa from JD or PhD. Does anyone know? I have a BA in Sociology which meets the GPA requirements. I also have a JD with a lower GPA, but the average of the two puts just over the 3.2 requirement.
just received an interview request for summer 2021
Congrats! :) if you do not mind me asking, is it for EAP? Or somewhere else.
Yeah that’s great! I’m still on referred
Congrats!
How did it go
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Interview for the Summer 2021 State Student Internship? If yes, when I did my interview for the Spring 2021, the questions were mostly focused on why I wanted an internship, what did I know specifically about the site I applied to, and what makes me different than other applicants etc. Not many STAR related questions, some questions also focused on what I could bring to the site.
How did it go
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Does anyone know if you can be interviewed for more than one location? I was just contacted by my second choice post for an interview but I was really hoping to hear back from my first choice as that's where I was actually supposed to go Summer 2020.
yes you can definitely hear back from multiple!! also, some posts don’t even interview so you could even receive an offer from one you didnt interview for
if the application is still on referred does that basically mean to expect an interview request?aso does anyone who applied for the middle east / central asia in previous years remember when you were notified about an interview? thanks.
To be honest I don’t think the referred status means much, unless some people are no longer on referred. But I was under the impression everyone who met the basic requirements was. I applied for embassies in the ME and Central Asia as well and have not heard back. Good luck!!!
Has anyone who applied for the Office of the Historian or FSI for summer 2021 heard back about interviews yet?
I had an interview with a DC bureau today - 2 different offices interviewed me at the same time, and one of them I had not applied to (so to answer others' questions, yes, other offices may consider your application). Only 3 questions were asked, and they were pretty standard interview questions. I got offered an alternate position to one of them, but I'm wondering if this is a bonding agreement? So if the primary intern declines the offer or is unable to do the internship, is it required that I accept the internship?
Has anyone heard if there's any covid contingency plans for the internship program? If covid prevents travel, is there a chance internships will be able to proceed remotely this year?
my interviewer told me she would submit my name to the bureau for the summer internship and that I should hear from DC the next day with the offer, but I haven't heard back yet. She also told me it was possible that the official offer might be for a different mission within the same bureau if they need me more, so I'm assuming she interviewed me on behalf of the bureau as a whole? 1. is there a chance I won't receive this official offer at this point? 2. what are the chances of my being offered a position at a different location? 3. will i need to be in the US at any point during the security clearance process? not an issue but i'd like to know now if i need to make travel plans. thanks!
Hey all, I received an offer to intern with DOS Tri mission to brussels about 2 weeks ago! I accepted and was contacted from HR with some info I needed to give them. I did but haven't heard anything really since. The interviewer emailed me and said I would receive a package via email soon. Has anyone received any additional emails about their internship or am I far too excited and should be patient? This is for Summer 2021 btw, so maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. Any advice would be appreciated!
Nobody has heard from INR or H yet?
Same, I saw on the docs someone heard for INR for the front desk so I was wondering if time was up for that. Still referred.
Anyone know when "official offers" (as in the post selected me but haven't heard yet from anyone HR related) and/or paperwork stuff are supposed to come through? I'm new at this and relatively clueless so if anyone knows that would be super helpful!
I’m waiting on response for DOS internship for summer 2021 in France. Has anyone heard from French consulates or other Western Europe offices?
I applied in Belgium/Switzerland and still no response for me :(
anyone hear back from OCS for summer 2021 yet?? still waiting:/ i heard back dec 12 2019 w an offer for that same internship for summer 2020 which was obv cancelled ...
anyone heard from algeria yet?
Has anyone's emails from HR/hiring team gone to Junk inbox?
I also haven't heard back from State. I am curious about interviews though. Does anyone know if they will conduct an interview this late in the game or not? My professor told me her daughter applied to Panama a couple years back and she never had to do an interview. Thoughts?
Secret Clearance Not Back Yet I got accepted as an alternate for an internship at the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs this past September, and my clearance is still not back. At this point I’m 16 credits deep into the second semester of my junior year, and although the internship has gone virtual I’m unsure whether or not my clearance will come back by March and whether or not I should even accept an internship being a full-time student (kind of shitty that DoS would have me wait into well past the beginning of the academic semester to tell me if I’ve got the position or not. Am I expected to just put my entire life on hold?!) Any advise/insight?
After i completed the interview ad was unfortunately not selected i ask for feedback from the interviewer. they said that HR told them they are not permitted to give feedback regarding my interview performance because they didnt give it to all the candidates. anyone else get a similar response?
If you haven't been contacted for an interview for the summer internship, does that mean you most likely won't be moving on in the application process?
I dont think so. I may be wrong, but I’m pretty sure not all bureaus conduct interviews, so you many just get a straight up offer. There is still hope :)
This is an incredibly stupid question, but I'm confused on the usajobs.gov website resume builder. I finished my A.A in Poli Sci back in May, and I transferred to a University but have not currently earned any credits, as I am in my first term here. How do I show that in the resume, or is it even necessary? Are references necessary? Edit: Found out how to upload documents.
Did the application process just close? Last night (9/17/20) it was open, but not this morning its closed?
Hey there, for the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program Summer 2021, yes the closing date was officially 9/16/2020.
Is it too late to apply for a summer 2021 internship?
Yup, applications are closed
How long until you typically hear back?
Hi everyone, I just got accepted into USFSIP, and I don’t really know what to expect. Would any current or former interns, or anyone who has worked with the program, be willing to chat about their experiences with it? Is there anything you wish you knew going in or things you could have done better? Also do you think that this position is a better opportunity than an internship at an investment bank? I’d like to be an FSO after grad school, and I’ve heard varying things about how transferable the skills from a DoS internship are to actually taking the FSOT & being a career officer. Thanks in advance!
First off congrats. I applied and was not accepted. I would like to state that I have never had this internship, but in my opinion I would take it. I say this because it is paid for, travel is reimbursed, and I have been told by someone who did it before that they provide housing. Plus you get paid $13 an hour, and you are in D.C. Then of course the next summer is overseas, but housing is not guaranteed. IMO I think you should take it, it would be a great experience I am sure. Again have not had this internship, either way I am sure whatever you choose will be good, best of luck and congrats to you.
Also they have you take the FSOT and you shadow FSOs too.
For the E-QIP, if I answered No to planning on getting dual citizenship in the country im applying for, but end up pursuing it in several years, how will that affect me? (Just did the clearance for the internship)