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In case you cannot find the answer to your question here, please reach out to American Councils by email: kvintere@americancouncils.org or yesalumni@americancouncils.org
Who is eligible to apply for the internship?
Eligible applicants are alumni of the Kennedy‑Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, including YES Abroad program alumni.
The program is best suited for alumni in the early stages of their professional careers; no prior work experience is required.
Alumni must have completed their high school studies (or equivalent) to apply. Alumni currently enrolled in their final year of high school and graduating in May or June 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Alumni who have participated in previous cohorts of the YES Alumni Internship Program may apply; however, preference will be given to alumni who have not yet participated in the program.
How long is the internship? Is it full-time or part-time?
The internships are 2–3 months in length and run for a fixed period defined by the program, between June 1 and August 31, 2026. Internship duration varies by opportunity; please refer to the Available Internships section for the specific dates of each placement. The selected intern and host organization will confirm the exact internship start/end dates by signing an Internship Agreement prior to the start of the internship.
All internships are part-time - between 10 to 20 hours per week. The exact time commitment for each internship is also indicated in Available Internships section and will be confimed by the Internship Agreement.
Interns are expected to participate in all required program activities—including the opening and closing events, monthly professional development trainings, and the mid‑point check‑in—scheduled between June 1 and August 31, regardless of when their individual internship concludes.
Who supervises the intern? What is the role of American Councils in the program? And who funds the program?
Interns are supervised by a designated host organization supervisor, with program oversight provided by American Councils. American Councils provides program coordination, oversight, and serves as a point of contact for interns and hosts throughout the internship.
The program is administered by American Councils for International Education through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State.
What does the intern recruitment and selection process look like?
Following the approval of eligible host organizations, American Councils opens the internship application process to eligible Kennedy‑Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumni. American Councils actively promotes the opportunity to eligible alumni; host organizations are not expected to recruit or promote internship placements, and alumni should not contact host organizations directly outside the established program process.
Alumni applicants submit information on their education, skills, language proficiency, and relevant experience, along with a CV or résume. Applicants are asked to indicate which internship opportunities they are interested in, based on the internship plans submitted by host organizations.
American Councils reviews all applications and identifies up to three qualified candidates for each internship opportunity, which are shared with the respective host organizations. Host organizations may interview candidates and rank their preferences, or American Councils may conduct interviews on the host’s behalf if needed.
Final intern selection is made jointly by the host organization and/or American Councils to ensure alignment with program goals and learning objectives.
American Councils notifies selected interns, and both the intern and host organization sign an Internship Agreement outlining key terms and expectations. Host organizations may also require additional agreements in accordance with their internal policies and applicable local laws.
Is the intern expected to work from the host's office? Will the program cover the intern’s travel and accommodation expenses?
It is up to each host to decide whether to offer an internship that will require the intern to work from a designated office, a virtual internship, or a combination of the two (hybrid).
The program does not cover travel, accommodation, or relocation expenses for interns. Therefore, applicants eligible for in-person internships would be limited to those who already reside in, or are willing and able through their own means to relocate to, the host location.
For hybrid and in‑person internships, it is recommended that interns work from the office whenever possible. This allows greater opportunities for collaboration, networking with colleagues, and overall integration into the organization.
Is the host expected to cover salary for the intern?
This is a learning and professional development program, not employment. Host organizations participate on a voluntary basis and are not expected to provide financial compensation to the intern. Alumni interns will receive a modest monthly stipend to help cover expenses related to transportation, meals, internet, and similar needs.
While it is not required or expected, host organizations may offer additional benefits. Hosts interested in offering additional benefits should contact American Councils at yesalumni@americancouncils.org
Are there any expectations for the intern to keep working at the host organization/business after the program?
No, it is not expected that the host organization offer an employment opportunity to the intern after the end of the program, nor can the internship be extended beyond the maximum three‑month period (June 1 - August 31, 2026).
However, there is no restriction on hosts voluntarily extending offers of official employment within their organization or business to interns after the internship ends, should they be interested.
What is the monthly stipend amount? Who will send the stipend to alumni?
Interns receive a modest monthly stipend intended to help offset expenses such as transportation, meals, internet access, and similar costs related to participation in the program. The stipend is not a salary or wage, as this is a learning and professional development program, not employment. As a learning-focused program, the stipend is provided to support participation and is not intended to constitute financial gain or employment compensation.
The stipend amount is adjusted based on the cost of living in each YES country, and may therefore vary. Alumni shortlisted for the interview stage will be notified of the stipend amount applicable to their country.
Stipend funds will be released following the mid-point check-in meeting with American Councils staff and confirmation of satisfactory performance. Depending on the country, funds will be distributed either via wire transfer directly to alumni or through the local YES office.
On what criteria are the interns selected for the program and matched with a host organization?
Intern placements will be based on demonstrated competencies, relevant academic background, and motivation that aligns with the host organization’s scope of work and the eligibility requirements outlined in the internship description.
Should the host sign an employment contract with the intern? What are the requirements?
After confirming the internship placement with both parties, an internship agreement will be signed outlining the intern’s responsibilities, expected hours per week, internship period, and other key terms. The host organization may also require the intern to sign additional agreements, depending on the organization’s internal policies and any applicable local laws.
What is the policy for interns requesting time off during the program?
Due to the program’s limited timeline, no vacation time is permitted. Interns are expected to adhere to the schedule and weekly hours agreed upon in their internship agreement. However, situations may arise that require time off. The following guidelines apply:
The Intern must notify their host supervisor as early as possible when requesting time off (e.g., for medical appointments, academic commitments, or unforseen personal matters).
All time‑off requests must be approved by the host organization, with American Councils staff included in the communication.
Hosts may request that interns make up missed hours, and any time off should remain limited so as not to interfere with core responsibilities or the successful completion of the program.
Are placements guaranteed? Am I guaranteed to be placed with the internship I indicate as my first preference?
Placement depends on the competitiveness of the alum's application and the alignment between their competencies and host organization needs. Only one intern is placed per internship opportunity. While applicants may indicate their preferred internships, final placements are determined through a competitive selection process and interviews.
American Councils makes every effort to place qualified alumni in suitable internships. Placement is not guranteed, nor is placement with a specific host organization. Alumni will be considered for up to three internship preferences, in the order listed in their application.
American Councils reserves the right to consider an applicant for internship opportunities outside of their top three preferences if their application is not a strong match for those selected internships.
What happens if issues arise during the internship?
If issues arise during the internship, early and open communication is strongly encouraged to ensure a positive and productive experience for both interns and host organizations.
Interns should first raise concerns directly with their host supervisor whenever possible.
Hosts should work with interns in good faith to address concerns related to workload, expectations, supervision, or the learning experience.
If an issue cannot be resolved, or if either party is uncomfortable addressing the concern directly, American Councils staff should be contacted promptly. American Councils will work with both the intern and the host organization to assess the situation and recommend appropriate next steps.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include mediation, clarification of expectations, adjustments to duties or schedules, additional support, or other corrective actions. In rare cases where issues cannot be adequately resolved, American Councils reserves the right to modify or end the internship in the best interest of the intern, the host organization, and the program.
Timely communication and collaboration are essential to maintaining a safe, respectful, and meaningful learning experience for all participants.
Will interns receive a certificate or a letter of recommendation for future professional opportunities?
Yes. Interns who successfully complete the YES Alumni Internship Program will receive a certificate of completion from American Councils for International Education.
In addition, letters of recommendation are not automatically provided, but interns may request a letter or professional reference from their host supervisor at the host organization, at the supervisor’s discretion. Interns are encouraged to demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong performance throughout the internship if they wish to request a recommendation.
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