Resources for Interns

Welcome, Interns!

Congratulations on being selected to participate in the Freedom 250 YES Alumni Internship Program. We are excited to welcome you to a cohort of highly motivated Kennedy‑Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumni who are beginning meaningful, hands‑on internships with U.S. and U.S.-affiliated organizations around the world. You were chosen through a competitive process, and we are confident you will bring curiosity, professionalism, and initiative to this experience.

Whether this is your first professional internship or the next step in your career journey, this program is designed to support your learning and growth. Over the coming weeks, you will gain practical experience, develop key professional skills, and deepen your understanding of workplace culture in a real‑world setting. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to apply your technical knowledge, problem‑solving abilities, and cross‑cultural perspective to meaningful, entry‑level projects that contribute to your host organization’s work.

Your role as an intern is both a learning opportunity and a professional responsibility. You are encouraged to approach your internship with openness, initiative, and a willingness to reflect and grow. You will receive guidance and mentorship through regular supervision and feedback from your host organization, as well as monthly professional development training organized by American Councils. Our team will remain actively involved throughout the internship, offering support, check‑ins, and resources to help ensure a positive and successful experience.

We have prepared materials to help you navigate the internship, including guidance on expectations, timelines, learning objectives, and program requirements. Please review these carefully and reach out to the American Councils if you have any questions or concerns at any stage of the program. We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity—to learn, to contribute, and to build professional relationships that may shape your future path.

We wish you a rewarding and impactful internship experience and look forward to learning alongside you throughout the program.

Sincerely,

The Alumni Team at American Councils for International Education

SUPPORT FOR INTERNS

American Councils is committed to ensuring a positive, safe, and productive internship experience for all participants and host organizations. While your host organization is your primary point of contact for assigned tasks, deadlines, and deliverables, American Councils staff serves as your point of contact for support, guidance, and issue resolution. Please use the guidelines below to determine when to contact American Councils and how to reach out. In most cases, American Councils will respond within one business day. For urgent or time‑sensitive matters, please begin the email subject line with “Urgent” or “Important.”

Point of contact: Karina Vintere, email: kvintere@americancouncils.org or yesalumni@americancouncils.org

For any immediate safety or security concerns, contact local emergency services.

When to Contact American Councils?

Questions & Clarifications about program requirements, responsibilities, evaluation, timeline, etc.
Disagreements & Communication Issues
Conduct & Safety Concerns
- Harassment, discrimination, bullying, retaliation, or any form of misconduct.
- Health, safety, or security issues
- Breaches of confidentiality, data protection, or misuse of host resources.
Program Compliance
- Tasks that may fall outside the program scope or applicable regulations.
- Changes to the internship scope, location, supervision, or duration.
Feedback, suggestions
If in doubt, reach out! Early contact helps resolve issues quickly and supports a successful internship.

Please don't wait until the post-program evaluation survey to report on issues or concerns!

EXPECTATIONS OF INTERNS

While the internship is a learning opportunity, interns are also expected to contribute meaningfully to their host organization and uphold high professional standards throughout the placement.

1. Take Ownership of Your Learning

Interns are responsible for actively engaging in their own professional development by:

Setting learning and professional development goals in coordination with their supervisor.
Seeking opportunities to develop new skills and deepen their understanding of their field.
Asking questions to clarify tasks, processes, and expectations.

2. Demonstrate Professionalism

Interns are expected to adhere to professional workplace norms by:

Being punctual, reliable, and respectful.
Managing time effectively and meeting assigned deadlines.
Communicating clearly and appropriately with supervisors, colleagues, and program administrators.
Maintaining a positive, solution‑oriented attitude.

3. Contribute Actively to Projects and Teamwork

As the program emphasizes collaborative, project‑based work, interns should:

Participate fully in team assignments, meetings, brainstorming sessions, and problem‑solving discussions.
Complete assigned tasks to the best of their ability.
Seek feedback and incorporate it into future work.

4. Maintain Regular Communication and Check‑Ins

Interns are expected to:

Attend weekly check‑ins with their supervisor, which are a required component of the program.
Provide updates on progress, challenges, and successes.
Raise questions or concerns promptly, using check‑ins as opportunities for learning and growth.

5. Uphold Program and Host Organization's Guidelines

Interns must adhere to all program requirements, including:

Maintaining part‑time engagement as outlined in the internship agreement, not exceeding 20 hours per week.
Following host organization policies related to confidentiality, data protection, ethics, and workplace conduct.
Attending monthly professional development sessions organized by American Councils.

6. Adapt to the Workplace Environment

Depending on the internship format (in‑person, hybrid, or virtual), interns are expected to:

Follow attendance and availability expectations established by the host organization.
Participate in meetings, trainings, and relevant office activities as appropriate.
Demonstrate flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to learn new systems and tools.

7. Demonstrate Respect, Cultural Sensitivity, and Ethical Conduct

Interns are expected to:

Interact respectfully and professionally with colleagues of all backgrounds.
Contribute to a positive and friendly work environment.
Uphold ethical standards and represent the values of the YES program throughout the internship.

8. Complete Full Program Requirements and Internship Tasks

Interns are expected to:

Fulfill all YES Alumni Internship Program requirements.
Complete internship tasks as assigned by the host organization, within the agreed scope and timeframe.
Reflect on skills gained and lessons learned, including presenting their internship experience during the program’s closing event and submitting the end‑of‑program evaluation survey.

Role & EXPECTATIONS of the Host Organization and intern's Supervisor

Intern supervisors play a central role in ensuring that the internship is meaningful, productive, and aligned with both the intern’s goals and the host organization’s priorities. While interns are ultimately responsible for their own learning, the supervisor provides structure, mentorship, and guidance that shape the overall quality of the experience

1. Provide Onboarding and Clear Expectations

Supervisors are responsible for helping the intern understand the organization, their role, and the context in which they will work. This includes:

Offering an initial orientation to the team, workplace norms, tools, and project workflows.
Setting clear expectations regarding responsibilities, deadlines, communication norms, and performance standards.
Ensuring the intern knows whom to contact for support, approvals, or questions.

2. Connect Internship Tasks to Learning Goals

Each intern is expected to develop learning and professional goals. Supervisors help bring these goals to life by:

Reviewing the intern’s goals early in the internship.
Aligning assigned tasks with those goals whenever possible.
Providing opportunities for the intern to practice and strengthen skills that support their future workforce readiness.

3. Facilitate Engagement, Teamwork, and Inclusion

The program emphasizes collaborative, team‑based learning. Supervisors should:

Integrate interns into relevant team discussions, brainstorming sessions, staff meetings, and project work.
Provide opportunities for meaningful contributions (not merely observation), so interns can build confidence and critical thinking skills.
Encourage team members to treat the intern as a valued colleague, fostering a welcoming environment.

4. Offer Weekly Check‑ins and Support

A weekly check‑in is an explicit requirement of the program and serves as the backbone of a successful internship. Supervisors should use these meetings to:

Monitor progress on assigned tasks or projects; Clarify priorities and answer questions.
Identify challenges early and collaboratively adjust plans when needed.
Provide perspective, encouragement, and space for reflection.

5. Deliver Constructive, Timely Feedback

Interns grow through consistent, actionable feedback. Supervisors should:

Offer guidance that helps the intern understand what is going well and what can be improved.
Balance constructive critique with positive reinforcement.
Mentor interns on professional communication, time management, workplace etiquette, and problem‑solving.

6. Support Hands‑On, Entry‑Level Skill Development

Internship assignments should allow interns to:

Apply academic or theoretical knowledge to real-world work.
Build foundational professional skills, including research, writing, analysis, project coordination, client support, or digital skills.
Participate in projects that align with the organization’s priorities during the internship period.

7. Communicate with Program Administrators When Necessary

To ensure a smooth experience for both hosts and interns, supervisors are asked to:

Raise concerns or questions promptly with American Councils staff.
Participate in opening and closing events conducted by American Councils.
Track activities and progress for the end‑of‑program reflection or reporting process.

8. Promote a Safe, Respectful, and Ethical Work Environment

Supervisors ensure that the intern’s environment is:

Professional, supportive, and nondiscriminatory.
Free from harassment or inappropriate tasks.
Supportive of diverse cultural backgrounds and working styles.

9. Model Leadership and Professionalism

Finally, supervisors exemplify the workplace values the program aims to instill. By modeling strong communication, collaboration, and integrity, supervisors contribute not only to the intern’s success but to the development of the next generation of global professionals.

Preparing FOR an internSHIP & First week

Before the Internship Begins

To ensure a smooth and productive start, interns are expected to prepare in advance of their placement:

Review the Internship Plan and Agreement
- Carefully review the internship plan shared during the application process, including scope of work, learning objectives, and time commitment.
- Confirm start and end dates, weekly hours (not exceeding 20 hours per week), and the agreed internship format (in‑person, hybrid, or remote).
- Review and sign the Internship Agreement provided by American Councils.
- Be aware of any additional documents or policies required by the host organization.
Familiarize Yourself with the Host Organization
- Take time to review the host organization’s mission, areas of work, current projects, and organizational context.
- Familiarize yourself with the organization’s website, publications, or recent activities.
Think of What You'd Like to Gain
- Brainstorm learning goals and the skills you hope to develop during the internship.
Set Expectations for Communication and Availability
- Clarify your availability, time zone (if remote), and any anticipated schedule constraints.
- Ensure you have reliable internet access and an appropriate workspace if working virtually.
- Ensure access to required communication tools (email, Teams, Zoom, Slack, etc.), as instructed by the host organization.
- Be prepared to communicate professionally and consistently from the first day.

During the First Week

The first week sets the tone for the entire internship. Interns are expected to engage actively in onboarding and orientation activities:

Participate Actively in Onboarding and Orientation
- Attend all planned onboarding sessions, introductions, and meetings.
- Learn about the organization’s structure, workflows, and team roles.
- Ensure access to all necessary tools, platforms, and systems and ask for help if anything is unclear.
Align on Expectations and Learning Goals
- Meet with your supervisor to review responsibilities, short‑ and long‑term assignments, and deadlines.
- Discuss your personal learning goals and how they might connect to assigned tasks.
- Clarify communication norms, including preferred channels, response times, and meeting schedules.
Begin Assigned Tasks
- Start working on initial tasks or projects assigned during the first week.
- Ask clarifying questions as needed and confirm deadlines and expected outputs.
- Approach tasks with initiative and a willingness to learn.
Build Professional Relationships
- Introduce yourself to team members and engage respectfully in meetings or discussions.
- Be open to collaboration, feedback, and new perspectives.
- Foster a professional, positive, and inclusive presence from the outset.
Establish a Routine & Plan Your Time
- Develop a realistic weekly schedule that aligns with agreed hours and responsibilities.
- Prepare for regular weekly check‑ins with your supervisor and remain proactive in sharing updates or challenges.

intern Goal-setting (LEARNING OBJECTIVES)

Setting clear learning goals at the beginning of your internship helps you make the most of your experience and ensures alignment between your interests, your host organization’s needs, and the program’s learning focus. You are encouraged to approach goal‑setting as an active and reflective process.

1. Before your first‑week check‑in with your supervisor, take time to reflect on:

What skills do you hope to develop or strengthen (e.g., communication, teamwork, problem‑solving, digital skills, etc.)?
What do you hope to gain from this internship?
How does this internship connect to your academic background, career interests, or long‑term goals?

2. Draft 2–3 initial learning goals you can discuss and refine with your supervisor.

Your goals should be appropriate for a 2–3 month, part‑time internship (up to 20 hours per week). When defining your goals:

Focus on growth and learning, not perfection.
Be realistic about time, scope, and your current level of experience.
Prioritize goals that can be supported by the tasks and projects outlined in the internship plan.
Use the SMART goal-setting framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound).

3. Align Goals with Your Internship Tasks

Whenever possible, link your learning goals directly to the projects and responsibilities you will be working on. For example:

Improving professional communication through presenting findings or drafting written materials.
Building technical skills through research, data analysis, or use of specific tools.
Developing teamwork and collaboration skills by contributing to group projects or meetings.

4. Discuss and Confirm Goals with Your Supervisor

After the first week:

Share your draft goals with your supervisor.
Discuss how your goals align with the organization’s priorities and planned work.
Adjust goals as needed to ensure they are mutually agreed upon and achievable.

5. Revisit and Reflect on Your Goals

Learning goals are not static. You are encouraged to:

Use weekly check‑ins to briefly reflect on progress, challenges, and new learning.
Be open to refining or adjusting goals as your internship evolves.
Take time, especially at the end of each internship month, to reflect on what you have learned and what you still hope to accomplish.

SMART goal-setting framework and examples:

SMART is an acronym that stands for:

Specific – Clearly and concisely states what you want to learn or improve
Measurable – Includes a way to track progress or completion, usually includes a number
Achievable – Realistic to achieve in 2–3 months
Relevant – Connected to your internship tasks and career interests
Time‑bound – Has a clear timeframe (by mid‑internship or by the end)

Examples (goals will vary based on the nature of the internship)

By the end of the internship, I will strengthen my marketing skills by contributing to at least two marketing materials (e.g., a flyer, newsletter, or campaign brief) and incorporating feedback from my supervisor.

By the midpoint of the internship, I will learn how to use one new software or digital tool used by the organization and apply it to at least one assigned task.
By the end of the internship, I will develop social media content planning skills by helping create or schedule at least one week of social media posts and tracking basic engagement metrics with guidance from my supervisor.
Within the first two months of the internship, I will improve my research and analytical skills by completing one research assignment and producing a short written summary or presentation of key findings.
By the end of the internship, I will enhance my teamwork skills by collaborating with colleagues on at least one shared task or project
By the conclusion of the internship, I will update my CV/résumé to include new skills and experiences gained and prepare a final version for future job applications.

Everyday Guidelines for a Successful Internship

A successful internship helps you connect daily tasks to skill development and translate your experience into clear evidence of professional readiness. Your engagement, communication, and reflection play a critical role in shaping the quality of your learning and contribution. The guidelines below are intended to support your day‑to‑day success throughout the internship.

1. Understand Expectations and Priorities

Clarify your responsibilities, deadlines, and priorities early. If expectations are unclear, ask questions—especially at the beginning of assignments. Use weekly check‑ins to confirm priorities and ensure your understanding aligns with your supervisor’s expectations.

2. Approach Tasks as Learning Opportunities

Many assignments may be new or unfamiliar, be open to learning. Break tasks into manageable steps, focus on learning the process, and don’t hesitate to ask for examples or clarification.

3. Observe, Then Practice

Pay close attention to how your supervisor and colleagues communicate, manage time, and collaborate. Apply what you observe by practicing these professional behaviors in your own work, whether drafting emails, participating in meetings, or organizing tasks.

4. Ask Questions Early and Often

Asking questions is an expected and valuable part of the learning process. If something is unclear, ask sooner rather than later. Proactive clarification helps prevent misunderstandings and shows engagement and responsibility.

5. Engage with the Team

Take initiative to participate in meetings, discussions, and collaborative work when invited. Introduce yourself to colleagues, contribute respectfully, and be open to learning from different roles within the organization.

6. Use Tools, Templates, and Feedback

If templates, examples, or guidelines are provided, use them carefully. Feedback is meant to support your learning, review it thoughtfully and apply it to future tasks to improve quality and efficiency.

7. Communicate Progress and Challenges

Keep your supervisor informed of progress, delays, or difficulties. Weekly check‑ins are an important space to discuss what’s going well, where you’re stuck, and what support you may need.

8. Stay Organized and Track Your Work

Maintain a simple record of your tasks, deadlines, hours worked, and skills developed. This will help you reflect on your progress, prepare for check‑ins, and articulate your experience in evaluations, your CV, and the closing presentation.

9. Manage Time and Commitments

Honor agreed working hours and deadlines. If you need flexibility or anticipate a conflict, communicate early. Be mindful that your supervisor and colleagues are balancing multiple responsibilities as well.

10. Conduct Yourself Professionally and Respectfully

Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions by being punctual, respectful, and mindful of workplace norms. Treat all colleagues with cultural sensitivity and uphold confidentiality, ethical standards, and the values of the YES program.

11. Reflect and Look Ahead

Take time regularly to reflect on what you are learning and how you are growing. Near the end of the internship, think about how to describe your experience, skills gained, and accomplishments to future employers or academic programs.

Reporting, evaluation, and deliverables

To support continuous learning and future program improvement, both interns and host supervisors provide structured feedback on the internship experience at the mid‑point and at the conclusion of the placement. This feedback informs American Councils’ ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the program and is used to meet reporting requirements for the U.S. Department of State.

Interns are expected to complete assigned tasks and projects outlined by the host organization by the end of the internship period, provided they are feasible within the agreed scope and timeframe. As a final deliverable, alumni interns participate in a program closing event, where they briefly present their internship experience, including the tasks or projects they worked on and the skills or insights they gained.

Feedback Format

At the mid‑point of the internship, interns provide feedback verbally during a structured check‑in meeting with American Councils staff, while supervisors share written feedback via email in response to questions provided by American Councils. The questions will include:
- How has your internship/hosting experience been so far?
- Are the tasks and activities contributing to a meaningful and productive experience?
- What aspects of the internship have been most valuable or successful so far?
- Have any challenges or concerns emerged that should be addressed to improve the experience moving forward?
At the end of the internship, both interns and supervisors complete a short written survey. This feedback is used by American Councils to assess the internship experience, support continuous improvement, and fulfill reporting requirements for the U.S. Department of State. The survey will include questions about:
- - Overall Satisfaction with the Experience
  - Contributions, Deliverables, and Results/Learning Outcomes
  - Supervision, Support, and Communication
  - Administration & Coordination
  - Improvement Suggestions

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