<p>Hi Im a freshman and am looking to intern over Summer at the end of my freshman year. Im particularly interested in Politics/ IR. I would ideally prefer something international and not too specific. Something similar to the internships offered by the UN would be ideal. Im looking for something hands-on and not clerical. Can you suggest some such internships?
Pay is not a problem and it is okay if I dont get payed.</p>
<p>Try Capital Hill. If you are a minority, there are programs through the Congressional Black, Hispanic and Asian caucuses. And most of them involve a stipend and housing which is really helpful!</p>
<p>By hoping to get an internship similar to those offered by the UN, you are setting your sights way to high. UN internships are for graduate students, most of whom have several years of work experience and are in their mid-late 20s. </p>
<p>As a freshman, your best shot of getting an IR internship is through connections. Do you have any friends, acquaintences, or family members that are involved in that world? If so, call/email them and see if they can help. Your professors are also an excellent resource for internships. Most polisci professors have connections outside of academia and (assuming they think highly of you), might be willing to put in a good word with someone. </p>
<p>Pretty much any internship opportunity that is formally listed will be filled by rising juniors and seniors, so you will need go beyond the ususal job hunting resources if networking doesn't pan out. Find a listing of NGOs focusing on international development, human rights, security, etc... (a good place to start is idealist.org), and start sending out resumes. Don't expect to get paid, or do much substantive work. IR internships tend to be very competitive, so don't feel bad if you can't find anything.</p>