The Migration Policy Institute offers a unique opportunity for students and early-career professionals through its Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program.

Named after MPI’s founding president, this program provides internships designed to both contribute to MPI’s research and communications work and to train the next generation of migration and policy experts.

Internships are available both in person and remotely, accommodating candidates residing outside the United States.

Program Mission and Values

The Young Scholars Program seeks to cultivate a diverse and inclusive cohort of interns, reflecting a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

MPI is committed to equity, ensuring that interns work in a supportive environment that promotes professional growth, access, and inclusion. This ethos aligns with the Institute’s broader goal of shaping informed, capable leaders in migration policy, communications, and research.

Internship Cycles and Duration

The internship program runs across three annual cycles:

Spring: January – April (applications due October 15)
Summer: May – August (applications due February 15)
Fall: September – December (applications due June 15)

Internships last approximately four months, with some flexibility in start and end dates. Both full-time and part-time positions are available, though full-time commitment is preferred for U.S. Immigrant Integration and Communications internships. Full-time interns receive a biweekly stipend of $1,436, with prorated support for part-time positions. Academic credit arrangements may also be possible.

MPI Internship: Internship Areas

Research Internships

Research interns contribute to MPI’s substantive program areas, including:

U.S. Immigration: Analysis of asylum, refugee pathways, border management, legal immigration, and employment outcomes.
International Migration: Comparative study of refugee resettlement, labor migration, integration, borders, mobility, and returns.
U.S. Immigrant Integration: Education, workforce development, language access, and policy research.
Latin America and Caribbean Initiative: Policy analysis of mixed migration flows, with a focus on Mexico, Costa Rica, and Colombia; Spanish proficiency required.
Refugee and Forced Displacement: Research emphasizing refugee agency, livelihoods, self-reliance, integration, and faith-based responses.

Research intern responsibilities include policy analysis, literature summaries, drafting papers, event support, and administrative tasks.

Communications Internships

Communications interns gain hands-on experience in promoting MPI’s research and public engagement. Duties include:

Managing digital campaigns and social media outreach
Tracking media coverage
Editing multimedia content
Supporting publication dissemination and event coordination

Strong editorial, social media, and multimedia skills are essential for success.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Minimum of junior-year college standing or equivalent work experience
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Current students, recent graduates, or early-career professionals
Foreign language skills and software proficiency are advantageous
Minority applicants and those from immigrant or refugee backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply

Applicants outside the U.S. must have the ability to work remotely or obtain work authorization. MPI does not sponsor visas for internships.

Program Legacy and Opportunities

Established in 2021, the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program honors MPI’s founding president, who dedicated his career to mentoring the next generation of migration experts. Interns gain valuable exposure to high-quality research, policy development, and communications, while building professional networks with experienced migration specialists.

Benefits of the Program

Interns develop:

Practical research and communications skills
Policy analysis and data interpretation experience
Cross-cultural and international exposure
Insights into migration trends and governance

The program fosters professional growth in a supportive, collaborative environment, bridging academic learning with real-world impact.

How to Apply

Prospective interns are encouraged to submit applications early via MPI’s online portal. Instructions for each cycle are posted in advance, and only shortlisted candidates are contacted.

MPI cannot accept late submissions, phone calls, or offline applications.

For more information on MPI internships in Europe or updates on application openings, interested candidates should monitor the official MPI careers pages.

VISIT OFFICIAL CAREERS HERE

Final Thoughts

The Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program provides a launching pad for emerging leaders in migration policy. By combining research, communications, and real-world engagement, MPI prepares interns to contribute meaningfully to global migration debates and initiatives while gaining skills essential for leadership in this dynamic field.

This internship represents a rare opportunity to engage with cutting-edge migration research, enhance professional expertise, and join a global network of policy innovators.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this internship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

Remote & In Person Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program: MPI Internship Opportunities for Emerging Migration Leaders (stipend of $1,436 biweekly available) @Unknown