Academic Internships at the Abba Eban Institute
The Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations offers several academic internship programs for passionate students and young professionals who are considering a career in Diplomacy, Strategy, International Relations, and their interaction with the media.
Our internships provide students with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of foreign policy issues, gain hands-on experience, and get an insider's view of the fascinating world of diplomacy. The internship programs offer students from Israel and abroad a chance to work closely with leading professionals in the field and participate in a range of workshops, tours, and lectures.
2020-21 AEI annual interns at our end-of-year event, June 2021 (Photo: Gital Press)
If you’re passionate about international diplomacy, you are sure to find a program that suits your interests and skills
Internship program objectives
Introducing students, young professionals and/or academics to the field of innovative diplomacy; familiarizing them with Israel’s foreign policy and diplomatic practices; providing them with a meaningful, hands-on working experience; and helping them acquire research skills and additional proficiencies for studying and working in the field.
Our program supports Reichman University’s official mission statement – to identify, educate, and train the leaders of tomorrow.
Internship Opportunities
Which internship program are you interested in?
Annual academic internships for RUNI students
Applications for AY2025-6 are open.
Final deadline for applications: 16 November 2025
The Institute’s annual internship program is open to a select group of excellent graduate and undergraduate students from Reichman University, who apply at the beginning of each academic year. Interns join one of the Institute’s programs, and throughout the academic year gain knowledge and experience in matters relating to diplomacy and foreign affairs and actively participate in professional workshops and events held by the Institute.
If they have not previously completed an accredited internship, students can choose to intern for 2 academic credits, subject to approval by their academic track coordinators. However, they may also opt to participate in the program as a non-credit internship.
Internship period: A full academic year
General requirements:
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Registered undergraduate students (3rd or 4th year) and graduate students from all Reichman University schools, with a minimum GPA of 80.
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Excellent research skills.
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Deep knowledge and understanding of current affairs, global trends, and international diplomacy.
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High-level English fluency.
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Commitment to 8-10 weekly work hours; available for work during both fall and spring semesters.
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Mandatory and active participation in all group meetings and workshops during the year.
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Submitting a one-page research proposal or concept paper on a subject of your interest that aligns with the focus of your preferred program (for more details, see the section titled "2025-6 Research focus")
2025-6 research focus and individual program requirements
Please find below this academic year's research focus for each program and its individual requirements:
Israel-Arab Gulf Program
The apparent end to the “Swords of Iron” war presents an opportunity to expand the Abraham Accords to include additional Arab Gulf states. If this happens, Israel will gain access to new and important markets.
In AY2025-6, The Israel-Arab Gulf Program will focus on preparing for such a scenario and ensuring Israeli investors and business and civil society entrepreneurs can access the region with relative ease. The Program’s research and policy will therefore focus on preparing professional dossiers on each potential country, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and others.
Internship candidates applying for the program will have experience in business or economics, in writing policy papers, or have a unique understanding of the Arab Gulf states.
Requirements:
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The candidates will be required to submit a one-page research proposal outlining a topic they think can be important and innovative for this year’s Program. The paper will outline the topic, explain its importance and relevance, and suggest how it can be pursued.
Asia Policy Program
The apparent conclusion of the “Swords of Iron” war presents an opportunity to reimagine Israel’s engagement with Asia and the Arab Gulf. As the region moves from confrontation to reconstruction, new partnerships are forming in the fields of technology, connectivity, and economic resilience. For Israel, this moment offers a chance to position itself as a constructive bridge linking Asia’s innovation hubs with the Gulf’s growing technological ambitions.
In AY2025-6, the Asia Policy Program will focus on preparing for this emerging phase of cross-regional cooperation. The program’s research will examine opportunities for strengthening Israel's relations in Asia, with a focus on Asia-Arab Gulf technology collaboration, Israel’s potential role in regional supply chains, and opportunities to deepen ties with key Asian partners. A particular emphasis will be placed on exploring potential pathways toward normalization with Indonesia –the world’s largest Muslim-majority country and a critical node in Asia’s political and economic landscape. Understanding the regional, political, and societal dynamics that could enable such engagement will be an integral part of the Program’s work.
Requirements
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Internship candidates applying to the program should have experience or strong interest in international relations, economics, business, or technology policy, and a demonstrated ability to write clearly and analytically. Candidates will be required to submit a one-page research proposal outlining a topic they consider innovative and relevant to this year’s program. The proposal should briefly describe the topic, explain its importance, and suggest how it could be developed into a focused policy paper or brief.
Policy and Technology Program
This year’s Policy and Technology internship Program will focus on three critical areas at the intersection of emerging technologies and national security: International AI policy, with an emphasis on global governance frameworks and multilateral cooperation; Regional strategic AI partnerships, examining collaborative opportunities and competitive dynamics in key geographies; and the national security implications of disruptive technologies, with particular attention to the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and other emerging technological capabilities.
Interns will engage in rigorous policy research and contribute to shaping strategic approaches to technology governance in an era of rapid innovation and change.
Requirements:
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Candidates will be required to submit a one-page research proposal outlining a topic they consider innovative and relevant to these issues. The proposal should briefly describe the topic, explain its significance, and suggest how it could be developed into a comprehensive research paper
The Arena - Diplomacy and Foreign Relations Magazine
Interns will assist in critiquing, editing, and copywriting articles, uploading content to the magazine’s website, and expanding its online presence and reach.
Requirements:
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Media and journalistic affinity (previous experience an advantage).
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Passion for academic, journalistic and/or literary editing, and copywriting.
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Candidates may be required to submit an editing test.
Special Projects Team
Interns will support the development and execution of specialized workshops and research projects. Working directly with the Executive Director, interns will contribute to high-level initiatives requiring qualitative research, critical thinking, and strong organizational skills.
Requirements
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Ideal candidates are MA students or 3rd-year BA students fluent in both Hebrew and English, with strong writing skills and a keen interest in geopolitical, diplomatic, and security-related issues.
How to apply
Please prepare the following documents and upload them to the link below:
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Updated CV
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Cover letter (for useful tips on how to write one, download this PDF)
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Academic writing sample
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Grade transcript
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Your research proposal
Apply with your RUNI credentials using this link
Suitable candidates will be invited to an interview with our staff shortly after the submission deadline, and may also be asked to complete a task relevant to their desired position.
Admission to the program will be decided based on availability and the candidate’s skills and merit.
Summer academic internships for international students
Our summer internship program draws students from leading American and European universities via the "ONWARD Israel" program. Prospective candidates can request their ONWARD coordinator get in touch with the Abba Eban Institute and apply for an internship position.
Internship period: June to August (depending on the Onward program)
General requirements:
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Excellent research skills.
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Fluent English.
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Applicants must have completed, or be near the completion of, their 2nd year of undergraduate studies, or higher.
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Commitment to 35-40 weekly work hours (except for days with extracurricular activities, as dictated by the Onward program).
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Mandatory participation in group meetings and workshops during the internship period.
Additional Requirements for interns under the “The Arena” Magazine:
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Media and journalistic affinity (previous experience is an advantage)
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Passion for academic, journalistic and/or literary editing and copywriting
Applicants are required to send their CV, a cover letter explaining their interest in the Institute, and an academic writing sample. Suitable candidates will be invited for a virtual interview (via Zoom) with the Institute’s staff.
For further details, please download PDF
Note: Applications open from February to early May (currently closed).
For more information on the various ONWARD programs, please visit: onwardisrael.org
Individual internships/fellowships
The Abba Eban Institute occasionally accepts internship applications from outstanding academics and/or professionals who specialize in fields of expertise relevant to the Institute’s work.
If you wish to apply for an individual internship, you must:
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Submit a CV, a cover letter, and an academic writing sample (as described above).
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Hold an undergraduate degree (or be finished with his/her studies by the beginning of the internship), or higher.
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Have spoken in advance to the head of the program you wish to intern with, and agreed with him/her on the position’s requirements and your expected work schedule.
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Be willing to commit to a minimum 4-month work period.
Additional Requirements for interns under the “The Arena” Magazine:
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Media and journalistic affinity (previous experience is an advantage)
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Passion for academic, journalistic and/or literary editing and copywriting
The application will be weighed against the Institute’s needs, its current vacancies, and the applicant’s interests and qualifications.
Contact
For all inquiries regarding internship programs, please contact:
