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Master of Arts in International Development Studies

Internships and Employment Opportunities

GW is centrally located in Washington, D.C. -- the recognized world center of the international development community. Many of the leading international development organizations are located within walking distance of the campus.

Working as an intern with a development organization in Washington is regarded as an integral part of your education in the IDS program. While not mandatory, an internship is strongly recommended.

Elliott School students have interned at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the World Bank, the Pan American Health Organization, Chemonics International Consulting, the Organization of American States, Amnesty International, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The Elliott School can provide some assistance in finding internships and small scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to those who intern without renumeration, both domestically and internationally.

Graduates of the program are employed by a variety of development institutions, such as the World Bank, UNDP, Africare, Care International, Catholic Relief Services, Chemonics, John Snow, PACT, as well as by advocacy groups, such as the Cuban Committee for Democracy and Common Sense on Drug Policy. Approximately half of the programs 75 graduates to date live and work in the Washington area. Others are working in such places as Benin, Ethiopa, Tanzania, Russia, Kosovo, and Laos.

Elliott School Graduate Student Career Development