English

Internship Opportunities
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    Overview

    The Al Qasimi Foundation Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts and contribute to impactful projects that benefit the Ras Al Khaimah community. Internships are available for up to three months and are ideal for students considering graduate school, research careers, or professional pathways in public policy and related fields.

    Interns join a supportive, respectful, and multicultural learning environment, working alongside a diverse team of researchers and practitioners. Each intern is matched with projects that align with their academic background and career goals, ensuring a meaningful, hands-on experience. Internship activities may include literature reviews, fieldwork, qualitative and quantitative analysis, multimedia projects, communications support, and policy writing.

    In addition to day-to-day project work, interns participate in structured professional development activities, mentorship, and cultural immersion experiences. By the end of the program, every intern will deliver a tangible capstone output—such as a policy brief, research report, or creative project—that will be published or showcased on the Al Qasimi Foundation platform.

    The program is offered twice a year (Summer Intake and Winter Intake), creating a cohort experience and allowing students flexibility in choosing the right time to join.

    Objectives

    • Provide outstanding students with opportunities to gain professional experience and contribute meaningfully to projects that strengthen the Ras Al Khaimah community.
    • Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between leading international universities and UAE institutions.
    • Promote cross-cultural understanding, creativity, and curiosity by engaging interns in the unique social, cultural, and policy landscape of Ras Al Khaimah.
    • Build a growing network of alumni who advance research, public policy, and community development around the world.

    Eligibility

    Applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Be a current undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing at an accredited university. Recent graduates (within two years) may also apply.
    • Have relevant coursework or degrees in fields such as education, public health, urban planning and development, economic development, food access, or public policy. Students with expertise in public relations, multimedia, or translation may also be considered depending on project needs.
    • Demonstrate a strong interest in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, and the Gulf region.
    • Meet English language requirements: minimum TOEFL iBT 85 or IELTS 6.5 (if English is not the applicant’s first language).

    Program Structure

    • Orientation & Onboarding: Interns participate in a structured induction program covering AQF’s mission, ongoing projects, research ethics, and cultural awareness.
    • Mentorship: Each intern is paired with a staff supervisor and a mentor to provide guidance, feedback, and support.
    • Learning & Development: Weekly workshops and brown-bag sessions expose interns to topics such as policy writing, nonprofit operations, and development issues in the Gulf.
    • Capstone Project: Interns complete one major project (e.g., a policy brief, research report, creative media project) that will be published or presented.
    • Cultural Immersion: Interns take part in excursions, service days, and community events that connect them to RAK’s heritage and people.
    • Showcase Event: Each intake concludes with a presentation session where interns share their work with AQF staff, partners, and the community.

    Selection Criteria

    Admission to the program is highly competitive. Selection is based on:
     
    • Academic Achievement: Strength of coursework, GPA, and honors.
    • Application Quality: Professionalism and clarity of the cover letter, resume, and writing sample.
    • Fit with AQF Projects: Alignment of applicant’s skills, experiences, and interests with ongoing AQF work.
    • Motivation & Goals: Clear articulation of how the internship supports the applicant’s long-term academic and professional journey.
     
    Preference is given to applicants planning graduate studies or seeking hands-on research experience in education, public policy, or closely related disciplines. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of AQF Program Managers and the Executive Director.
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    Schedule & Duration

    • Intakes: Two cohorts each year (Summer and Winter).
    • Duration: Internships last up to three months.
    • Deadlines:
      • Summer Intake: Applications due April 30.
      • Winter Intake: Applications due October 31.
    • Flexibility: Schedules are adapted to align with both AQF’s program needs and the intern’s academic calendar. Applicants should indicate availability in their application.

    Benefits

    • Furnished shared accommodation.
    • Modest stipend to help cover living expenses.
    • Access to mentorship, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities.
    • Publication or public presentation of final project output.
    • Certificates of completion and eligibility for alumni engagement opportunities.

    Note: Airfare and personal expenses are the responsibility of the intern.


    Application Process

    Applicants must submit the following in English (except recommendation letters, which may be in Arabic):

    • Internship Online Application Form
    • Cover Letter (addressing motivation, relevant experiences/skills, expected contributions, and desired internship dates).
    • Resume (CV) (including education, research, work experience, honors/awards, and co-curricular activities).
    • One minute video introduction of yourself.
    • Academic Writing Sample
    • Two Recommendation Letters

    Application deadlines:

    • Summer Intake: April 30
    • Winter Intake: October 31

    Alumni & Impact

    Interns become part of the Al Qasimi Foundation’s growing global alumni community. Alumni have gone on to graduate programs at leading universities, joined international NGOs, and contributed to research and policy initiatives across the Gulf and beyond. AQF regularly highlights intern projects and alumni achievements on its website and social media channels, strengthening the program’s reach and reputation. 


    Questions regarding internship opportunities, the application process, or status of an application may be sent to internships@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae.