Mission: Our mission is to nurture the future leaders of public service through hands-on experience, professional skill development, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with government authorities

Vision: We envision a future where our interns are inspired and empowered with purpose and civic duty through programs that highlight the importance of public service. We firmly believe that our interns can play a pivotal role in improving government agencies, enhancing policies, and modernizing systems. Together, we contribute to an adaptable and forward-thinking government and a better future for our society.

Internship Programs

College of Security Studies: Regional Security Studies Internship Program (RSSIP)
RSSIP puts capable, motivated students and recent college graduates at the heart of DKI APCSS.

RSSIP Responsibilities:

  • Attend relevant training, preparations, and staff meetings to effectively support the Center.
  • Provide logistical support for activities including timekeeping, microphone use, ushering, escorting, and venue set-up.
  • Attend lectures to improve knowledge.
  • Assist with exercises and games.
  • Participate in faculty working groups.
  • Assist Seminar Leaders in executing the in-resident courses.

Interns will have the opportunity to

  • Serve as a Seminar Leader as needed.
  • Write a paper for publication.
  • Assist professors with lectures or publications.
  • Engage in Center social activities.
  • Observe official visits and expert discussions.

Internships should last 16 weeks or longer, with a 12-week minimum. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session. The RSSIP is uncompensated; Interns are responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

Academic Credit – The RSSIP can qualify for academic credit. Interns are responsible for verifying whether their schools offer this and making the necessary arrangements.

Qualifications – Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • Participation in an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution
  • Recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Academic and professional goals relevant to international affairs, economics, or federal service
  • Interest in Indo-Pacific security issues
  • Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  • A grasp of classroom etiquette
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Eligible Candidates

  • U.S. citizens and internationals who can obtain an F-1 or J-1 Visa.
  • It is the responsibility of the foreign candidates to apply for a visa to enter the United States. DKI APCSS does NOT sponsor visas. Foreign student candidates with questions about securing a visa should address them to rssip@apcss.org
  • Graduate and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, recent graduates (less than 3 years) have priority in recruitment.
  • Other applicants may be considered according to the needs of the Center
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation

Information Services Department – Cyber Security or Help Desk

Cyber Security Intern Responsibilities:

  • Vulnerability management: analyze systems and prioritize the vulnerabilities and brief management.
  • Incident response as required following existing policies and protocols.

Help Desk Intern Responsibilities:

  • Manage client request utilizing the ticket system (Service now).
  • Customer service: interacting with customers working to translate their issues into IT requirements and solutions.
  • Gain knowledge on how to configure and deploy a wide variety of hardware to include CPUs, printers, and peripherals.
  • Software patching utilizing in house tools.

Internships should last 16 weeks or longer, with a 12-week minimum. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session. The RSSIP is uncompensated; Interns are responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

Qualifications – Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • Certification in Security+ and Windows 10/11 and/or
  • Participation in an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution or
  • Recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution.
  • Academic and professional goals relevant to cyber security, IT, or federal service
  • Interest in Indo-Pacific security issues
  • Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Eligible Candidates

  • Active duty U.S military
  • Graduate and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, recent graduates (less than 3 years) have priority in recruitment.
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation.

Library Department

Intern responsibilities:

  • Process incoming titles
  • Copy catalog
  • Shelf-read
  • Check in and out.
  • Print materials to users
  • Shelve or retrieve books.
  • Assist the Reference Librarian in determining relevant purchasing recommendations.
  • The supervisor (Reference Librarian) is also open to considering any proposed projects from the intern (For example: Creating a tailored monthly resource newsletter for Faculty members

Internships should last 16 weeks or longer, with a 12-week minimum. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session. The RSSIP is uncompensated; Interns are responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

Qualifications – Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • Participation in an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution or
  • Recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution majoring in Library Sciences or Archival Studies.
  • Academic and professional goals relevant to Library services and/or federal service
  • Interest in Indo-Pacific security issues
  • Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Eligible Candidates

  • U.S. citizens and internationals who can obtain an F-1 or J-1 Visa.
  • It is the responsibility of the foreign candidates to apply for a visa to enter the United States. DKI APCSS does NOT sponsor visas. Foreign student candidates with questions about securing a visa should address them to rssip@apcss.org
  • Graduate and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, recent graduates (less than 3 years) have priority in recruitment.
  • Other applicants may be considered according to the needs of the Center.
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation.

Public Affairs Department – Social Media/Podcast Intern

Intern responsibilities:

  • Social Media Management: Assist in creating, scheduling, and curating engaging content across DKI APCSS’s social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and others. Monitor social media activity, respond to comments and messages, and engage with our online community. Explore innovative approaches to enhance social media presence, expand reach, and improve audience engagement.
  • Podcast Development: Support the production of security-focused podcasts, from researching potential topics and guests to assisting with scriptwriting and recording sessions. Collaborate with the Public Affairs Office team and external partners to ensure smooth podcast production, including audio editing and post-production tasks. Help manage the distribution and promotion of podcast episodes through various platforms.
  • Content Creation: Contribute to developing visually appealing and informative graphics, images, and short videos to complement social media posts and podcast episodes. Assist in drafting compelling and concise copy for social media captions, podcast descriptions, and promotional materials.
  • Analytics and Reporting: Monitor social media metrics and podcast analytics to gauge performance and effectiveness of content. Compile regular reports on key performance indicators. Provide insights and recommendations based on data analysis to improve content strategy and audience engagement.
  • Research and Trend Analysis: Stay up to date with current events, trends, and discussions related to regional security, international relations, and digital media to inform content creation and social media strategy.
  • Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate with other teams within the Public Affairs Office to support overall communication and outreach efforts, including media relations, website content management, and event coverage.

Internships should last 16 weeks or longer, with a 12-week minimum. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session. The RSSIP is uncompensated; Interns are responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

Qualifications – Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • Participation in an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution or
  • Recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution majoring in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or English.
  • Academic and professional goals relevant to public affairs/relations and/or federal service
  • Interest in Indo-Pacific security issues
  • Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Eligible Candidates

  • U.S. citizens and internationals who can obtain an F-1 or J-1 Visa.
  • It is the responsibility of the foreign candidates to apply for a visa to enter the United States. DKI APCSS does NOT sponsor visas. Foreign student candidates with questions about securing a visa should address them to rssip@apcss.org
  • Graduate and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.0 GPA, recent graduates (less than 3 years) have priority in recruitment.
  • Other applicants may be considered according to the needs of the Center.
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation.

Visiting Scholar Program

The Visiting Scholar Program (VSP) puts academics and PhD candidates at the heart of the work of DKI APCSS. VSP responsibilities:

  • Support DKI APCSS’ suite of on-island courses. Scholars partner with professors in seminars attended by U. S. and foreign military and civilian security practitioners. Take part in lesson planning, assist and participate in lectures and policy discussions, and join in on course social activities across the island.
  • Pursue research and develop academic papaers outlined in their research proposal with approval from DKI APCSS College leadership
  • Attend visits from U. S. officials and foreign dignitaries
  • Publish peer-reviewed articles in the Center’s academic journal and on the Center’s different social media websites.
  • Present lectures in plenary, elective or brown bag lunch
  • Contribute to official visits and expert discussions.
  • Participate in faculty working groups.
  • Scholars may participate in course development where their expertise matches.

Visiting Scholars should last 16 weeks or longer, with a 12 week minimum. Scholars are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session. The VSP is uncompensated; Scholars are responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

Academic Credit – The VSP can qualify for academic credit. Scholars are responsible for verifying whether their schools offer this and making the necessary arrangements.

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • 10+ years of professional/academic experience in international relations, political science, economics, and foreign affairs or participation in a PhD program from an accredited institution
  • Recent completion of a PhD program from an accredited institution
  • Academic and professional goals relevant to international affairs, economics, or federal service
  • International experience and an interest in Indo-Pacific issues
  • Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  • Research experience, analytical and writing capabilities and a grasp of classroom etiquette
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Eligible Candidates

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • U.S. citizens and internationals who can obtain an F-1 or J-1 Visa.
  • It is the responsibility of the foreign candidates to apply for a visa to enter the United States. DKI APCSS does NOT sponsor visas. Foreign student candidates with questions about securing a visa should address them to rssip@apcss.org
  • PhD students with a minimum 3.5 GPA,
  • Other applicants may be considered according to the needs of the Center
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation

Visiting Practitioner Program

The Visiting Practitioner Program (VPP) puts security sector and government professionals at the heart of the work of DKI APCSS. VPP responsibilities:

  • Support DKI APCSS’ suite of on-island courses. Scholars partner with professors in seminars attended by U. S. and foreign military and civilian security practitioners. Take part in lesson planning, assist and participate in lectures and policy discussions, and join in on course social activities across the island.
  • Pursue projects and products outlined in their partnership proposal with approval from DKI APCSS College leadership
  • Attend visits from U. S. officials and foreign dignitaries
  • Present lectures in plenary, elective or brown bag lunch
  • Contribute to official visits and expert discussions.
  • Participate in faculty working groups.
  • Develop a network to advance their projects and products

Visiting Practitioners should last 16 weeks or longer, with a 12 week minimum. Scholars are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session. The VPP is uncompensated; Practitioners are responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

Academic Credit – The VPP can qualify for academic credit. Scholars are responsible for verifying whether their schools offer this and making the necessary arrangements.

Qualifications

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • 10+ years of professional experience in international relations, political science, economics, and foreign affairs.
  • International experience and an interest in Indo-Pacific issues
  • Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  • A grasp of classroom etiquette
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs

Eligible Candidates

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  • U.S. citizens and internationals who can obtain an F-1 or J-1 Visa.
  • It is the responsibility of the foreign candidates to apply for a visa to enter the United States. DKI APCSS does NOT sponsor visas. Foreign student candidates with questions about securing a visa should address them to rssip@apcss.org
  • Other applicants may be considered according to the needs of the Center
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation

How to apply

The following outlines the due dates, documents required, and submission method for each of the programs. Candidates with questions should address them to rssip@apcss.org.

Cohort dates for all the programs:

  • Fall season 22 August – 15 December
  • Spring season 10 January – 31 May
  • Summer season 3 June – 31 August

Note: All programs have rolling admissions and review applicants on a regular basis. If there is a particular cohort you want to participate in we encourage you to apply once you have all required materials.

Required documents list
Your application will not be considered complete and eligible for review until all items are submitted.

Required documents list
Your application will not be considered complete and eligible for review until all items are submitted.
Internship Programs:
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Transcripts*
  4. Volunteer Information Form
Visiting Scholar Program:
  1. Resume
  2. Research Proposal (4 page minimum)
  3. Transcripts*
  4. Volunteer Information Form
Visiting Practitioner Program:
  1. Resume
  2. Partnership Proposal
  3. Two Letters of Recommendation
  4. Volunteer Information Form

Submit Documents to RSSIP@APCSS.ORG. All documents should be labeled Lastname, Firstname_document and in PDF format, for example, Doe,Jane_Resume.pdf.

* Transcripts are required to verify enrollment or graduation from an accredited institution. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted in the beginning. Once accepted into the program official transcripts will be required.

**International and Dual Citizen candidates background check is processed through NCIS. Any missing information may delay the clearance process and in turn delay your acceptance into the programs. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure the form is correct and filled out completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our Regional Security Studies Internship Program is designed for college students who are interested in international relations and government service regardless of their college major. If you are interested in how government works both in the US and around the world this is a great program for you.

Yes. Once accepted into a program you will have the opportunity to extend your internship/fellowship for another session. There is a limit you can participate up to two months post your original end date..

No. While we encourage our volunteers to consider government and public service there is no requirement that they must do so at the end of the program.

No. If you are already in the United States attending university and you already have a visa to enter the country that will work for our program. The J-1 visa is designed for international students who are only coming to the US to participate in our programs.

Yes. You can apply to any of our volunteer programs. However, DKI APCSS does NOT sponsor visas for international applicants you will need to find a 3rd party to sponsor your visa. This takes quite a bit of time and we encourage applicants who will need to go this route to apply for a session 1 year in advance. This allows time for us to conduct our background check and notify you if you were accepted and still have time to get your visa sorted

No. Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States of America.

The program itself doesn’t charge volunteers to participate. However, applicants should be prepared to take on the following cost:

  • Travel to and from Hawaii
  • Rent/dorm costs associated with finding a place to live
  • Food expenses
  • Transportation cost to and from work at DKI APCSS

No. There is currently no scholarship or grant opportunities awarded by DKI APCSS. Applicants are encouraged to seek external scholarships or grants from their university or external sources.