Student Volunteer Program

The Institute of International Business and The U.S. Embassy/Consulates invite you to participate in the first internship of its kind

The Institute of International Business has established a formal internship for U.S. citizens who are juniors or seniors of Georgia State University (GSU) with the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce. This program is formally known as the Student Volunteer program.

The purpose of this internship is to provide both foreign and U.S. government experience at a U.S. Embassy installation for the purpose of understanding how the private/public sectors interact with the U.S. government.

The student's work assignment shall be in the public interest, and to the maximum extent possible, shall provide and appropriate educational experience for the student. The student volunteer will work under the supervision of the Foreign Commercial Service Officer at the U.S. & Foreign commercial Service mission that he/she is assigned.

The student will be given specific duties to perform such as:

  • Conducting market research
  • Preparing reports drafting replies to correspondence
  • Promoting and recruiting exhibitors for trade events.

A position description of the work to be performed by the student will be provided based on the U.S. Embassy trade promotional activities at the time the student is applying.
 

Eligibility

Eligibility for receiving recognition as a U.S. Embassy Intern as part of its Voluntary Program provides a unique opportunity to students to step outside the classroom boundaries and obtain real world insight into the global marketplace. Qualified students are invited to apply providing the following qualifications are met.

Applicants must:
 

  • Be a US citizen to qualify
  • Maintain a cumulative Georgia State University GPA of 3.2 or higher
  • Be currently enrolled in a degree program in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business AND beginning their third or fourth year of a Robinson College undergraduate program OR completing the first year of a Robinson College master's program
  • Fully understand and comply with the U.S. Department of Commerce requirements as set forth in the agreement between Georgia State University and the Commercial Service U.S. Embassy Internship Program.

It is the policy of the Department of Commerce to provide equal opportunity in employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or handicap; to promote a continuing affirmative employment program for groups which are employed at less than representative levels in the Department's work force; and to ensure that management and personnel policies, practices and procedures are non-discriminatory in intent and impact.

Only complete applications will be considered. A complete application includes:

  • A completed data form
  • An essay explaining your interests in international business and how that has impacted your academic experiences and achievement, community involvement, work experiences, and career aspirations. Specify what you hope to accomplishment through the internship program
  • A current resume
  • One letter of reference from a faculty member
  • A non-refundable processing fee of $50 made out to Georgia State University - IIB

Process:
 

  • Completed applications may be delivered by hand, post, or e-mail to: Institute of International Business, J. Mack Robinson College of Business, 14th Floor, 35 Broad Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Email: iib@gsu.edu. Generally, internship placement is during the months of May - August.
  • A preliminary interview will be conducted. Once your application is completed, you should contact the Institute of International Business for an appointment.
  • A second interview will be conducted by the Director of the IIB. You will be assigned an appointment time. Once an approved candidate for the program, your application will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service for embassy placement for final approval and acceptance to the program.
  • Details of the internship will be finalized at that time.

The terms of the internship

  1. The GSU student is enrolled not less than half time at Georgia State University
  2. The GSU student is recommended by the Institute of International Business
  3. The GSU student is acceptable to the U.S. Department of Commerce
  4. This individual may cease to be a student during an interim between school years, if the interim is not more than five months. The individual must show to the satisfaction of the Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Department of Commerce, a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue a course of training in the same or different educational institution during the school semester immediately after the interim.
  5. The GSU student has been selected without regard to consideration of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, or handicap condition, but must be a U.S. citizen.
  6. The GSU student's service is to be uncompensated and will not be used to displace any employee or to staff a position, which is a normal part of the Agency's workforce.
  7. The Institute of International Business is the sole contact with the Intern Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
  8. The student's work assignment shall be in the public interest, and to the maximum extent possible, shall provide an appropriate educational experience for the student.
  9. The student is not considered to be a Federal employee for any purposes other than injury compensation and laws related to the Tort Claims Act.
  10. The student is not entitled to benefits, i.e., leave, retirement, health, travel compensation, subsistence allowances, quarters and any other reimbursement or payment in kind.
  11. Nature of the volunteer assignment: The student volunteer will work under the supervision of the Foreign Commercial Service Officer at the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service mission that he/she is assigned. The student will be given specific duties to perform such as conducting market research, preparing reports drafting replies to correspondence, and promoting and recruiting exhibitors for trade events.
  12. The agency will establish an official Personnel Folder for the student and will include a Notification of Personnel Action and other documentation of the work assignment as specified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
  13. Evaluations of reports of the student's performance will be provided to the School, subject to the following government regulations:
    1. the protection of privacy of personnel records
    2. the availability and disclosure of official information

For additional information, contact the Institute of International Business