Gaining real-world experience through a United Nations (UN) internship allows driven young people to convert youthful idealism into impact on the global stage. But snagging one of these competitive positions takes proper planning and preparation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify UN high school internships from start to finish – from understanding the programs available to strengthening your candidacy and planning your next steps after the experience.
Overview of UN High School Internship Opportunities
While internship positions are limited, several UN entities offer programs specifically geared towards high school students aged 15-18. These interactive opportunities allow teens to work alongside global experts while supporting international cooperation efforts.
Headquarters and Worldwide Placements
The UN Headquarters in New York City offers a small number of high school internships each year within departments like Political Affairs, Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Affairs. Students assist with research, event planning, shadowing meetings, and administrative tasks.
"Interning at UN Headquarters gave me front row access to international diplomacy. I even got to sit in on Security Council sessions!" – Emma S., UN HQ intern
Additionally, specialized UN agencies like UNESCO and UNICEF run internship initiatives for teens at field offices worldwide, from Nairobi to Paris to Bangkok. Students contribute to program activities aligned with global education, science, culture or children’s initiatives.
Typical Timeframes and Commitments
UN high school internships generally range from two weeks to two months over the summer break. Schedules are designed to accommodate academic commitments, with most positions requiring 20-30 hours per week.
Some entities also offer part-time internships during the school year that entail 5-10 hours per week.
Extremely Competitive Entry
With so few spots available, gaining entry into UN high school internships can be tougher than getting into an Ivy League school! But investing the effort is well worth it for globally-minded teens seeking transformational experiences.
The selection process weighs factors like academic achievements, leadership experience, languages spoken and demonstrated interest in world affairs. We’ll break down application tips later in this guide.
“The high school internship program receives thousands of qualified applicants every year, so spots are very limited. Students really need to highlight what makes them stand out from the pack,” notes UN recruitment specialist Janine C.
Inside the Life of a UN High School Intern
What’s it actually like to intern at the UN as a teen? Get a taste through this first-hand account from Paul L., who interned at UNESCO headquarters in Paris last summer.
“My time at UNESCO blew my perspectives wide open. During my two-month internship, I worked within the Division for Inclusion, Peace and Sustainable Development. I helped analyze country survey data and attended expert group meetings discussing global citizenship initiatives. It was eye-opening to witness international cooperation happen behind the scenes.
The other interns came from diverse cultures and backgrounds, so we learned tremendously from each other. We also became great friends outside the office, enjoying Parisian cafes together! My UNESCO internship fueled my aspirations to study International Relations and one day craft policy driving social progress.”
Let’s explore the types of day-to-day activities and global exposure defining a UN high school intern experience.
Day-to-Day Work: Gaining Hands-On Global Skills
As an intern, you’ll be matched to a specific department or team needing extra support. Day-to-day responsibilities could encompass:
- Conducting desk research on global issues
- Preparing briefing notes, presentations and reports
- Attending meetings and taking detailed minutes
- Providing general admin assistance
You might also have opportunities to shadow senior officials, contribute to youth outreach event planning or even engage on social media teams spreading UN messages.
Through this hands-on involvement, you’ll gain critical skills like:
- Cross-cultural communication: Interact daily with international delegates, staff and fellow interns from vastly diverse origins.
- Problem-solving: Witness global cooperation tackle pressing worldwide challenges like conflict, inequality and sustainability.
- Research and analysis: Explore issues like human rights, humanitarian law and geopolitics from multidimensional lenses.
“My internship tremendously improved both my hard and soft skills," remarks Zara D., former intern at UNICEF. "Not only did I grow adept at tasks like data analysis, but I learned so much about effectively working across cultures."
Insider Access: Rubbing Shoulders with Global Luminaries
One undeniable perk of interning within an eminent global body? You gain exposure to world-renowned leaders, experts and changemakers.
You could find yourself riding the UN Headquarters elevator alongside heads of state visiting for General Assembly meetings. Or catching impromptu hallway conversations with Nobel Laureates advocating issues likes girls’ education and nuclear disarmament.
“I was star-struck for the first week seeing all the historical figures wandering the halls!” laughs Siobhan L., high school intern at UN Geneva headquarters. “It became normal to chat with ambassadors and thought leaders working on solutions to global problems. That level of insight you just can’t get in a classroom.”
Building Lasting Bonds and Your Global Network
One of the most valuables aspects of a UN internship is forging bonds with fellow interns and staff. You’ll form friendships with teens from around the world, learning from diverse cultural viewpoints.
Plus, you’ll expand your global network exponentially by connecting with the exceptional UN leaders guiding your experience. They can become valuable mentors as you chart your academic and career path related to international relations.
Soak up their guidance on excelling in global roles and keep these contacts handy for future references, tips andjob opportunities.
Strengthening Your Candidacy as a UN High School Intern
Given the extreme competitiveness, applicants need to demonstrate their ‘X factor’. Start preparing early and strategically to convince recruiters you’re a standout fit.
We asked UN insider Sam G., recruitment manager for high school internships, for his best application tips:
“I advise students to begin lining up recommendation letters from teachers, volunteer leaders or employers a year in advance, while their accomplishments are fresh. These references should speak to qualities like work ethic, integrity, cultural sensitivity and diplomacy.
On their actual applications, students should highlight not just their academic and extracurricular feats, but hands-on experiences immersed in global issues or cross-cultural collaboration. Maybe they led an international service trip raising funds for schools in Ghana or joined Model UN conferences tackling simulated global dilemmas."
Here are more ways to bolster your application:
Demonstrate Leadership and Initiative
Spotlight times you spearheaded global awareness, human rights or environmental campaigns demonstrating leadership chops. For example, perhaps you organized an event educating peers about refugee issues or launched a campus fair trade shop supporting developing economies.
Showcase Cross-Cultural Immersion
The UN values ability to bridge diverse cultures effectively. Share meaningful intercultural experiences like volunteering abroad, hosting foreign exchange students or speaking multiple languages.
Get Glowing References
Secure recommendations underscoring your maturity, work ethic, intellectual curiosity and diplomacy from teachers, volunteer leaders or employers.
Convey Passion for Global Progress
Through your application essays and interview, share what draws you to the UN‘s mission and how you envision propelling global cooperation, human rights, sustainable development or other priority issues they tackle.
College admission officers agree that UN leadership experience significantly strengthens applications by demonstrating a student’s grit, cultural agility and commitment to global citizenship.
Highlight how your UN insider expertise could enrich campus discourse on world issues through initiatives like Model UN, foreign policy groups or lecture series.
Planning Your Next Steps Post-Internship
A UN high school internship serves as both a resumé booster and clarion call to action for many teens. The experience sparks excitement about how they can further engage with multifaceted global challenges.
Where should students look next to continue their international journey?
Pursuing Further Education
“After my UNHQ internship, I felt galvanized to dive deeper into issues like human rights and governance,” shares Tyler J. “When evaluating college programs, I prioritized schools offering international relations, public policy and law tracks that aligned with my interests."
Many former interns pursue these types of majors and supplement with global-minded coursework spanning foreign languages, world history, political science and economics. This lays the foundation for future graduate study and careers addressing international issues.
Exploring Other Global Fellowships and Scholarships
After exposure to the UN ecosystem, alumni often pursuit affiliated leadership development and scholarship programs as they advance academically.
Popular options include:
- United Nations Association Global Classrooms: Intensive summer institute for rising high school seniors tackling simulated global dilemmas.
- Schuman Scholarship: Undergraduates studying abroad in Europe receive tuition funding and complete policy projects interning with EU groups.
- Ron Brown Scholarships: Covers study abroad expenses for economically disadvantaged Black/African American students pursuing global field work.
- Fulbright Fellowships: Sponsors an academic year of graduate study or research abroad for US citizens.
“The Fulbright application specifically asked about my UN internship experience and the global insights I gained. Having that on my resume undoubtedly helped me earn the prestigious fellowship to Australia where I researched indigenous land rights,” explains former intern Lalia A.
Launching Careers Advancing International Progress
College graduates who cut their teeth interning with the diplomatic giant are well-positioned for careers advocating global cooperation across public, private and nonprofit domains.
Alumni embark on foreign service roles with governmental bodies focusing on issues like trade, security and humanitarian aid. They might help shape foreign policy think tanks or spearhead global health initiatives through international nonprofits.
Others pursue human rights law or conduct field research abroad informing public discourse on issues like environmental refugees. Certain graduates even ascend to top ranks advancing UN agendas over their careers.
No matter your path, the tangible experience and vision gained from a UN high school internship carries long-term.
A UN high school intern receives a handshake from UN Secretary General António Guterres. Many alumni devote their careers to global cooperation and governance.
Alternate Global & Virtual High School Internships
If you don’t land a selective UN intern slot, don’t lose hope! Consider applying for these other recognized global teen internship initiatives:
World Bank Youth Summit Internship: Three-week summer program for 15-17 year-olds interested in economics, international development and sustainability issues. Locations in Washington DC and other major cities.
Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange: Full year cultural exchange to Germany for high schoolers keen to improve language skills and learn about policy, human rights advocacy and more by interning with German organizations.
SciStarter Internship Program: Teens crowdsource scientific research on topics like climate change, conservation, astronomy and health by conducting field observation. Mostly virtual opportunities but some labs/nature centers host in-person projects.
iEarn International Internships: Teachers and students globally collaborate virtually through online networks focused on education innovation and designing projects tackling sustainability, poverty and hunger issues affecting local and global communities.
Projects Abroad Global High School Internships: Teens intern on-site with community organizations in Latin America, Africa, Asia or Europe advancing healthcare, education, justice, conservation and childcare initiatives.
Securing a competitive UN high school internship proves challenging but profoundly shapes bright young minds eager to gain real-world experience advancing global cooperation. This insider guide shines light on the value of these programs and equips driven students to increase their chances of admission.
Gaining hard and soft skills while working alongside living legends of diplomacy allows tomorrow‘s changemakers to activate their aspirations. We hope this motivates globally conscious students to pursue incredible UN openings early in their development.