Directors Note
I hope everyone made it through our first winter storm no worse for wear. We had an excellent turnout for our first DDP lecture with Professor Michael O’Hanlon. Next week, The Center for International Studies will host former U.S. Ambassador Michelle Gavin to give a talk about the dynamics of the urban youth movements in Africa. Check the flyers below to register. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from an experienced foreign service practitioner. Students, I also recommend that you consider joining one of our student clubs to get the most out of your education and build relationships. You will also notice there are many opportunities for internships that are featured in this newsletter. If you are interested check with the office of career services. Good luck.
Prof. Eric |
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DDP Luncheon with Michael O'Hanlon
The Center for International Studies was honored to host Michael O'Hanlon, the Philip H. Knight Chair in Defense and Strategy and director of research in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution. Mr. O'Hanlon discussed his new book, “To Dare Mighty Things: U.S. Defense Strategy Since the Revolution”. The discussion was well attended and received. The Center for International Studies would like to thank all you attended and participated. |
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- The Harris County Judge’s Office has an opportunity for students to apply for a Community Relations Fellowship for the 2026 Spring semester. The fellowship will provide an opportunity to engage with Harris County communities and learn more about our County’s policymaking process. If you have any questions reach out to Emily.Ramirez@harriscountytx.gov.
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Looking for real-world summer opportunities for your students? We can help! Our D.C.-based academic internship program offers: - Course credit from George Mason University
- A guaranteed internship
- Furnished housing
- Professional development and networking
The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) awards more than $1 million in program scholarships annually. 85% of students receive aid, and more than 70 receive full scholarships. Help Us Find Top International Affairs Students Nominate students for priority scholarship consideration or share our resources via newsletter, or social media, or forward this email. For questions, call us at 202.986.0384 or email admissions@TFAS.org. Thank you! |
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Support Global Cybersecurity Program Fund
Our Global Cybersecurity Program has a new fund established for donations and financial contributions. These donations will go a long way in contributing toward the overall program for mentorship exercises, internships and the purchasing of equipment to construct our cyber lab. Any contribution would be most appreciated and will go a long way in ensuring the growth and development of our Global Cybersecurity Program. To donate, please either click the link or scan the QR code below. Thanks!
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Support Distinguished Diplomat Program (DDP) Fund
Similar to our Global Cybersecurity Fund, the Center for International Studies also has a Distinguished Diplomat Program Fund in which we will attempt to raise funds in order to facilitate and coordinate different events and programs such as our biennial Distinguished Diplomat Endowed Lecture Series, DDP Luncheons, Foreign Service Officer Meetings, among many others. The funds generated will go a considerable way in bringing greater visibility to the Center for International Studies Distinguished Diplomat Program and everything that it entails Please kindly consider donating. Every cent is deeply appreciated. To donate please click the Donate button below or scan the QR code. Thanks! |
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Study Abroad for U.S. College and University Students |
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Are you pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree? Study abroad to enhance your education. You will gain important career skills and knowledge, and alumni of some U.S. government exchange programs even receive special hiring authorities that make it easier to pursue federal jobs. Find a program that’s right for you. Learn More
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Additional Internship Opportunities |
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FEATURED INTERNSHIPS
- Honors Internship Program - Our Honors Internship Program (HIP) is the perfect opportunity to set your career in motion. Ideal for undergraduate students between their junior and senior years, as well as graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, JD, or PhD, this paid internship can be a direct pipeline to full-time employment after college. This is a unique opportunity for students to learn and work alongside our professionals. Learn More
- Benjamin A. Gillman International Scholarship Program The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced that qualifying U.S. undergraduate students who want to pursue study or internships abroad as part of their higher education experience may now apply for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship. Learn More
- Remote Volunteer / Internship Opportunities - Democracy Lab Democracy Lab has a database of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities to use technology to solve challenging social, economic, environmental, and civic problems. They connect volunteers with the social, nonprofit, and civic sectors "through the power of tech-for-good volunteerism." Learn More
- Joseph S. Nye, Jr. National Security Internship and Mentoring Program - The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) established its flagship internship and mentoring program in honor of Dr. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who has devoted his career to the preparation and mentoring of generations of Americans and global strategists. Learn More
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FEATURED ITEMS
- DOS Careers Dedicated to identifying, recruiting and hiring competitive, diverse candidates. Learn More
- Data Analyst / Development Assistant / Administrative Assistant. Learn More
- Methodist Global Health Care Services | Houston Methodist Hospital is recruiting for a number of positions. Join our team at the #1 hospital in Texas and be a part of our education mission. Learn More
- Freelance Linguists Job Opportunity Do you have skills in languages other than English? Freelance contractors play a vital role in providing language interpreting and translating services to US government officials and in support of US foreign exchange and assistance programs. Learn More
- Remote Volunteer Opportunities with Humanitarian Street Map Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team is a global community of volunteers, community leaders, and professionals who work together to create open map data to support disaster response and sustainable development. Learn More
- Hiring Soon: Civil Service STEM & Foreign Affairs Fellows To support the Secretary’s Modernization Agenda goal of acquiring more specialized talent, the Department of State will soon start hiring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Foreign Affairs Fellows in Civil Service positions across the Department on an ongoing and as needed basis. Learn more and apply
- Election Night Support Staff (ENSS) The Election Night Support Staff plays a vital role as runners or intake clerks, responsible for receiving essential voting equipment from vote centers at the conclusion of election day. This is a temporary paid position offering a competitive rate of $17 per hour, with a paid 2-hour training session provided. Learn more and apply
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Wine & Wisdom with Fmr. SSA FBI Daniel Fuentes
January 27, 2026 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM WACH Offices 1235 North Loop W. Suite 1025 Houston, TX 77008
‘How to Survive Being Held at Gunpoint by the Gulf Cartel’ – Fmr. Supervisory Special Agent Daniel Fuentes – Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Daniel Fuentes Osiel Cardenas, the (sadistic) kingpin of the notorious Gulf Cartel and the founder of Los Zetas, has his gold-plated AK-47 aimed straight at you. Fifteen of his henchmen also have their assault rifles locked onto you. You are only half a mile from the U.S. border and only yards away from police headquarters. But this is of little use, some of the men pointing guns at your head are wearing police uniforms.
Ambassador Michelle Gavin - How Urban Youth Are Changing Africa
February 03, 2026 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Dr, Houston, TX 77027
Africa is undergoing an astounding transformation that will usher in a new era of political volatility and experimentation in the coming years. The region is in the midst of a historically unprecedented demographic surge that has skewed the median age in most countries to below twenty years old. This demographic moment coincides with three factors likely to amplify the political agendas of African youth: rapid urbanization, dramatically increased digital connectivity, and increasing recognition that old political narratives are no longer fit for purpose. Gavin argues that these clear trends will result in an increase in political volatility. Anti-government movements will continue to find new expression, incumbents will be more vulnerable, honeymoon periods for new leaders will be shorter, and transfers of power and leadership will be more frequent. Citizens frustrated by the status quo will show more willingness to experiment with different forms of government and different external partnerships, all with significant implications for those hoping for a global democratic resurgence. |
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