Fall2025
Every summer, Stanford students step out of the classroom and into the world through the Global Studies Internship Program, bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact.
Supported by the Stanford Global Studies Division—the university’s hub for global research, education, and community engagement—the program connects undergraduates from every major with meaningful, hands-on experiences across the globe. Whether it’s working in a clinical laboratory in Italy, interning at an arts education nonprofit in South Africa, or conducting AI research in Taiwan, students develop the skills and perspectives needed to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
This year was one of our most competitive yet. The program received 555 applications from across the Stanford community, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for
experiential global learning. With support from our generous donors and partner organizations, 80 students representing 29 majors embarked on internships in 36 cities worldwide—from Cape Town to Mumbai, Sydney to Jakarta.
Over the course of two transformative months, interns deepened their language and cross-cultural communication skills and contributed to projects with local and international impact. Along the way, they built friendships, challenged assumptions, and returned to campus with fresh insights and perspectives that will shape their studies and careers for years to come.
The Global Studies Internship Program continues to expand opportunities for global engagement—equipping the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers to approach the world with empathy, curiosity, and purpose.
2025 Internship Facts
The Global Studies Internship Program hosted 80 students in 25 different countries.
29 majors were represented:
• 26 undeclared
• 8 international relations
• 6 design
• 5 computer science
• 3 each biology, East Asian studies
• 2 each: bioengineering, data science & social systems, economics, human biology, political science, symbolic systems
• 1 each: artificial intelligence, biomechanical engineering, biomedical computation, comparative studies in race and ethnicity, data science, earth systems, electrical engineering, history, human environmental systems, mathematics, mechanical engineering, neuroscience, psychology; science, technology & society; Slavic studies, sociology; urban studies
USA
UNITED KINGDOM University of Oxford
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace • The Korea Society
MEXICO
Al Otro Lado • Mexico Congress
BELGIUM
Bruegel • Center for European Policy Studies • Institution for European Environmental Policy
• Renew Europe Group
• The Lisbon Council
AUSTRIA
University of Salzburg • University of Vienna
FRANCE
Paris Brain institute • Paris Saclay/FAST Laboratory
• Gagosian Gallery • LIRMM - University of Montpellier • Sorbonne University • UNESCO
ITALY Galeria Borghese • Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia
CABO VERDE Diaspora Mundi
BRAZIL Secretariat of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
ESTONIA
NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence • Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu
• Museum of Occupations and Freedom VABAMU
• Taltech
LATVIA Latvian Strategy and Economic Research
• Riga Stradins University
UKRAINE Center for Civil Liberties • VoxUkraine
ARMENIA Synopsys
KENYA LAM
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Post-conflict Research Centre
SOUTH AFRICA Lalela
RWANDA Ktsobe Jewels
JAPAN
Mitsubishi Research Institute
• Rogers Investment Advisors • Urban Connections
SOUTH KOREA
Circus Image Works • CJ Cultural Foundation Mirae Assets • Simone • Unification Media Group
• Amore Pacific • Seoul Museum of History
CHINA Keru • Youth Global Network (Creative Coding for Change)
INDIA LAICO (Aravind)
• Magic Bus India Foundation • The White Elephant Clinic
MADAGASCAR Centre ValBio
INDONESIA
The Indonesian Institute for Independent Judiciary (LeIP)
TAIWAN International Climate Development Institute • Intumit Inc. • Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital • Taiwan Institute o f Economic Research
AUSTRALIA The University of Sydney
Arts & Culture Internships
Yiyi Gu, East Asian Studies
Seoul Museum of History, South Korea
Gabrielle Edelin, History and Psychology VABAMU Museum, Estonia
Thanks to your generous donation, I was able to intern in Estonia at VABAMU, which is their museum of freedoms and occupations. My summer working at VABAMU has been an unbelievably rewarding experience! Every single day felt like a new adventure, and I am so glad that I was able to participate in this opportunity. As an African American person, I understand the importance of both freedom and teaching a country’s history to prevent further injustices. Through this internship, I was able to learn about the importance of freedom from another perspective that I otherwise would never have, which has really changed my worldview for the better. Estonia has such a unique relationship with freedom: throughout multiple occupations, their voices were never fully stifled, and they continued to carry the spirit of their country with them every day. Whether we were researching for upcoming exhibits, giving tours of the KGB cells, or helping with English translations, all of our duties here at VABAMU lead to a deeper and more robust understanding of Estonia’s complicated and inspiring history. I also
During my time at the museum, I worked in both the exhibition and education departments, gaining first-hand insight into how cultural institutions operate across linguistic and cultural boundaries. I assisted with the preparation of the Shanghai–Seoul Apartment exhibition, translating and proofreading the catalogue in Chinese and English while collaborating closely with Korean curators. This process taught me the importance of precision, teamwork, and adaptability in a multilingual professional setting.
In the education department, I helped run the Visit Korea program for foreign visitors, conducted interviews to gather feedback, and suggested improvements to enhance the visitor experience. One of my favorite memories is working alongside the instructors during a hands-on class, surrounded by participants from all over the world, all deeply engaged in learning about Korean history and culture.
The image I have included shows me standing in front of the exhibition credits panel, where the names of all contributors are listed, including mine for my work on this project.
Before this internship, I was not sure if I could work in a Korean-language environment or adjust smoothly to a professional setting after being immersed in academia. Thanks to this opportunity, I discovered that I could not only adapt but I could truly enjoy the work—opening up many more possibilities for my future.
participated in Lalupidu, which is their freedom song festival that happens only once every five years! During that week, I was able to meet other Stanford alumni and show them the beauty and rich history of Estonia. Furthermore, the trips to Tallinn, Riga, and Tartu provided me with the opportunities to experience the cultures of the Baltics in a more hands-on manner. Every trip brought me closer with this amazing intern cohort and showed me why the Baltics are such a special place. From boat tours to museums, the trips were the perfect blend of educational and fun. I’m immensely grateful for every part of this opportunity and will always have a special space in my heart for the Baltics.
Ramon Salado Romo, Political Science
Galleria Borghese, Italy
Growing up in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, I could never have imagined the privilege of immersing myself in such a rich and dynamic artistic environment. My time in Rome has deepened my understanding of the complex historical influences that shape my field of study and has expanded my appreciation for the profound role of Italian artists and intellectuals. I have included an image of Apollo and Daphne by Gian Lorenzo Bernini—a breathtaking work that captures just a glimpse of the beauty and inspiration that colored my experience.
This journey allowed me to grow not only intellectually but also personally, as I engaged with people from diverse walks of life and cultural contexts. Although I had no prior deep connection to Italy, this experience bridged a gap that would not have been possible otherwise, fostering a lasting appreciation for the enduring contributions of Italian art and thought. Once again, thank you for making this transformative experience possible. Your generosity has had a lasting impact on my education and personal development, and I am profoundly grateful.
Finance & Technology Internships
Adeline Pinyu Liao, Computer Science and Economics Mirae Asset Securities, South Korea
I truly enjoyed Korea. I loved the history, nature, and beauty of the place. I loved how the culture was so intertwined in the city, as right next to my modern office building was a historical palace gate. However, what impacted me most were the people I worked with on the M&A team at Mirae. I worked with four other interns—Harim Jang, Junsik Kim, Jihoon Lee, and Hankyeol (Tristin) Lee—and they were the most hardworking, diligent people I had ever worked with. The photo is of the five of us on my last day at Mirae. They handled the most detail-intensive parts of the deal process—the work that few notice how much work goes into behind the scenes but that every successful transaction depends on. These interns were the most precise and reliable people that I knew, and they made sure everything got done, no matter what it took. And despite their demanding work, they showed up with a smile on their face every day to make me feel welcome in Korea, excitedly showing me around Myeongdong and making sure that I got to try all the foods that they thought I should try while in Korea. I learned first-hand from their diligence and persistence in all that they worked on, and they’ve truly been one of the greatest inspirations for me during my time in Korea through their work ethic and drive for what they do.
In my time at Stanford, I’ve found the international experiences that I’ve gotten the opportunity to pursue to be some of the most valuable experiences. This is my second year abroad thanks to the Global Studies Internship Program, and each year, I learn so much more about the world that shapes my perspective than any class could ever teach me. I learn about what makes teams succeed, how education in each country shapes people’s perspectives, what people
work for, and what people’s dreams are. I’ve gained greater empathy and understanding of people’s backgrounds, and I’ve learned to work in all different types of teams. I always tell my friends that the Global Studies Internship Program is the one thing I would donate to if I were an alum. But until then, I’m incredibly thankful to donors like you who make this possible for us and help share global awareness among students at Stanford.
Jerry Yuan, Physics and Computer Science
Intumit Inc., Taiwan
During my internship, I was tasked with conducting academic research and literature reviews on emerging AI concepts such as agentic AI and AI copilots. I explored potential applications of these technologies in various industries including transportation, banking, and public service. Using Intumit’s proprietary back-end software, I helped design and program AI copilot demos for use cases such as customer service complaint handling, grant application assistance, and visa and travel layover management. I also edited promotional demo videos to help Intumit showcase these innovations to potential clients and stakeholders.
This was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had—not only academically and professionally, but also personally. Before this program, I had never left California for more than a month, so living and working in a completely new cultural environment for two months was a tremendous opportunity for growth. Being immersed in daily life in Taipei allowed me to reconnect with my Mandarin, attend local concerts, play badminton with locals, and observe the rhythm of a vibrant urban center. At the same time, I learned valuable life skills like adapting to a new work culture, managing my time independently, and balancing social life with quiet personal time.
This experience also reaffirmed a long-held dream of mine: to one day live and work in Asia. As someone with an Asian American background, I was able to communicate fluently and blend into the community with ease—many people even assumed I had grown up there! I was especially encouraged by learning that my supervisor had thrived in Taipei for 20 years despite limited Mandarin skills, proving that international careers are absolutely within reach. Visiting other companies like PicCollage, where English is the primary language, further strengthened my belief that I could one day build a fulfilling career in this part of the world.
This global internship has left such a lasting impact on me that I’ve decided to continue pursuing international experiences—I’ll be studying abroad in Hong Kong this fall until the end of December, and I’m excited to continue immersing myself in new cultures, building cross-border connections, and growing both personally and professionally.
Thank you once again for your support—it truly made this life-changing opportunity possible.
Healthcare Internships
Raghad Asiri, Bioengineering
Aravind Eye Hospital, India
I was mostly working on building a diagnostic tool for fungal keratitis. I debugged the circuit, wrote code for it and tested it, and used patient samples to validate the specificity and sensitivity of the device. I also got to observe in the operation room and do rotations with doctors upon my request. It has been a life changing experience in ways I hardly expected, which would not have been possible without you. Thank you! I spent my trip becoming a better engineer, student, friend, and person overall. I experienced such a rich culture and was welcomed so kindly. I volunteered to assist with free eye screening camps during the weekends and had beautiful interactions with the patients. The picture attached is of the Aravind doctors, the high school students that helped us organize the camp, and me. I visited temples, learnt a little Tamil, and finally understood what the “care” in healthcare really means. I experienced an aspect of being human that eluded me previously. I thank you deeply for this.
Chantal Le, Biology
Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan
This past summer, I had the wonderful opportunity of completing a medical internship in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and I am so grateful for your support in making this experience possible. During my internship, I rotated through Pulmonary
Medicine, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, and Plastic Surgery, where I got to observe how physicians cared for patients, both in the inpatient and outpatient facilities, and also the operating room. One of the most impactful lessons came from learning about Taiwan’s national health insurance system and seeing how that allows patients to get accessible and affordable care. These experiences not only broadened my perspective on healthcare, but it also solidified my passion for pursuing a career in medicine. Thank you again for your generosity, which allowed me to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shaped me both academically and professionally.
Jessie Ong, Biology Italian Institute of Technology, Italy
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to advance my studies and make meaningful contributions to the field of Down syndrome research.
My work in Genoa focuses on investigating the cellular and genetic mechanisms underlying Down syndrome. Every day in the lab, I collaborate with international researchers to design experiments, analyze data, and explore new ways to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome. This experience has sharpened my scientific skills and strengthened my commitment to pursuing an M.D./Ph.D., with the goal of one day serving individuals with Down syndrome directly as both a physician and a scientist.
This research holds special meaning for me because I was raised by my aunt, who has Down syndrome. Her strength and joy inspired my lifelong dedication to this field. Seeing firsthand the importance of compassionate care and scientific progress motivates me daily in my work here.
Thank you, once again, for your support. Your contribution has opened doors for me to learn, grow, and give back to a community that has shaped my life.
Education & Human Rights Internships
Richard
Johns
, English Lalela, South Africa
As daunting as assisting Lalela with a variety of projects was—teaching children, making art, cooking meals, planning lessons—I could not have been more thankful to have had this experience at this stage of my life. Being able to rediscover my own passion while working alongside the wonderful, driven, and passionate people of Lalela was just what I needed. I learned a lot about myself this past summer, what I am interested in careerwise, what I need to work on in my own development, and what brings me joy. You’ll see an attached image of me leading a class at an elementary school in Hout Bay. I was teaching the kids how to make booklets, in which they would write out each of the five senses and draw what they could experience using them. Getting to lead a class full of such enthusiastic and talented kids and watch them discover and play with their creativity was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. Thank you so much for your contribution to this program, and for helping me have this experience.
Ria Khehar, International Relations Center for Civil Liberties, Ukraine
The Center for Civil Liberties (CCL) is doing essential work right now in the midst of the war, advocating for human rights and documenting war crimes. My primary role was to conduct research to help the organization understand how Ukraine and the CCL are perceived
internationally. This included analyzing public opinions in countries such as Italy and Colombia, seeing how different major political parties view the conflict, and researching local NGOs that are aiding Ukraine. I was also tasked with finding relevant information to present to potential donors, showing that the human rights situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate from 2024 to 2025.
One of the most rewarding parts of the internship was gaining a firsthand perspective on Ukraine’s situation from an organization that is directly involved in defending human rights. Up until the internship, I knew a basic overview of the war, but I was able to learn so much that the media has turned a blind eye to. As the war drags on, the public is less and less interested about what is happening in Ukraine. However, my work showed me that the situation has become so much worse, with Russia committing international war crimes and targeting areas with children on purpose. While the virtual format meant it was harder to form deep connections and immerse myself in the Ukrainian culture, I did my best to learn and engage with my mentor.
Overall, this internship has deepened my understanding of both international human rights work and Ukraine’s ongoing struggle. It has also reinforced how crucial accurate and timely research is for human rights NGOs. I am sincerely grateful for your support and contribution.
Research Institute Internships
Mandy Yang, Undeclared
Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, Taiwan
Carolyn Kennedy, International Relations
Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu, Estonia
I had an incredible experience working and living in Estonia! I spent most of the summer traveling around Estonia to conduct interviews for an OpEd I wrote about national identity and the integration of Russian speakers who arrived in Estonia during the Soviet occupation. I was deeply immersed in the Estonia’s history which includes centuries of different occupiers. Since its independence in 1991 when the USSR collapsed, Estonia has worked hard to democratize, promote Estonian language education, and transition the country’s economy.
The country itself is absolutely beautiful. I had the opportunity to visit Tallinn, Viljandi, Pärnu, Noarootsi, Narva, and Võsu. Each place had wonderful people and experiences. I would love to return to Estonia in the future to reconnect with the friends I made and to see how the country continues to evolve. The picture included is of me (on the right) and one of my intern friends at Laulupidu, the Estonian national song festival.
Thank you so much for making this experience possible for me. It was truly unforgettable.
I cannot overstate how life-changing this opportunity has been for me—both academically and personally. The internship demanded research thinking, methodological problem-solving, and the ability to balance detail-oriented tasks with big-picture planning. I conducted interviews across industries, which led me to conversations with a venture capitalist, two professors, two startup accelerator directors, and countless founders. These interactions not only expanded my professional network but also deepened my interest in startup ecosystems, developmental economics, and international business, particularly in the Asian context.
Beyond the work, the experience taught me independence and self-initiative. I was responsible for setting my own milestones, tracking timelines, and proactively meeting my goals. It also gave me valuable insights to bring back to my own FinTech startup, as many of my colleagues were enthusiastic about sharing perspectives and ideas.
Taiwan itself became more than just a workplace—it became a lifelong home for me. I traveled to the north, east, and west coasts, scuba dived, surfed, joined Zumba classes, played the ukulele, and even took a short trip to South Korea, where I interviewed students at Hanyang University. I built a community with fellow Stanford students, colleagues, and local friends, all while learning how to enjoy my own company. Taiwan’s warmth, safety, and culture of living life fully made me feel both cautious and completely at home. I have hundreds of saved locations on Google Maps—especially food spots that I still miss dearly!
Most importantly, I learned to embrace my passionate, creative, and loud self. I learned self-care. And I found spiritual encouragement from unexpected places, including colleagues at my company, which meant so much to me as a Christian. This experience was profoundly formative in every way, and I am endlessly grateful.
Intergovernmental Internships
Nicole Tong, Symbolic Systems UNESCO, France
This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern at UNESCO as part of the Stanford Initiative on Language Inclusion and Conservation in Old and New Media (SILICON) lab. As part of the UNESCO Multilingualism & AI team, I got to work on the World Atlas of Languages, which documents and visualizes information about languages around the world, especially Indigenous and under-resourced languages. Beyond my daily responsibilities, I also participated in UNESCO events and met fellow interns. Here, I am pictured with Vanessa from Belgium at a pesto-making workshop at the UNESCO garden.
Celeste Yi Ling Chung, International Relations NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), Estonia
This internship was truly transformative. As the only Malaysian and Southeast Asian intern in the office, I had the privilege of contributing perspectives often missing from Euro-Atlantic discussions. My work included drafting legal injects for NATO’s flagship cyber defense exercises, covering issues such as biometric data, stateless populations in conflict, and the emerging concept of “data embassies.” I also updated the CCDCOE’s Cyber Law Toolkit by adding Malaysia’s national position on the application of international law in cyberspace—ensuring Southeast Asia was represented in a high-profile NATO legal resource for the very first time.
Thank you, once again, for your generosity in making this internship possible. Your support enabled me not only to grow academically and professionally, but also personally— as a young Malaysian determined to represent Southeast Asian perspectives on the global stage.
“MyAmbowinternshipwastransformativein thatitwasmyfirstprofessionalinternship experienceandalsomyfirstexposureto workingoutsideoftheU.S.Itignitedmy curiositytolearnmoreabouttheworldand cross-culturalbusiness,whichsubsequently influencedmyglobalprofessionalcareerand volunteer interests.”
— Jessica Lee, Psychology, ’10 AmbowEducation,Beijing,China
“My internship taught me a lot about Taiwan, which is not only an important part of the U.S.-China relationship puzzle but also a fascinating and beautiful place in its own right. I learned from Taiwanese think tankers and policymakers about how they approach their domestic and foreign issues, and this knowledge continues to shape how I’m able to cover Taiwan as a journalist.”
— Irene Zhang, M.A., East Asian Studies, ’24 Taiwan Institute of Economic Research, Taipei, Taiwan
“Learninginclassroomsisgreat,butitisnotthe sameasworkinginabigcity,farawayfromhome, onyourown,whenyouwere23.Lookingback,I’ve failedonmanythings—Iwasgreenandlacked nityexperience.ButthisprogramgavemetheopportutopracticeandtoseeIdidnotknoweverything. hopeIamverygratefulforthisvaluableexperience,andI theyoungergenerationofstudentscontinuestohaveaccesstosimilaropportunities.”
— HongyouLu,M.A.,EastAsianStudies,’08TZGPartnersLimited,Shanghai,China
Denise Robinson (light blue top with red tote bag) with her intern cohort, supervisor, and two bands supported by the CJ Cultural Foundation at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival in Incheon, South Korea.
A big thank you to our donors!
The invaluable experience gained by our interns relies on the financial support of our donors, host organizations, and the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education.
On behalf of each participant — a heartfelt thank you! Since the bulk of our funding comes from donors, we continue to seek your help to support student internships. Expendable gifts of any size are welcome and help keep this program moving forward.
For opportunities to support the program, please contact:
Tamar Sofer-Geri
Senior Associate Director, Development Programs, School of Humanities and Sciences tamars@stanford.edu
For more information about the program or to propose an internship opportunity, please contact:
Grace Munene
Manager, Stanford Global Studies Internship Program gmunene@stanford.edu
Global-internships.stanford.edu