Catholic Relief Services is committed to offering opportunities for learning and growth in the field of international relief and development. CRS interns gain professional experience, build relevant knowledge and skills, and satisfy academic requirements. Our internships are ideal for individuals who aspire to build their practical knowledge and experience in the non-profit sector of international relief and development.
Expand Your Horizons
Overseas Internships
CRS offers overseas internship opportunities that are relevant and strategic for students studying international development or related fields. Through the CRS Internship program, students are afforded opportunities to broaden their skills in a variety of technical areas. High-performing overseas interns have become successful candidates for CRS’ International Development Fellows Program and for regular positions with CRS.
CRS interns can tailor their work to specific skills or sectors. They often work alongside experienced managers in programming and operations to gain practical skills and experience in:
Project Management
Project Design
Proposal Development
Monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning
Budget and resource management
Supply chain, logistics and more
In addition, CRS interns often deepen their sector-specific knowledge by supporting research, studies and program activities in:
Agriculture/livelihoods
Health, WASH, psycho-social support
Peacebuilding
Education, Youth
Natural resource management
Migration, and more
Carmen Dibaya (far left) supported a variety of CRS and Caritas programs as an intern in Senegal.
Hone Your Skills
Domestic Internships
U.S. based internships offer opportunities to learn about international relief and development from sector experts. Interns work with our technical teams (health, agriculture, education, emergency response, etc.) as well as our core operations teams (human resources, finance, marketing, communications, logistics, and information technology). U.S. based internships are usually hosted at the CRS headquarters in Baltimore, but remote opportunities are available as well.
Internships at CRS HQ are diverse in scope and nature. Some recent interns have applied and expanded their skills by:
Supporting advocacy work in Washington, D.C.
Collecting and analyzing data with the Agriculture/Livelihoods team
Developing anti-trafficking communications
Tracking the impact of COVID-19 on global markets and supply chains
As an intern in Lebanon, Melissa Chedid (center) supported programs for asylum-seekers and migrants.
We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. We seek interns who have the interest, skills and knowledge to support and advance our work and thrive in a collaborative environment.
The specific requirements for each internship will be included in the job description (for U.S. based internships) or scope of work (for overseas internships). Some general guidance on required and preferred qualifications is provided below.
Required Qualifications:
Current undergraduate or graduate student
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. (for U.S. based internships only)
Strong written and spoken English
Organized, proactive, strong writing skills
Strong interpersonal skills, able to work in a multi-cultural team setting
Produces high quality work
Proficient in MS Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge/experience in CRS’ programming areas (health, agriculture, education, peacebuilding, shelter, etc.) and/or business development, monitoring and evaluation, etc.
Knowledge/experience in non-profit administration and operations (human resources, finance, supply chain, IT, etc.)
Experience working in developing countries
Professional proficiency in a second language
As an intern in Niger, Jannah Muhammad (first row, bottom right) supported the development of proposals for new funding and the startup of a multi-sectoral development project.
The letter should discuss the desired focus of your internship as well as your relevant skills. Candidates who are flexible on region and work are most likely to gain a CRS internship.
Complete short survey and/or video interview.
Review and comment on the scope of work provided by the CRS country program.
Interview with a CRS country program.
CRS will propose internship placements based on agency needs and the intern’s skills.
U.S. Based Internships
Apply to specific internship opportunities, posted on the CRS Careers Site.
We recognize that more and more universities are looking to ensure that their students graduate with a global perspective. At CRS, we share that passion and commitment to help students learn about the challenges facing developing countries and how we can most effectively partner with communities to secure a better future. Learning is at the core of our internships and CRS partners with several universities and colleges to place students in learning opportunities that are profound and support professional development and career planning. If your university or faculty would like to create a more formal partnership with CRS, contact us at [email protected].
Opportunities for Peace Corps Volunteers
Like CRS, the U.S. Peace Corps seeks to tackle the most pressing challenges facing communities in developing countries. With a focus on service and practical experience working with communities and their leaders, 3rd year Peace Corps volunteers often seek further opportunities to leverage their experience and impact in the countries where they have served. Overseas internships are usually organized between the local Peace Corps office and the local CRS office, with the position financially supported by the local Peace Corps office. To learn more about these internships, contact us at [email protected].
We are glad you are interested in learning more about internships with CRS. Please check out our FAQs below. For additional information, you can reach us at [email protected].
Requests for internships are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates whose skills and experience align with the needs expressed by the CRS country programs are usually contacted within 3-4 weeks. They will then begin to move through the steps described in the application section above. Candidates are encouraged to contact CRS 3-4 months in advance of their desired internship start date.
Overseas internships can take place at any time of the year (fall, spring, and summer semesters). The average internship length is 3 months. However, CRS welcomes longer-term internships and often hosts students for 5-6 months.
No. CRS’ overseas internships are unpaid. The intern must cover all costs related to international travel, visa, housing in-country and living expenses. Prospective interns are encouraged to pursue funding opportunities through their university, scholarship programs, or other partner networks.
CRS provides transportation for all work-related business in-country, and assistance locating housing. In some locations, CRS may be able to offer housing in a CRS guest house.
To formalize your internship arrangement with CRS, you will be asked to sign an Internship Agreement. You will also be required to review and sign the Internship Agreement and provide other required documentation including proof of overseas insurance from your university, before travelling overseas.
Yes. International students are encouraged to seek internship opportunities with CRS overseas. U.S. work authorization is not necessary for students interning with CRS overseas. However, visas or work authorization may be required for the country of assignment.
CRS proposes internship placements based on agency needs and the intern’s skills and experience. Intern placements may be available in all regions of the world where CRS works. The majority of CRS’ recent overseas interns have worked in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
No. CRS works in many challenging environments around the world but does not place interns in high-security settings. If the security situation in your country of assignment were to change during the internship, CRS would facilitate your safe departure. All interns receive a thorough orientation on safety and security upon arrival in country and are required to follow CRS’ local safety and security policies.
Applications for most internships are reviewing on a rolling basis. The timeframe for response varies for each position. Strong candidates for the position are usually contacted for an interview within 3-4 weeks of their application submission. Candidates will also receive a notification if their application has not been selected for further review or if the position has been filled.
Yes. U.S. based interns are paid an hourly wage, which is based on the State’s minimum wage. Interns are hired as short term, temporary employees. As a short-term temporary staff, CRS cannot offer medical or health insurance. However, interns are eligible for sick leave.
CRS is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Selection and hiring decisions are made without regard to sex, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status or any other protected area.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, due to a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email [email protected].
