Al Qasimi Foundation Internship Program 2025
A Premier Public Policy Internship in the United Arab Emirates
Overview
The Al Qasimi Foundation Internship Program offers an exceptional opportunity for ambitious undergraduate and graduate students to gain professional experience through real-world research and development projects in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. This competitive three-month internship is designed for students pursuing or planning to pursue graduate-level studies and who have a strong interest in contributing to impactful community initiatives.
Interns work directly with the Foundation’s international team on multidisciplinary projects in public policy, education, urban development, public health, economic development, and more. The program blends practical experience with academic rigor, giving interns a chance to produce original research or creative work that may be published on the Foundation’s website.
The internship is structured to allow interns to gain exposure to different departments within the Foundation. Participants may be involved in a wide range of tasks, including literature reviews, data analysis, interviews, multimedia content creation, report writing, and general administrative support.
Key Benefits of the Internship
- Furnished accommodation in Ras Al Khaimah
- Local transportation assistance
- Modest monthly stipend for living expenses
- Supervised mentorship and support throughout the internship
- Exposure to policy research and development in the UAE
- Publication opportunity for policy briefs or creative outputs
Interns are expected to conduct themselves professionally and abide by the Foundation’s employment and conduct policies. At the conclusion of their internship, participants are required to submit at least one substantive deliverable (e.g., a policy brief, research summary, or creative project).
Internship Objectives
The Internship Program supports three core objectives:
- Provide talented students with access to professional experiences that contribute positively to Ras Al Khaimah’s development.
- Build relationships between the Foundation and top international and national universities.
- Encourage academic collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, and intellectual curiosity through practical research initiatives.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a current undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing at an accredited university. Recent graduates (within two years) may also apply.
- Demonstrate academic experience or coursework in areas relevant to the Foundation’s work: education, urban planning, public health, food access, economic development, or public policy. Applicants with backgrounds in multimedia, public relations, or translation may also be considered.
- Submit a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 or IELTS score of 6.5 (if English is not their native language).
- Display a genuine interest in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, and the Gulf region.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated based on three primary measures:
- Academic performance and achievements
- Quality and clarity of submitted materials
- Alignment of academic interests with the Foundation’s current projects
Personal statements should demonstrate strong motivation, previous relevant experience, research interests, and long-term goals. Applicants should explain how the internship fits into their broader academic and career plans. Preference is given to applicants planning further graduate study or seeking advanced research exposure.
Internship placements are competitive. While many strong candidates apply, only a few positions are awarded annually. All eligible applications will remain on file for up to 12 months, and applicants may be contacted if new positions become available during that time.
Internship Duration and Schedule
The Foundation offers flexibility with internship start and end dates. Applicants should indicate any time constraints or preferences in their cover letter. The typical internship duration is up to three months, though slightly shorter or longer terms may be considered based on applicant availability and organizational needs.
Application Process
To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application in English. The following items are required:
- Completed online application form
- Cover letter detailing the applicant’s background, motivation, and proposed internship dates
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Most recent official academic transcript(s)
- TOEFL or IELTS score report (if applicable)
- Academic writing sample (a paper submitted as part of university coursework)
- Names and contact information of two to three references, including at least one academic reference
Only complete applications will be considered. Recommendation letters may be written in Arabic if that is the preferred language of the referee, but all other application materials must be in English.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged, as internship opportunities are limited and fill quickly.
Living in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE. Known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and welcoming community, RAK offers interns a unique and enriching environment to live and work. The city is quieter than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, making it an ideal place for focused work, reflection, and exploration.
Interns can expect:
- Safe and modern accommodations
- Proximity to beaches, mountains, and cultural landmarks
- Access to local markets, museums, and events
- A peaceful setting conducive to academic and personal growth
Tips for Applicants
- Start your application early to avoid missing out on limited slots.
- Customize your cover letter to reflect your passion for the Foundation’s work.
- Clearly connect your academic background to specific program objectives.
- Ensure all documents are professionally formatted and thoroughly proofread.
- Reach out to recommenders in advance and confirm their willingness to provide a reference.
- Highlight specific skills or experiences (e.g., research methods, foreign languages, multimedia tools) that would be valuable in a cross-cultural environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students apply?
Yes, the program welcomes applicants from all countries.
2. Do I need to speak Arabic?
No. The working language is English. Arabic proficiency is helpful but not required.
3. Does the Foundation cover travel costs?
Interns are responsible for their own travel and visa expenses. The Foundation provides housing, local transportation, and a small stipend.
4. What types of projects might I work on?
Projects vary depending on the Foundation’s current needs but typically involve research, data analysis, reporting, and field work related to public policy and education.
5. When should I apply?
As early as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early applicants may receive priority consideration.
6. Is there a possibility to extend the internship?
Extensions are rare but may be considered under special circumstances and based on project needs.
How to Apply
To submit your application or learn more about the program:
Visit: https://www.alqasimifoundation.com/al-qasimi-foundation-internship-application-form?hsLang=en
Email: internships@alqasimifoundation.rak.ae
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