JUSFC/CULCON Internship Program
Firm Application Deadlines:
Summer: March 1st, 11:59pm EDT
Fall: May 31st, 2026, 11:59pm EDT
Spring: October 1st, 11:59pm EDT
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC), and U.S. CULCON offer a paid internship program for graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in U.S.-Japan relations. Our office culture is one of high standards, mutual respect, professionalism, trust, and accountability. This internship is a professional development opportunity that is designed to introduce you to new fields; help you develop or improve skills; and build your resume and network. We offer substantive and interesting work; mentorship; a collegial and supportive work environment; and excellent networking opportunities. Interns perform tasks that allow them to learn hands-on skills to build their resume. Additionally, JUSFC and CULCON provide mentoring and introductions to various Japan-related events in Washington, D.C. that serve as networking opportunities.
The United States Congress established the Japan-United States Friendship Commission (JUSFC) in 1975 via 22 U.S.C § 2901 PL 94-118 as an independent federal agency to sustain the important friendship and partnership between Japan and the United States, and to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship, through educational, cultural, and intellectual exchange. JUSFC is a grant-making agency that supports research, education, public affairs, and exchange with Japan.
CULCON is a binational advisory panel that strengthens cultural and educational foundations of the U.S.-Japan relationship. Since 1961, U.S. and Japanese leaders have identified areas to enhance exchange and promote mutual understanding critical to Alliance effectiveness. CULCON ensures that innovative ideas for cultural, educational, and intellectual exchange are implemented as operational programs, many of which were established, implemented, or funded by JUSFC.
What: Current initiatives include but are not limited to supporting the JUSFC Creative Artist Fellowship Program, JUSFC’s Grant program, JUSFC and CULCON’s meetings; CULCON’s working group meetings, and other activities promoting U.S.-Japan cultural, educational and people-to-people exchange. Duties include but are not limited to research and writing on issues affecting the United States and Japan partnership, meeting planning and execution, disseminating information via social media, participating in meetings and seminars and writing reports, and supporting program-related and grantmaking activities. Interns are given the opportunity to build specific skills of personal interest as they contribute to the greater impact of JUSFC and CULCON work. Previous interns have focused on grant-writing, data collection and analyzing, publicity design, social media campaigns, event logistics and coordination, bilingual communication including interpretation and translation, and more.
Where: Interns work from a small office in a team-oriented and fast-paced environment in Washington, DC. This is a primarily in-person internship with some telework.
Who: Applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students who are eligible to work in the United States. An interest in Japan, excellent research, writing, Internet, communication (including comfort handling telephone calls) and organizational skills are required. These are skills that an intern will have ample opportunity to develop further but must demonstrate a certain level of pre-requisite ability. Knowledge of Japan and/or Japanese language are desirable but not required. A professional, respectful demeanor toward peers and colleagues, and an appreciation for the intricacies of collaboration is expected.
Payment Information
The internship pays $17.95/hour (minimum wage in the District of Columbia) and reimbursement for actual local transportation costs. Please note, JUSFC and CULCON do not cover housing or relocation costs. We also do not sponsor visas or work permits.
Application Materials
Phone Number
Letters of Recommendation
Please provide letters of recommendations from two references. Please include their working email address/contact information. JUSFC may contact references after the interview process. At least one person should be an administrator or faculty member from your current institution and the other should be someone who can comment on your work ethic, attention to detail, ability to follow directions and be a team player. Please consider references who would be able to answer the following questions:
- In what capacity and for how long have you known the candidate?
- How would you describe the candidate’s academic and/or work performance?
- What can you tell us about the candidate’s personal character and integrity?
- How do you believe participation in the JUSFC/CULCON Internship would support the candidate’s personal and/or professional goals?
- How well does the candidate function in a group setting and are they able to communicate effectively?
- How prepared do you believe the candidate is for an in-office internship experience at a U.S. federal agency?
Cover Letter
Please address your cover letter to Ms. Niharika Chibber Joe, Deputy Executive Director, JUSFC.
Your cover letter must include:
- Your thoughtful motivations for applying for this internship
- How this internship will specifically help you reach your academic/professional goals
- How you plan to contribute to the office and the overall mission of the agency
- Your interest in Japan and/or U.S.-Japan relations
Resume
Your resume should include all your work and volunteer experience. Do not leave anything out, even if the resume goes into more than one page.