East-West Center Young Professionals Program Spring 2027

Introduction

Are you an undergraduate, graduate student, or recent graduate passionate about US-Indo-Pacific relations? Do you want to build your research expertise at a leading international education organization while earning a $2,000 monthly stipend? The East-West Center in Washington (EWCW) is currently accepting applications for its  Spring 2027 Young Professionals Program, and it may be exactly what you are looking for.

The East-West Center in Washington strives to develop and equip rising leaders by providing direct, hands-on training in Washington, DC. During the program, you will work on high-level projects, such as analyzing large datasets for the Asia Matters for America publications, drafting briefs, and attending specialized seminars. You will also have the unique opportunity to network with YPP Alumni and participate in critical skill-building workshops tailored to advancing your career in international affairs.

Read on to discover if you meet the eligibility criteria, understand the specific visa restrictions, and learn how to submit your application before the July 19, 2026 deadline.

Quick Overview

Fields of Study / Interest Areas

Applicants typically demonstrate a strong interest in US-Indo-Pacific relations and often study in fields such as:

• International Relations
• Asia Studies
• International Economics & Political Economy
• Public Policy
• International Business
• Journalism

Note: Students and recent graduates from all disciplines who are highly interested in learning more about US-Indo-Pacific relations are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills (Preferred)

The following proven skillsets are beneficial (though not strictly required):

• Research experience with open-source data and working with data in Excel.
• Experience living in, studying, or researching the Indo-Pacific.
• Asian language reading fluency.
• Experience writing policy analyses, briefs, or professional communications.

To be eligible for the Young Professionals Program, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

Must be a current undergraduate student, a graduate student, or a recent graduate.

Work Authorization (Visa Requirements)

The EWCW does not sponsor visas for this program.

Non-US citizen applicants must already be authorized to work in the US through citizenship, permanent residency, or an existing visa sponsored by a university or valid third party.

Location & Availability

Applicants can be located inside or outside the Washington DC area (DC residence is preferred).

Remote participants must

Dedicate 20-40 hours per week to the program.

Be online for the majority of Eastern Time working hours (9 AM – 5 PM).

Attend at least one weekly Zoom meeting.

If you are selected for the Young Professionals Program, here is what your funding package includes:

A stipend of $2,000 per month for full-time participation (40 hours/week).

Prorated stipends for part-time participants.

Potential to earn university credits (subject to your institution’s policies).

If you are interested in applying for the East-West Center Young Professionals Program, follow these steps carefully:

Review your eligibility, especially regarding US work authorization requirements.

Prepare your updated resume, cover letter, and any requested documentation.

Submit your full application package online before the deadline.

Apply Now →

For more information, please visit the

East-West Center official website.