Applications are now OPEN for the Young Professionals Program for summer (June- August) 2026. Please apply by 11:59 pm (Hawai‘i Standard Time) on Sunday April 12, 2026.  

The East-West Center in Washington (EWCW) offers a chance each semester for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, to gain first-hand training experience at a US-Indo-Pacific research and education organization in Washington, DC.  

We strive to provide participants with a broad range of education and training opportunities during their time with EWCW. These may include acquiring and analyzing large datasets for our Asia Matter for America publications, writing articles for AsiaMattersforAmerica.org, attending webinars or seminars, and delivering briefs.      Applicants typically have a strong interest in US-Indo-Pacific relations and may be studying international relations, Asia studies, international economics, international political economy, public policy, international business, journalism or other similar areas of study. However, all students and recent graduates who are interested in learning more about US-Indo-Pacific relations are encouraged to apply.            The following proven skillsets are beneficial (though not required):

• Research experience with open-source data and working with data in Excel.
• Experience analyzing quantitative data and concisely communicating data outputs.
• Experience living in, studying, or researching the Indo-Pacific
• Experience tracking multiple media sources for news or developments about a particular topic
• Interest in researching and communicating complex international relations topics (i.e., international trade) into a local perspective (i.e., Maine exports of lobster to China).
• Developing graphs/charts/infographics for use online and in print form in support of various research, policy dialogue, publication, and outreach projects
• Basic understanding of economic data analysis (FDI and Greenfield investment)
• Asian language reading fluency
• Experience writing policy analyses, briefs, press releases, or other professional communications
• Public relations/brand management experience

We do not sponsor visas for this program, so non-US-citizen applicants should already be authorized for such a position through US citizenship/permanent residency or existing visas sponsored by a university or other valid third party.  

Full-time (40 Hours/week) participation in the Young Professionals Program comes with a $2,000 per month stipend for the summer of 2026, subject to applicable taxes and withholding. Stipends are prorated for part-time participation and may count as university credits if your school permits.  

Applicants located both inside and outside of the Washington DC area are welcome, though residing in the DC metro area is preferred. Participants located in the DC area for the spring term have the option to join either remotely, in person, or hybrid. Participants must be able to attend at least one weekly zoom meeting, dedicate 20-40 hours per week to the program, and be able to be online for the majority of Eastern Time working hours (9 am-5 pm).

The East-West Center prohibits discrimination of any kind, including sex-based discrimination and harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at About Title IX.

In 2026, the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center (EWC) and the Republic of China's (Taiwan) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (IDIA) will host a six-week hybrid program that includes one-week online, two-weeks in Honolulu, Hawai'i and three-weeks in Taiwan.

This program will provide individuals the opportunity to enhance their leadership capacities and build a network with other leaders from across the Pacific and Taiwan. Participants will engage in experiential learning in a cohort of 25 early to mid-career professionals from all sectors. PILP attracts participants possessing high leadership potential and a commitment to serve their national and regional development goals. The curriculum for these rising leaders centers on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, equipping participants to serve as leaders in implementing the values, commitments, and priorities of the Strategy. The goal of PILP is to build a network of collaborative leaders dedicated to shaping the future prosperity of the Pacific region and its partners by taking informed, effective action.

 Program Dates:  September 28 - November 5, 2026 (Dates are tentative and subject to change)

 Eligibility:

• For Applicants from the Pacific Islands Region: Citizen of the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
• For Applicants from the Republic of China (Taiwan): Member of an indigenous community in the ROC. 
• Bachelor’s degree. Exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications.
• The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals.
• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated impact in your professional career and/or local community.   

APPLICATION DEADLINE

• 11:59 pm, March 27, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time)

NOTE: Reference forms will be due no later than 11:59 pm, April 3, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time)   

AI Transparency

We are looking for authentic and genuine submissions that reflect your individual experiences, perspectives, and unique writing style. We understand that AI (artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT) can be a helpful tool in crafting your application, and applicants are not forbidden from using it to help with responses. However, essays that are generated primarily or solely by such tools will be rejected. 

 IMPORTANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

• Read the instructions for each item carefully before entering your information.
• The application software does not log you out automatically when you exit your browser.  Therefore, it is important that you sign out from your application account especially when you are using a public computer.
• Since you will not be able to edit your application after submitting, make sure to review your application before submitting.  If your application is not ready, you can save it as a draft and submit it at a later time.  The saved drafts of your application can be found in your account under My Submissions (or Submissions).
• If, after submission, you need to change something in your application, contact the PILP team at PILP@eastwestcenter.org