Print Friendly Format
The Regional Security Studies Intern Program (RSSIP) puts capable, motivated students and recent grads at the heart of the work of DKI APCSS. Interns assist professors in our suite of in-residence courses, perform research on pressing regional issues and interact with security practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific region. Applicants should have an academic background in international relations, political science, economics, or other fields related to foreign affairs, as well as an interest in Asia-Pacific security challenges and issues. The RSSIP is uncompensated; intern is responsible for travel, accommodations and living expenses.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES:

  • U.S. citizens and internationals who can obtain a F-1 or J-1 Visa.
  • It is the responsibility of the foreign candidates to apply for a visa to enter the United States. Foreign student candidates with questions about securing a visa should address them to rssip@apcss.org
  • Graduate and undergraduate students with a minimum 3.25 GPA, recent graduates (less than 2 years) and active duty military have priority in recruitment
  • Other applicants may be considered according to the needs of the Center
  • All applicants must be able to pass a background investigation

ACADEMIC CREDIT 

The RSSIP can qualify for academic credit. Interns are responsible for verifying whether their schools offer this and making the necessary arrangements.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

As a Regional Security Studies Intern, you will be expected to support APCSS’ suite of on-island courses. Interns assist professors in seminars attended by U. S. and foreign military and civilian security practitioners. They take part in lesson planning, assist and participate in lectures and policy discussions, and join in on course social activities across the island. Beyond course support, interns perform research and develop projects in collaboration with DKI APCSS faculty and staff departments, attend visits from U. S. officials and foreign dignitaries , explore historical and cultural venues on the island of Oahu and publish peer reviewed articles on the Center’s different social media websites.

Internships should last 12 weeks or longer, with an 8 week minimum. Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week during resident events, and 20 hours a week when courses are not in session.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

  1. Academic and professional goals relevant to international affairs, economics, or federal service
  2. International experience and an interest in Asia Pacific issues
  3. Strong interpersonal skills, an understanding of teamwork and a commitment to professionalism
  4. Research experience, analytical and writing capabilities and a grasp of classroom etiquette
  5. Proficiency in computer and information technology

SUMMER APPLICATION DEADLINES

Applications for internships are accepted year round, on a rolling basis except for the summer. For summer internships, there is a deadline of March 15th. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview by March 22nd, and will receive the decision on their candidacy by April 1st. Applications for summer received after the deadline will be considered if positions remain. Applications for the fall, winter and spring are considered on a rolling basis, with special consideration for the course calendar.

When applying, applicants should refer to course descriptions and the academic calendar to determine which courses they want to support. Applications should be submitted at least eight weeks in advance of the desired start date. Selected applicants must be able to commit to a minimum of 8 weeks.. Candidates are reviewed for a relevant knowledge base and research experience in international affairs and security matters, strong recommendations indicating capacity and potential for success, and clear goals and expectations that demonstrate that the candidate will contribute to as well as benefit from the internship at DKI APCSS.

NOTIFICATION TIMELINE

Candidates will be notified within two (2) weeks of completing the application process whether they have been selected for an interview.

Send an e-mail to rssip@apcss.org with the following documents:

1. Cover letter

  1. Indicate which courses you are interested in assisting and why.
  2. Candidates should visit the College’s Page (www.apcss.org/college) for course descriptions and refer to the Course Calendar for the dates of the course offerings
  3. Detail your qualifications, academic and professional experience relevant to international affairs and Asia-Pacific issues, as well as you scholarly and career goals.
  4. Describe your goals and area(s) of research interest while interning at the Center.

2.  Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Include contact information, education, work experience, job-related training courses or certificates, foreign language proficiency, technological proficiency, job or education-related honors and awards, publications and relevant skills.

3.  Two letters of recommendation

4.  Current academic transcript

Unofficial transcripts can be submitted immediately but an official copy must be on file before start date. Incomplete, tardy or illegible packets will be disqualified.

Send an e-mail to rssipsecurtyforms@apcss.org with the following documents:

1.  The following typed forms: SF85 and OF306.

  1. These forms are used to initiate a background investigation. Please note that the forms require full social security numbers. To protect your personal information, you may elect to fax the form to 808-971-8949 or email the forms without a SSN; then phone in the SSN to 808-971-8960.
  2. Active duty U.S. military applicants will need to have their clearance verified in JPAS, but do not need to complete the SF85.

2. Foreign national applications will need to submit additional documentation:

  1. A copy of your visa
  2. A copy of your Customs form I-94
  3. A copy of your Immigration I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa)

If you choose to mail or fax your application, please send your materials to:

  1. Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies
    ATTN: Internship Program 2058 Maluhia Rd. Honolulu, HI 96815-1949
  2. Fax application materials to our secure fax line at (808) 971-8949.

For questions or comments please email rssip@apcss.org

In the Spotlight: Lt. Christian Agmata

Question and Answers

  1. Name: Christian Agmata, 2d Lt, USAF
  2. University: United States Air Force Academy (BS), University of Hawaii (MA)
  3. Area of Study: Systems Engineering—Aeronautical Focus (BS), Asian Studies—China Focus (MA)
  4. Hometown: Waipahu, HI
  5. Why did you choose APCSS? The DKIAPCSS provides me an opportunity relate what I’m learning in my graduate studies to specific security sector application.
  6. Name something that surprised or shocked you here at APCSS? I’m surprised that the DKIAPCSS even exists!  I was born and raised in Oahu and never before knew the purpose of “that compound” in the middle of Waikiki.
  7. How do you plan to use what you have learned at APCSS in your future career? As a young military officer, I plan on leveraging the information of the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the interpersonal relationships I have made, to work with our allies and partners from the region in addition to better understanding the security dynamics of the region.
  8. Name an opportunity of personal growth that was important to you? Being relied upon to conduct seminars presented an opportunity for me to successfully lead and interact with civilians and military personnel—all of whom are much higher ranking than me—in order to foster interpersonal relationships and trust between the fellows.  I therefore became much more comfortable and effective in interacting with and presenting to the fellows.
  9. If you could tell an incoming intern one thing, what would it be? I would tell an incoming intern to relax and be comfortable in your body and position—fellows and faculty appreciate your perspective, no matter how knowledgeable you are on the topic.  At the end of the day, the DKIAPCSS’s aim is to build trust and interpersonal relationships as a group—relax and have fun to help achieve those goals.

Publications:

“A Relationship of Convenience: The Russo-Chinese Strategic Partnership“