Foreign National Student Intern Program, PAS1 – 2026
Note: This program is entirely on a volunteer basis; there is no compensation attached to this internship and no benefits, nor any future employment rights. Service is not creditable for leave accrual.
Open to: Foreign National Students, non-U.S. citizens
Position: Student Intern in the Public Affairs Section
Opening Date: March 24, 2026
Closing date: April 20, 2026
Work Hours: Flexible work schedule (minimum 20 hours/week)
Agency/Section: Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy, Sofia, Bulgaria
Duration of Internship: At least three (3) months. Expected start date – June 2026 to September 2026
The Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia is looking to recruit a student intern to support the office’s day-to-day activities. We are looking for a university student with enthusiasm, initiative, excellent communication and English-language skills, an interest in marketing and public relations, and an understanding of both traditional media (TV, radio, print) and social media. See below for specific qualifications. Upon successful completion of the internship, a certificate and a reference letter will be provided.
The Public Affairs Section manages the U.S. Embassy’s public diplomacy and outreach activities in Bulgaria, including media relations, digital communication, educational and cultural programs, and public engagement initiatives. Through these efforts, the section works to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, strengthen mutual understanding between the United States and Bulgaria, and build lasting partnerships with Bulgarian institutions, organizations, and audiences.
The section includes a Press and Digital Media Team and a Public Engagement Team.
The Public Engagement Team develops and manages a wide range of professional, cultural, and academic exchange programs, as well as initiatives that promote American culture, education, innovation, and shared values in Bulgaria. These programs aim to expand cooperation, support long-term relationships, and strengthen citizen diplomacy ties between the United States and Bulgaria.
The Press and Digital Media Team leads the Embassy’s communication with the public through traditional and digital media. The team works closely with Bulgarian, U.S., and international journalists; manages the Embassy’s website and social media platforms; promotes Embassy programs and policy priorities; coordinates press briefings and interviews; prepares written and digital content explaining U.S. policies; and monitors Bulgarian media coverage to inform Embassy and State Department leadership.
Interns will support the Public Affairs Section’s outreach and public diplomacy activities by helping communicate about the Embassy and the United States to Bulgarian audiences through traditional and digital media; assisting in the planning and implementation of public engagement, cultural, and educational programs; drafting short reports and content for social media, the Embassy website, and internal reporting to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.; supporting in-person outreach activities and events; and providing administrative and project support for the Section’s programs and initiatives.
Qualification requirements:
- Currently enrolled as a university student with a clear intent to continue studying through the time of the internship;
- Preferably studying journalism, marketing, public relations or a similar field;
- Excellent English-language speaking, writing, and reading ability (may be tested);
- A basic understanding of the Bulgarian media environment;
- Experience using social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and others;
- Ability to work effectively in a team, including complex and long-term projects;
- Demonstrated creativity, initiative, adaptability, and strong communication skills.
Eligibility criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of participation in the program.
- Must be a Bulgarian citizen or permanent legal resident of Bulgaria.
- Must meet the definition for a “student,” as defined in 5 CFR § 308.101: “Student is an individual who is enrolled not less than half-time in a high school* (secondary school), trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university or other accredited educational institution. An individual who is a student is deemed not to have ceased to be a student during an interim between school years if the interim is not more than 5 months and if such individual shows to the satisfaction of the agency that the individual has a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue a course of study or training in the same or different educational institution during the school semester (or other period into which the school year is divided) immediately after the interim.”
*NOTE: To be considered for the Foreign National Student Internship Program, students must have graduated from high school or equivalent secondary school prior to beginning the program and must be at least 18 years old. Also, there is not a break of service for purposes of this requirement if an individual is receiving academic credit for the internship, even if not otherwise taking classes.
- Be able to work at least 20 hours per week.
- Applicants must be in good academic standing at their current educational institution and must provide a certified/official transcript verifying this and that they are currently enrolled.
- Selected applicants must pass a background check and receive security and medical certifications before the start of the internship.
How to Apply: All applicants are instructed to address each selection criterion detailed above with specific and comprehensive supporting information. Interested candidates for this position must submit a current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) in English and two letters of recommendation.
Applications received after the closing date of this announcement will NOT be considered.
The Human Resources Office will contact the short-listed candidates only.
Applications will be collected by the end of the day April XX, 2026 at: Този имейл адрес е защитен от спам ботове. Трябва да имате пусната JavaScript поддръжка, за да го видите.