Export.gov - 04282011-Thailand Internship Program

Thank you for your interest in a summer internship with the U.S. Commercial Service in Bangkok. Our mission is to assist U.S. companies exporting goods and services to the Thai market. To support this mission, we offer a variety of services that include Thai market research and analysis, introductions with Thai businesses, promotion of U.S. products and advocacy work for U.S. businesses. Graduate students of economics, business administration, and international relations, will be benefit most from an internship with the Commercial Service.

Please read the information below to ensure you qualify for this program and have sufficient time for your application to be processed.

Who is Eligible?

To participate in our summer internship program, you must meet the following qualifications:

U.S. citizenship.
Students currently enrolled in a college/university or those who are accepted in a school for the quarter/semester following the internship. Students must return to complete their education following the internship.
Long-term availability: minimum ten weeks, preferably 40 hours per week.
Excellent written and oral communication skills. Good working knowledge of computer skills.
Must able to pass a credit and background check by the U.S. Government prior to starting the internship.

What will I do?

Intern duties vary, but can include:

Conducting market research
Monitoring the business environment and preparing reports and analysis
Providing assistance to Commercial Officers and Commercial Specialists in carrying out their duties
Supporting trade missions and trade promotion efforts
Handling special projects of operational interest to the Commercial Service

Will I Be Paid?

No. Federal regulations prohibit financial compensation. But upon completion of the internship, an official letter of recommendation can be provided and many universities will award academic credit for your work.

Can I work while in Thailand?

No. The short-term Non-Business or Non-Education visa does not permit applicants to work in Thailand. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of having sufficient funds to support yourself while in Thailand.

Will my airfare, housing, and insurance be covered? Unfortunately, no airfare, housing, or federal government insurance can be provided and no federal government liability is assumed.

How Do I Apply?

The U.S. Commercial Service seeks hard-working, responsible interns, preferably at the graduate student level. If you are interested in an internship, please submit the following items to our intern coordinator: Wimolluk Wongpitiwat

A cover letter addressing why you want to be an intern, future goals, what you have to offer the Foreign Commercial Service, and how you hope to benefit from the internship. Please address your correspondence to Dean Matlack, Commercial Attaché.
A copy of an up-to-date resume. The resume should include your past academic and work experience, computer skills, career goals, citizenship, and student status.
The exact time period that you will be available. The minimum requirement is 10 weeks.
Home address, telephone, and fax number in U.S.
Current email address

Once your application has been accepted you will need to submit the following paperwork to run credit and background checks. These forms can be downloaded from this page.

Copy of completed and signed Volunteer Service Agreement
Completed and signed Credit Report Release Statement
Copy of U.S. passport (pages with picture and personal information)
Form SF-85P, completed and signed
A letter from your college/University stating that you are currently enrolled and will be completing your education at the conclusion of the internship.
For male applicants only: the Selective Service Registration

Application forms can be downloaded below;

1. Volunteer Service Agreement

2. Credit Report Release Statement

3. SF-85P

4. Selective Service Agreement