CFPs: Bridge to Asia Fellowship Program (US)

Fellows gain hands-on research training, mentorship from leading experts, and opportunities to publish their work while building lasting professional networks.

Through paid summer fellowships in Seattle and Washington, D.C., participants join NBR’s research teams to deepen their understanding of critical policy challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black and brown students, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Fellows benefit from:
  • Direct involvement in NBR research projects
  • One-on-one mentorship with Asia policy experts
  • Professional development through NBR’s Summer Learning Series
  • Opportunities to publish with members of NBR’s network of experts
  • Networking with leaders in international affairs

Funding Information

• The expected pay range for this position is $21.00 per hour.

Program Specification

• Orientation Month (Remote):
  • In May, fellows work remotely 5-10 hours weekly to prepare for their summer residency at NBR’s Washington, DC or Seattle offices. This foundational period introduces fellows to NBR’s mission, research agenda, and organizational culture. Fellows connect with their supervisors and mentors, set professional goals, and participate in virtual NBR events. Through structured training sessions, fellows learn about the role of think tanks in U.S. policymaking and begin developing skills essential for policy research. This preparation ensures fellows maximize their in-person experience and hit the ground running in June.
• Team Assignment (In Person):
  • From June, fellows will work primarily with one of the existing program teams at NBR, including teams focused on political and security affairs and technology and geoeconomic affairs. Team assignments will be based on NBR team needs, although candidates’ backgrounds and preferences will be taken into consideration.
  • Throughout the four-month program, fellows will gain experience in project management, research, writing, and editing in order to build skills for future careers in policy. Fellows will assist with project activities, publications support, database administration, event planning, and general office support. NBR supervisors and mentors will facilitate external event attendance and networking opportunities in the policy community where possible.
  • NBR program teams include:
    • Political and Security Affairs
    • Technology and Geoeconomic Affairs
    • Publications
• Professional Development:
  • NBR invests in fellows’ professional growth through structured mentorship, skill-building workshops, and publication opportunities. Fellows participate in NBR’s signature Summer Learning Series, a semi-weekly professional development program featuring policy practitioners and Asia experts who share insights on career paths and critical skills in international affairs. Through one-on-one mentorship with NBR researchers and experts from NBR’s network, fellows receive guidance on policy writing, research methods, and career planning. Fellows also have opportunities to publish on NBR’s website, including crafting Q&As with experts on a subject of their choice related to policy-relevant Indo-Pacific issues. These combined experiences, from learning effective memo writing to building professional networks, prepare fellows for impactful careers in international affairs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Qualified applicants for the Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship are:
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Currently enrolled as a community college or undergraduate (first-year, sophomore, or junior) student with an interest in Asia and U.S. foreign policy.
  • Able to relocate to Seattle, WA or Washington, D.C., or already residing there, for the in-person portion of the fellowship (June through August).

Application Requirements

• Academic record (an unofficial transcript from your current university).
• Resume or activity list highlighting your experiences or interests.
• Two letters of support:
  • Academic reference (professor, advisor, or instructor)
  • Character reference (mentor, supervisor, or community leader)

For more information, visit NBR.