CARE USA Internships and Fellowships 2026: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Guide
Overview
CARE USA internships and fellowships offer students and recent graduates practical experience in international development, global health, humanitarian assistance, and organizational projects. Participants can gain supervised, project-driven experience through domestic placements at the Atlanta headquarters or US field offices, as well as overseas placements in selected CARE country offices.
Who can apply
Domestic internship applicants must be at least 18 years old, enrolled in a relevant undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate academic programme, or have graduated within six months before the posting date where applicable. Undergraduate juniors or seniors are preferred depending on the vacancy, and students studying in the United States on a student visa must obtain appropriate institutional work authorization. Overseas applicants generally must be enrolled in a relevant graduate or postgraduate programme or have graduated within the previous six months, secure financial support from an academic institution or another agency, and be legally authorized to work under the laws governing the internship location.
Requirements
Applicants for overseas placements must independently obtain the appropriate visa, demonstrate proficiency in the required language, and maintain comprehensive medical insurance including emergency evacuation coverage for the placement period. Ideal qualifications include two years of relevant professional experience, strong analytical, organizational, and time-management skills, and excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication abilities. Additional language proficiency in French, Spanish, or Portuguese can strengthen an application. Candidates whose placements receive partial or full university sponsorship must provide a permission letter authorizing travel, provide evidence of appropriate health and evacuation insurance, and complete CARE Academy’s online safety and security course.
How to apply
Applicants should prepare an updated resume or CV with contact information for at least three references, a cover letter explaining specific programme and research interests, and a writing sample for assignments involving substantial writing. Candidates receiving academic credit or financial support should indicate which internship-related costs they can cover. Applications are submitted online through the career listings on the official CARE careers website, and typical recruitment periods for domestic internships occur around August and September for fall placements, November and December for spring placements, and April and May for summer placements.