Internships
Washington, D.C. Internship
UMD Accepting Applications for our International Policy and Diplomacy Fellowship!
Are you passionate about international affairs, human rights, and advocacy? The United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) offers an exciting internship program – all year round – where students can make a real impact! Our International Policy and Diplomacy Fellowship is a chance to gain valuable, hands-on experience in U.S. foreign policy, Southeast Europe, and global human rights, with opportunities to work remotely or join us in person.
Why Join UMD? As a UMD Fellow, you’ll:
- Network with experts in diplomacy, government, journalism, and advocacy.
- Participate in high-level events, such as embassy visits, Congressional hearings, think-tank panels, and more.
- Contribute to meaningful advocacy efforts, supporting human rights and the Macedonian diaspora worldwide.
- Develop skills that can propel you into careers in foreign policy, public relations, nonprofits, and more!
Responsibilities You’ll Take On:
- Track and analyze current legislation and congressional hearings.
- Engage with Congressional offices, advocating on key topics.
- Stay informed on Balkans news, representing UMD’s interests in the U.S. and abroad.
- Draft letters to Congress, press releases, and social media posts.
- Organize and attend events.
- Help with administrative tasks, gaining a well-rounded view of nonprofit operations.
Who Should Apply? This program is perfect for motivated, responsible, and enthusiastic students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, regardless of major! We value applicants with:
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills.
- A passion for global advocacy and human rights.
- Great organization, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
Internship Requirements:
- Availability for at least 16 hours per week during the school year, or 40 hours per week in the summer.
- Full-time interns (5 days a week) will be prioritized.
- The position is unpaid, but the experience you gain will be invaluable! We may offer a small stipend.
Application Materials: Cover letter, resume, a writing sample, and references.
Ready to make an impact? Apply today by sending your materials to Emily Abramczyk at eabramczyk@umdiaspora.org. Feel free to reach out with any questions!
We can’t wait to hear from you and welcome you to the UMD team!
Avceska Congressional Internship
The Acevska Congressional Internship Program (ACIP) was established in 2022 by the United Macedonian Diaspora (UMD) through a generous gift from Honorary UMD Advisory Council Member who was the first female diplomat in Macedonian history and Macedonia’s first Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Ljubica Z. Acevska.
The Acevska Congressional Internship Program runs annually with the goal of attracting Macedonian-American students and recent graduates and providing them an opportunity to learn about the legislative process by interning in Washington, D.C. with a Member of Congress.
ACIP aims to create a more civically engaged community by providing a rewarding experience that helps participants learn about the importance of being active in the American civic process. ACIP participants receive a stipend during their internship and engage in mentorship opportunities and leadership training programs run by UMD.
“Since 2004, I have had the pleasure of watching UMD grow from an organization with a handful of dedicated and passionate college-age volunteers to becoming the leading professional voice for Macedonians in Washington, D.C. with a truly global focus – UMD is inspiring, empowering, and uniting Macedonians, especially our youth, to get involved – and I am pleased to help advance the career development of our youth,” said Ambassador Acevska
“Having been a Congressional intern in the past and the privilege of being mentored by Ambassador Acevska when I first moved to Washington, D.C. in 2003, I cannot be more thrilled that UMD is creating the Acevska Congressional Internship Program,” said UMD President Metodija A. Koloski
“Ljubica broke multiple glass ceilings when she became Macedonia’s first Ambassador to the United States of America during a very challenging time for the country – many doubted her capabilities, but she proved them wrong time and again and ensured Macedonia had a seat at the table – she’s one of Macedonia’s exemplary diplomats and a role model for me and countless others – a huge thank you from all of us at UMD,” concluded Koloski.
To learn more and apply for the Acevska Congressional Internship Program, please click HERE.
Read more about Ambassador Acevska:
Macedonian-American Ljubica Z. Acevska was appointed Macedonia’s first envoy, and then Ambassador to the United States tasked with establishing bilateral relations with the U.S., and ties with the IMF and the World Bank. The efforts of Ambassador Acevska, who held one of the most difficult jobs of opening doors for this newly independent young country with an ancient history, have not gone unrecognized – in 2011, UMD honored her with the UMD Macedonian Heritage Public Service Award.
Click here to learn more about Victoria’s experience.
Thoughts from our interns, past and present
Victoria Popovska
Inaugural Avceska Congressional Fellow, Fall 2023
“I am very grateful I had the opportunity to intern at Representative Debbie Dingell’s office as the inaugural Acevska Congressional Fellow. My time in the Congresswoman’s office provided me with an incredible insight into the work of congressional staffers and an experience I will never forget. I am very thankful to Ambassador Acevska for supporting the fellowship and for Representative Dingell and her staff for the time I spent learning from them.”
Click here to learn more about Victora’s experience.
Emily Abramczyk
UMD International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow, Summer 2022
“To me, the most impactful part of my internship was the opportunity to learn about the history, culture, language, heritage, and identity of Macedonia and Macedonians, as well as participate in meaningful work to help Macedonians and Macedonian-Americans worldwide.“
Zack Rouse
UMD International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow, Summer 2022
“Interning at UMD was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the foreign policy community in Washington D.C. that I will always remember. Through this opportunity I was able to learn about Macedonian culture as well as the many problems that Macedonians face.”
Lauryn Ballard
UMD International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow, Summer 2022
“Interning with the United Macedonian Diaspora as an International Policy & Diplomacy Fellow was the best thing that I could do to develop my professional and interpersonal skills this Summer. As a Political Science major, it also allowed me to gain important insight into what advocacy looks like in practice.“
Sarah Collins
UMD International Policy and Diplomacy Fellow, Summer 2022
“I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with the United Macedonian Diaspora. I was not only able to grow my knowledge of foreign affairs but I also gained insight into myself and what I want to do in the future. I would like to thank everyone who helped create the experience I had, learning more about Macedonia and Macedonians all over the globe.“
