CARE Internships & Fellowships 2026: International Development Opportunities for Students and Graduates
Are you looking to launch a career in humanitarian aid, international development, or global health? The CARE USA Internships & Fellowships Program 2026 offers undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates the opportunity to gain practical experience while contributing to one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations.
CARE USA provides both domestic and overseas internship opportunities, allowing participants to work alongside experienced professionals on projects that address poverty, gender equality, emergency response, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Whether you’re interested in policy, research, programme management, communications, global health, or humanitarian assistance, CARE’s internship programme can help you build valuable professional experience and expand your international network.
About CARE USA
CARE USA is a globally recognized humanitarian and development organization dedicated to saving lives, defeating poverty, and achieving social justice. Operating in more than 100 countries, CARE partners with local communities to deliver sustainable solutions that improve lives and strengthen resilience.
The organization focuses on areas including:
- Humanitarian emergency response
- Global health
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Climate adaptation
- Food and nutrition security
- Education
- Gender equality
- Economic development
- Governance and resilience
Interns and fellows become part of CARE’s mission while gaining real-world experience in the international development sector.
CARE USA Domestic Internship Program
CARE USA offers domestic internships throughout the year, providing students with project-based learning experiences at the organization’s headquarters in Atlanta and selected U.S. field offices.
Interns work closely with experienced professionals on meaningful projects while participating in networking sessions, orientations, and professional development activities that introduce them to CARE’s history, programmes, and global impact.
These internships are ideal for students interested in nonprofit management, humanitarian affairs, policy, communications, research, programme operations, finance, and administration.
Benefits of a CARE Internship
Participants may benefit from:
- Hands-on professional experience
- Exposure to international development programmes
- Networking with CARE professionals
- Career development opportunities
- Participation in orientations and organizational training
- Practical experience supporting real-world humanitarian projects
- Enhanced CV and professional skills
Domestic Internship Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be enrolled in a relevant undergraduate programme (junior and senior students are preferred), graduate programme, or postgraduate programme
- Or have graduated within the previous six months
- Hold appropriate work authorization if studying in the United States on a student visa
Domestic Internship Recruitment Schedule
CARE USA recruits interns several times each year:
| Internship Period | Recruitment Period |
|---|---|
| Fall Internships | August – September |
| Spring Internships | November – December |
| Summer Internships | April – May |
New internship opportunities are posted during these recruitment periods on the CARE careers website.
Applicants receiving university funding or academic credit are encouraged to indicate this in their applications.
CARE Overseas Internship Program
CARE’s Overseas Internship Program offers graduate students and emerging professionals the opportunity to gain international field experience in CARE Country Offices.
The programme is designed to prepare future humanitarian and development leaders through supervised field assignments, professional coaching, and structured learning.
Interns also gain access to CARE Academy, where they participate in online professional development courses focused on leadership, humanitarian programming, and organizational effectiveness.
Professional Development Approach
The Overseas Internship Programme emphasizes three key learning areas:
- Practical on-the-job assignments
- Individual coaching and mentoring
- Formal professional training through CARE Academy
This blended approach helps participants develop technical knowledge alongside leadership and management skills.
International Placements
CARE seeks to match interns with country office assignments that closely align with their:
- Academic background
- Research interests
- Professional experience
- Career aspirations
Most international placements occur between June and August, although opportunities may also arise throughout the year depending on programme needs.
For safety reasons, interns are only assigned to countries classified as low or moderate risk.
Overseas Internship Eligibility
Applicants must meet several requirements, including:
- Be enrolled in a relevant graduate or postgraduate programme, or have graduated within the previous six months
- Have financial support from a university or sponsoring organization
- Be legally authorized to work where the internship takes place
- Obtain the appropriate visa independently
- Maintain comprehensive medical and emergency evacuation insurance
- Demonstrate proficiency in the required language for the assignment
Preferred Qualifications
Competitive applicants typically have:
- Current enrollment in a graduate programme related to international development or global health
- At least two years of relevant professional experience
- Strong analytical and organizational skills
- Excellent intercultural communication abilities
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments
- Strong teamwork and adaptability
Knowledge of a second language is highly desirable, particularly:
- French
- Spanish
- Portuguese
Required Application Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- An up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- Contact information for at least three professional or academic references
- A tailored cover letter outlining programme interests and career goals
- A writing sample for positions involving substantial writing or research responsibilities
Why Apply?
CARE internships provide more than workplace experience—they offer the opportunity to contribute to meaningful humanitarian programmes while building skills that are highly valued across the nonprofit, development, and international organizations sectors.
Participants gain exposure to global programmes, strengthen professional networks, and develop practical experience that can support future careers with NGOs, United Nations agencies, research institutions, governments, and international organizations.
For students and recent graduates passionate about creating lasting global impact, the CARE USA Internship & Fellowship Program represents an excellent opportunity to begin or advance a career in humanitarian and international development work.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official CARE USA Careers website and search for available Internship and Fellowship opportunities during the relevant recruitment periods. Carefully review the eligibility requirements, prepare the required application documents, and submit your application online before the advertised deadlines.
Applications are accepted throughout the year as opportunities become available.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Related Opportunities
- United Nations Internships
- World Bank Internship Program
- UNICEF Internship Opportunities
- NGO Graduate Programmes
- Humanitarian Affairs Fellowships
- International Development Scholarships
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