The Bridge to Asia Fellowship at NBR offers paid summer fellowships to undergraduate and community college students passionate about U.S.-Asia relations and international affairs. Fellows join NBR’s research teams in Washington, DC or Seattle for an immersive four-month professional experience. Qualified applicants will also receive modest relocation support.

Members of historically underrepresented groups, such as Black and brown students, are strongly encouraged to apply.

This opportunity allows fellows to expand their networks and develop skills in research, event planning, publications, and general office and project management support through direct professional experience.

The Bridge to Asia Fellowship is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.

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 think tanks’ role 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.

Summer Residency (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, technology and geoeconomic affairs, and energy security technology. 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 D.C. policy community where possible.

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.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact [email protected].