NBR Bridge to Asia Fellowship 2025
NBR Bridge to Asia 2025
The NBR Bridge to Asia Fellowship provides exceptional undergraduate and community college students with immersive professional experience in Asia policy and international affairs. 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.
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
NBR is committed to building a foreign policy community that amplifies diverse voices and strengthens America's engagement with Asia. We understand that informed policymaking requires leaders who bring varied perspectives and experiences to critical challenges. We welcome applications from students of all backgrounds who share our commitment to shaping the next generation of leadership in U.S.-Asia relations.
The Bridge to Asia Fellowship, previously the Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship, is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.
Application Deadline
March 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Fellowship Components
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:
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.
Fellowship Eligibility
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 Process and Timeline
All application materials are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on March 9, 2025.
A selection committee will review applications and conduct interviews in March and April 2025. Awards will be announced by the end of April 2025. Fellows will begin their internship remotely in May and join NBR's D.C. or Seattle office for the in-person portion of their fellowship from June through August.
Required Materials
To be considered for a fellowship, applicants must submit the following materials through NBR's application website.
Three required essays of no more than 250 words each:
- How did you get interested in Asia and foreign policy, and which topics interest you the most?
- Tell us about your background and the personal, educational, and community experiences that have shaped your worldview.
- How would this fellowship advance your professional goals? What specific skills and opportunities would most benefit your development?
Answers to supplemental questions on the application portal:
- Will you be able to be physically located in either Seattle, WA or Washington, D.C., June through August? Do you currently reside in either location?
- Do you have any relevant work, volunteer, internship, or fellowship experiences? Please list any applicable organization, dates, and responsibilities.
- Location preference (DC or Seattle)
- Any scheduling considerations for remote orientation month or summer residency
- Language skills or regional expertise/interests (if applicable)
Required materials:
- 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)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Deadline
March 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
About NBR
The National Bureau of Asian Research is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institution dedicated to informing and strengthening policy in the Asia-Pacific and training the next generation of Asia specialists. NBR conducts advanced independent research on strategic, political, economic, globalization, health, and energy issues affecting U.S. relations with Asia. To learn more about NBR, please visit www.nbr.org.
Contact
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact fellowships@nbr.org.
Additional Information
This is a special assignment (4-month) paid fellowship located in our Seattle, WA or Washington, DC office. With the exception of the remote period of employment, fellows are required to work at least 2 days per week in-office. The expected pay range for this position is $21.00 per hour. This position includes 25 paid company holidays per year, up to 56 hours of paid sick leave (calculated at the rate of 1 hour for every 30 hours worked), and 2 days of paid professional development leave. NBR covers 80% of employees' public transit expenses.
NBR is committed to a workplace where inclusion is not only valued but prioritized. We're an equal opportunity employer and strive to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy or parental status, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry, or national origin, disability, or other status or characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during either the application or the recruiting process, please email your request to employment@nbr.org.
Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.
For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.
https://nbr.applicantpro.com/jobs/3616064-305831.html