AIEA is excited to launch the AIEA Conference Internship, a unique leadership and professional development opportunity for a graduate student or early-career international education professional. Four interns will be selected to gain hands-on experience supporting the AIEA 2027 Annual Conference and working closely with AIEA staff and leaders.

Interns will participate in virtual preparation and professional development sessions, receive mentorship from an AIEA leader or staff member based on areas of interest, and prepare to lead the volunteer team during the Annual Conference. The experience will provide opportunities to develop leadership, project management, communication, and event-planning skills while building relationships with professionals across the international education community.

Benefits include:

• Hotel accommodation during the conference
• $750 stipend
• Mentorship and networking opportunities
• Letter of recommendation from AIEA upon request

Phase 1: Preparation (October–February)

During the months leading up to the conference, interns work remotely approximately 3–5 hours per week in collaboration with AIEA staff while preparing to lead the conference volunteer team.

The preparation phase includes an orientation to:

• AIEA’s mission, governance, and strategic priorities
• The Annual Conference planning process and operational goals
• Professional expectations for interns and volunteers
• Conference logistics and volunteer management
• Strategies for networking and professional engagement

Interns also participate in virtual learning sessions that may include:

• The future of international education
• Conference planning and event management
• Leadership and volunteer engagement
• Professional communication
• Maximizing the conference as a professional development opportunity

Each intern is paired with an AIEA leader or staff mentor that aligns with their professional interests who provides guidance before, during, and after the conference with a minimum of one virtual or in person meeting.

Throughout the preparation phase, interns:

• Recruit and communicate with conference volunteers
• Design and facilitate virtual volunteer orientation sessions
• Participate in planning meetings with AIEA staff
• Establish personal learning goals and identify conference sessions, leaders, and networking opportunities aligned with their professional interests
• Prepare materials to support conference operations

Phase 2: Conference Leadership (Annual Conference)

During the conference, interns provide day-to-day leadership for the volunteer team while supporting conference operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising and coordinating conference volunteers
• Leading volunteer orientation and daily briefings
• Managing volunteer assignments throughout the conference
• Working closely with AIEA staff to address operational needs
• Supporting registration, session logistics, attendee assistance, and other conference activities

Interns also participate in professional development opportunities, including:

• Meeting with members of the AIEA Presidential Stream and Board
• Networking with senior international education professionals
• Observing the operations and leadership of a professional association

Phase 3: Reflection and Debrief

Following the conference, interns participate in a virtual debrief with AIEA staff to reflect on their experience, discuss lessons learned, and provide recommendations for future conferences.

By the conclusion of the internship, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate leadership by recruiting, training, and supervising a large volunteer team.
• Apply project management and organizational skills in a complex conference environment.
• Strengthen communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Gain an understanding of association leadership and conference operations.
• Build professional relationships with leaders across the international education community.
• Reflect on their leadership growth and identify opportunities for continued engagement with AIEA.

• Preparation Phase: October–February (approximately 3–5 hours per week)
• Conference: Four days at the AIEA Annual Conference
• Post-Conference Debrief: Approximately 2–3 hours

Participants receive:

• A $750 stipend upon successful completion of internship responsibilities
• Hotel accommodation during the conference
• Extensive networking opportunities with senior international education leaders
• Leadership experience managing a large volunteer team
• Exposure to the operations of a leading professional association
• A letter of recommendation upon request and successful completion of the internship