NBR Bridge to Asia Fellowship 2026

About The National Bureau of Asian Research

NBR is an independent, nonpartisan research institution based in Seattle and Washington, D.C. We bring world-class scholarship to bear on the evolving strategic environment in Asia through original, policy-relevant research, and we invest in our future by training the next generation of Asia specialists.

With power, risk, and opportunity concentrating in Asia, we tackle those critical issues that America's leaders need to understand - because the decisions they make matter and the stakes are high. As the nation's Asia policy think tank, we envision a future that is free, open, secure, and prosperous for all.

This is an opportunity to work in a supportive environment with a group of high performing, dedicated, and friendly colleagues.

NBR Bridge to Asia Fellowship 2026

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 original work while building lasting professional networks.

Through paid summer fellowships in Washington, D.C., participants join NBR's research teams to deepen their understanding of critical policy challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.

We strongly encourage applications from candidates who identify with groups that have been historically underrepresented in the foreign policy field.

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 is supported by a generous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation.

Application Deadline - Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11 : 59pm E.T.

Fellowship Components

In May, fellows work remotely 5-10 hours weekly to prepare for their summer residency at NBR's Washington, DC office. 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.

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.

Political and Security Affairs

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

Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Application Instructions

The application period for this position will close on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 11 : 59pm E.T. . A selection committee will review applications and conduct interviews in March and April 2026. Awards will be announced by the end of April 2026. Fellows will begin their internship remotely in May and join NBR's D.C. office for the in-person portion of their fellowship from June through August.

To apply, submit the following materials with your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How did you get interested in Asia and foreign policy, and which topics interest you the most?

Additional Information

This is a special assignment (4-month) paid fellowship located in our 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 $21.50 per hour.

This position includes 25 paid company holidays per year, up to 56 hours of paid sick leave, 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.

The pay range for this role is :

21.50 - 21.50 USD per hour(US)

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