The programme is a partnership between the NZUS Council, Victoria University, the University of Canterbury and Air New Zealand.
Professor Windsor says the internship programme is an example of the capital city experience that Victoria University offers its students.
“Our connections in the centre of politics in Wellington and Washington provide opportunities that will influence students for their lifetime."
NZUS Council Chairman Hon Simon Power QSO says the NZUS Council is keen to help the next generation of New Zealand leaders build a deeper understanding of the United States (US) through working in Congress and building personal relationships with Members of Congress and their staff.
“We are pleased to put this unique programme on a firm footing for the longer term”.
The internship programme was set up in 2011, following the Christchurch earthquakes, by New Zealand Ambassador to the US, Rt Hon Mike Moore.
The programme started with students from the University of Canterbury’s Law School and was extended to Politics students from Victoria University. Over the last three years, 12 students from the two schools have undertaken two month internships in the Washington DC offices of various Members of Congress, earning credits as part of their academic learning.
Ambassador Mike Moore said he welcomed the support of the four partners to sustain the internship programme which he predicted would give a long-term return on investment over the next 30-40 years.
“The internship programme benefits the NZ-US relationship not only by providing young New Zealanders with fluency in the workings of the US Government, but also by exposing congressional offices to the work of the New Zealand Embassy and the ’can do’ attitude of our young people.”
The opportunity for two interns from Victoria University to join the next intake will be advertised soon. They are available to honours and post-graduate students studying Political Science and International Relations. The closing date for applications is Friday 21 August.
For more information contact Dr Jon Johannsson.