Global Internship Experiences at the LBJ School
The LBJ School’s Global Internship Experience programs provide students with the opportunity to apply their policy knowledge in international contexts, thereby acquiring practical skills while addressing critical global challenges. Anchored by the principle that “What Starts Here Changes the World” and the LBJ School’s commitment to “Know How to Change the World,” these programs integrate learning with tangible impact. Through comprehensive internships, students graduate with essential tools, networks, and perspectives necessary to emerge as transformative leaders on a global scale.
Dakar, Senegal
Program Dates: May 30 – August 7
Application Deadline: November 2025
Cohort Size: 6–10 students
Step beyond the classroom and immerse yourself in West Africa’s cultural, political, and economic hub. Our summer program in Dakar, Senegal, offers an unforgettable opportunity to engage with local communities, experience global perspectives firsthand, and grow as a future leader in public service.
Through academic coursework, professional site visits, and cultural excursions, you’ll explore Senegal’s dynamic role in global affairs while building cross-cultural skills essential for today’s interconnected world. Small cohort sizes (6–10 students) ensure close mentorship, personalized experiences, and meaningful engagement with peers and local partners.
Why Dakar?
- Study in a city celebrated for its history, art, and resilience.
- Connect with policymakers, NGOs, and community leaders shaping Senegal’s future.
- Expand your worldview while gaining practical insights into global policy and development.
Don’t miss your chance to spend your summer in one of West Africa’s most vibrant capitals.
Apply by November to secure your spot!
Oxford, England
Program Dates: Summer 2026
Application Deadline: November 30, 2025
Cohort Size: 10 students
Participants will pursue a four-week bespoke curriculum delivered by Oxford faculty, live and dine in the halls of Corpus Christi College, and benefit from real insider access to the university’s buildings and resources. Courses will include work inside and beyond the classroom and leverage the opportunities of place-based, experiential learning. Students will choose between an intellectually complementary suite of Oxford-specific courses in History, Public Policy, and Politics and Government, which blend the academic and the professional. Students will also spend time in the libraries, museums, and colleges of Oxford University -- experiencing first-hand the models of small-group interdisciplinary learning, and the places and spaces that have made this ancient university a world leader.
Why Oxford?
What to Expect:
Be immersed in the scholastic life and rich traditions of one of the world’s most storied institutions of higher learning. Engage in hands-on projects designed to expand your practical skills and global perspective.
2026 Program Dates:
- Monday, July 6: Arrival day (check into accommodation)
- Tuesday, July 7: Start of program
- Saturday, August 1: End of program
- Sunday, August 2: Departure date (check out of accommodation)
How To Apply:
Visit the Patman Center for Civic Engagement to apply for the Summer in Oxford Fellowship Program
Global Career Launch
Global Career Launch is an innovative global internship framework for faculty to lead undergraduate and graduate students in high-impact work and research experiences abroad. Find more information on UT’s full list of Global Career Launch opportunities here.
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Program Dates: 10–12 weeks with various start times
Application Deadline: Late Fall 2025
Cohort Size: 10 students
Dive into Brazil’s vibrant culture and policy environment in Rio de Janeiro. This program offers opportunities to study urban development, sustainability, and international relations while gaining a deeper understanding of Brazil’s role in Latin America and the world.
Tokyo, Japan
Program Dates: 10–12 weeks with various start times
Application Deadline: Late Fall 2025
Cohort Size: 5 students
Experience one of the world’s most dynamic cities through immersive study and professional engagement in Tokyo, Japan. This program provides students with unique access to global business, technology, and policy environments while exploring the cultural heritage of Japan.
Hiroshima, Japan
Program Dates: 10–12 weeks with various start times
Application Deadline: Late Fall 2025
Cohort Size: 10-15 students
This late-semester course, based in Hiroshima, focuses on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in shaping global policy, innovation, and ethics. Students will engage with experts, explore Japan’s leadership in technology, and gain valuable insights into international applications of AI.
Victoria, Tamaulipas / Rio Grande, Mexico
Program Dates: 10–12 weeks with various start times
Application Deadline: Late Fall 2025
Cohort Size: 5 students
Engage with cross-border policy issues in Victoria, Tamaulipas, and Rio Grande, Mexico. This program offers firsthand exposure to U.S.–Mexico relations, trade, migration, and security while fostering cultural understanding in a region central to international collaboration.
Canada (First Nations)
Program Dates: 10–12 weeks with various start times
Application Deadline: Late Fall 2025
Cohort Size: 10 students
Learn from and work alongside First Nations communities in Canada, exploring issues of governance, sovereignty, sustainability, and cultural preservation. This program provides an invaluable perspective on Indigenous policy and international collaboration.