BESA Internship Program

Early June

December through March
2 Months (June and July)
Early June
English (Hebrew is not required)

Early June

BESA Internship Program
Lectures
Independent Research
Special Projects (when available)
Internship Program, “by the numbers”
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Each year, from June through July, BESA runs its Summer Internship Program, offering undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates, a unique opportunity to engage in advanced strategic studies and policy analysis. The program combines expert-led lectures, hands-on research, and personalized mentorship with leading scholars. Interns take part in ongoing research initiatives, assist in the preparation of symposiums, and contribute to upcoming publications. The program also includes excursions to key strategic locations, giving participants a broader understanding of Israel’s security landscape and geopolitical dynamics. It concludes with the completion of an original research paper on a relevant strategic or policy topic, published on BESA’s website.

Activities of the 2024 BESA Interns
The 2024 cohort experienced a diverse and engaging program. They attended a range of lectures on topics such as “IDF Innovation” by Eitan Shamir, “US Strategy in the Middle East” by David Levy, “Civil-Military Relations in Israel” by Elisheva Rosman-Stollman, and “Energy Politics in the Middle East” by Elai Rettig.

In addition to lectures, interns participated in field visits, including a tour of the Gaza Envelope region and a visit to the IDF Dado Center for strategic briefings. Throughout the program, they worked closely with mentors on research projects, contributing to forthcoming books and symposiums. Each intern also completed an original research paper on a contemporary strategic or policy issue, which was published on BESA’s website, reflecting their analytical capabilities and engagement with current geopolitical challenges.

Presentations Include:

Lectures by University and BESA Staff

Distinguished Visitor Speakers like government or political representative.

Special Guests: Lone Solder speaker on experience, Social Worker facilitating guided conversation US antisemitism.

Paper for publication on BESA’s Website

An 800 to 1000-word paper, Interns work with a mentor on to produce a final product.

Final Paper is published on the Internship section of the BESA website.

Interns participate in:

– Assisting research fellowd with a paper or book

– Helping with an academic talk

– Participating in BESA Symposium Planning and Execution

2024 Program

8 Interns

First Intern program conducted after a pause caused by COVID

– 13 Lectures

– 3 Trips

– Special Project: Researched chapters for an upcoming book.

 

2025 Program

20 Interns

Program ended early due to the Israel-Iran War

– 18 Lectures (planned)

–  5 Trips (planned)

– Special Project: to assist and help execute a three-day symposium.

 

2026 Program

Anticipate 20 Interns

What we have planned for the current cohort

This year, we plan to run a program similar to the design for last year.

– 18 Lectures (planned)

–  5 Trips (planned)

– Special Project: TBD

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