Intern, Custom Programs

CET Academic Programs (CET), a division of Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. (ATA) is committed to work/life balance and flexibility, and we engage in a reduced-hour work week.

Department: Custom Programs

Status: Part-time, hourly, non-exempt

Location: Washington, DC (Employees work a hybrid 2 days in the office/2 days remote.)

Supervisor: Custom Programs Senior Manager

Anticipated Start Date: September 2026

Anticipated Duration: 6 months. Pending confirmation and successful probationary period (90 days), there may be a possibility for the internship to be extended to 12 months.

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Schedule & compensation expectations

This internship position is part-time for 20-28 hours per week; core hours are expected to be between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM including lunch break, between Monday to Thursday (exact schedule to be determined). The compensation is $20 per hour. 

The Custom Programs Team works remotely on Mondays and Thursdays and from the DC office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Custom Programs intern is expected to work at least 7 hours per week minimum in the DC office, and ideally full days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays if possible.  

Description of the Position

The CET Intern for Custom Programs will learn about and gain experience in the International Education field firsthand by playing a key role in the daily workflow and overall operations of a study abroad provider. Through ongoing professional development opportunities, they will build valuable skills and be exposed to a wide variety of aspects of the study abroad program lifecycle, from design, planning, and execution, to collaborating with higher education institutions, and supporting students. 

The intern provides support for the Custom Programs team. This team actively supports CET’s mission by serving as a trusted resource and partner to faculty and educational institutions in the development of global programs and providing support that prepares students academically, culturally and personally for their programs abroad. They lead the business and proposal development process with faculty and study abroad office institutional partners, collaborate with CET on-site colleagues to plan and execute programs worldwide, and administer the CET registration and pre-departure process prior to students’ arrival on-site. The team’s broad range of services seeks to support CET’s reputation as an innovative and thoughtful partner that institutions trust to operate high-quality program experiences for their students.

The Intern will contribute to the team responsibilities by supporting deliverables to students and study abroad offices, fielding general questions, processing application materials, preparing initial proposal drafts, and completing student resource-based projects (guides, orientation presentations, etc.) and research.

What you’ll do…

Project Work, Resource Development, and Program Deliverables (50%):

• Custom Programs Projects (40%): example projects may include:
• Drafting helpful pre-departure resources for new custom program locations. Collaborating with DC and on-site colleagues to make updates to or ensure accuracy of existing information. 
• Assisting in the preparation of external-facing program proposals, pre-departure guides, calendars, arrival instructions, visa information, and other documents that are part of the program lifecycle and department workflow.
• Preparing reports on student trends and other research to aid the team in their work. Research new opportunities and make recommendations on program development and student support processes.
• Collaborate with team on developing marketing materials and communication strategies
• Taking the lead on special projects as needed
• Other CET Projects (10%): assisting with programs assigned and managed by other CET departments as needed, and/or contributing to organization-wide initiatives such as Sustainability and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion). 

Department Workflow and Systems Support Responsibilities (40%):

• Track and analyze student registration data collection by performing regular registration progress audits and support the Custom Programs Coordinator with routine follow-up with students for completion of missing items
• Support the CET Custom inbox: read through new emails, respond or forward as appropriate. Manage email templates for responses to FAQs, confirmation of receipt to students. 
• Join business development and exploratory intake calls with potential partner institutions to assist in updating internal systems with accurate and consistent program details and learn about the array of customized programs in the field.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure that all contractual deliverables are met for each custom program’s institutional partner. Create draft calendars and other tracking systems to organize information and support efficiency.

Getting to know CET/General Professional Development (10%): 

• Opportunity for informational interviews with CET staff from across the organization to explore career paths in International Education
• Attend CET-wide meetings and relevant trainings to gain familiarity with the organization, CET program sites, and the field of international education

Systems (Ongoing)

• Daily tasks and projects may work with several systems used by CET: Microsoft Outlook, Igloo, SharePoint, Salesforce, and more.

We’re looking for…

• A commitment of at least 6 months is preferred
• An early career professional or current student with an associate or bachelor’s degree, in any field, or at least 2 years of college/higher education 
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills 
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail 
• Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity 
• Experience participating in a study abroad or exchange program is preferred
• Interest in the field of International Education or global academic exchanges, including potential future employment opportunities with CET. Several CET staff members started as interns.
• Experience with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint) 
• Self-Motivation and ability to be a team-player
• Strong time-management skills
• Patience, flexibility, positive attitude, and a sense of humor

To Apply

Please attach your resume and a cover letter to our application form. Applications missing any of these components will not be considered. The successful completion of a background check, including professional references, is required for this position.

For best consideration, please apply by July 10, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT.

An Equal Opportunity Workplace

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. 

Description of the Organization

CET Academic Programs is a study abroad organization that has been developing and operating innovative educational programs abroad since 1982. Originally “China Educational Tours,” CET began operations in Beijing, later expanding to other locations around the world.