USU Global Talent:
Washington D.C

Congressional Internship
Application form

The Ukrainian Students Union (USU) invites applications for its Congressional Internship. Program, anticipated to commence in the second week of May 2024 in Washington D.C., United States.

As part of the application, please choose the following topic for your essay. Your essay will be limited to 500 words and evaluated for its originality, the strength of argument, clarity of expression, and the analytical capability demonstrated.

"Imagine you are an advisor to the Ukrainian government. Your task is to formulate a
strategy to persuade U.S. Congress members to provide increased support to Ukraine,
despite some holding anti-Ukraine positions or being indifferent to the Ukrainian cause. In your essay, outline the key points of your persuasion strategy, including how you would address opposition and leverage areas of common interest to foster a pro-Ukraine stance. Discuss what messaging would resonate with American values and interests, and how you would navigate the complex political landscape to achieve your objectives. Provide examples of successful historical precedents or diplomatic strategies that could inform your approach"

  1. Strategic Diplomacy: "Draft a plan for a diplomatic campaign aimed at securing greater support from U.S. Congress members who are currently unsympathetic to Ukraine's situation. Highlight the diplomatic tools and approaches you would use to shift their stance and the key messages you would convey about Ukraine's strategic importance to global stability and democratic values."
  2. Common Ground: "Identify and discuss the shared interests and values between the United States and Ukraine that could be used to persuade skeptical or ambivalent members of Congress to support Ukraine more robustly. How would you align Ukraine’s needs with U.S. priorities to win bipartisan support?"
  3. Economic Incentives: "Propose a series of economic arguments that could be persuasive in gaining the support of U.S. Congress members for increased aid to Ukraine. Consider how aiding Ukraine could benefit both countries' economic interests and global economic health"
  4. Security Implications: "Explain the broader security implications of the war in Ukraine for the United States and its allies. Craft an argument that emphasizes the consequences of inaction and the benefits of increased support from a national and international security perspective."
  5. Humanitarian Perspective: "Construct a compelling humanitarian appeal that could be used to persuade Congress to adopt a more proactive role in supporting Ukraine. Outline how you would communicate the human cost of the war and the moral imperative for U.S. involvement."

Please answer the following questions to provide us with more details about your
circumstances and to facilitate the planning of the internship program.

Please specify the expected end date of your university exams. If you are not currently attending university or your schedule is subject to change, please provide an estimated date range.

Do you currently hold a valid U.S. visa? If yes, please indicate the type of visa and its expiration date. If no, are you willing and able to apply for a visa if selected for the internship?

Are you currently studying in Ukraine or in the United States? If you are studying in the United States, please specify the institution and your current program of study.

Are you able to travel to Washington D.C. for the internship, and do you require assistance with accommodation? Please note any
potential challenges or requirements you may have regarding travel and accommodation.

Please identify a specific area of policy (e.g., foreign affairs, defense, trade, etc.) that you are particularly interested in and explain why.

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