The Temple of Understanding’s internship program has opened minds and doors for students from across the globe since 2005. One of the nation’s oldest interfaith organizations, the Temple of Understanding offers an immersive experience for students pursuing careers in government, international relations, environmental policy, education, healthcare, advocacy, or business. The program empowers the interns’ moral agency and launches their careers as global citizens who care about the humanitarian goals embraced by the UN.
The 2026 TOU intern cohort.
TOU interns don’t just learn about the process of peacemaking – they participate in it. Interns attend some open meetings of the UN Security Council, the General Assembly, and various UN committees, and meet with different Missions and NGOs for discussions based on their specific questions and interests. They attend key UN platforms like the High Level Political Forum, where they can observe and engage with decision-makers, experts, and activists shaping strategies for international cooperation around sustainable development. They learn about different religions through visits to interfaith sites, and participate in volunteer work to serve the community. Interns also choose a topic for research they’re passionate about that connects with the TOU’s work, and present their findings through an oral presentation and written paper at the end of the program.
Interns who participated in the four-week 2026 summer program said they came away transformed, gaining a broader perspective on diplomacy, politics and international affairs and useful guidance for their career path. Interns said they value not only the skills they gained, but the relationships they developed. Hear more from TOU interns, in their own words, about how the experience impacted them:
- “My summer at the Temple of Understanding gave me a truly global and interfaith perspective — learning alongside fellow interns from every corner of the world, sitting in on UN conferences, and speaking with leaders I never imagined I’d meet. At the UN and in the TOU office, I saw the whole world brought together in one place. I left with a deeper sense of purpose and an open mind that will stay with me for life, shaping the work I take on and the leader I become.”
- “TOU didn’t only give me access to the UN and opportunities beyond what I had expected, but it also gave me friends and a family who made the journey valuable and memorable.”
- “The most rewarding experience can only be reached by taking a leap of faith.”
- “TOU helped me push myself beyond my limits and trust more in myself.”
- “An unforgettable experience, inspiring your professional ambitions, accompanied by fellow interns forging connections you’ll never forget.”
- “This program has enriched my view of the world by introducing me to so many people who guide me by the hand to show me the other side of my world.”
- “TOU opened a doorway that made me reevaluate my future career aspirations and understand firsthand how the international world connects. Leaving the program, I have stronger public speaking skills, better networking techniques, and a clearer sense of the world. Beyond skills, the people I have met will stay with me and continue to shape me for a long time.”
- Being part of this program helps you to have a broader perspective on diplomacy, politics, and international affairs, as you get not only UN perspectives but also the perspectives of your fellow interns.
- “The program opened my perspective in so many ways, and reaffirmed my passion to work in the humanitarian field.”
The Temple of Understanding will soon open its applications for the 2027 summer internship program. Stay tuned for more information about how to apply, and learn more about the TOU internship program from an intern’s perspective at our guest blog post, written by a 2026 intern.