The CALS Global Fellows Program supports CALS undergraduate students from any major in pursuit of challenging, professionally-focused summer internships and research placements that enhance and complement their career goals and academic progress while enriching their undergraduate experience with diverse cultural and international immersion. Through key partnerships, the Global Fellows Program provides a platform for students to make positive and definable contributions to global organizations and communities.

Acceptance to the program is competitive and a limited number of students are selected each year. Selected Fellows receive a stipend to offset major expenses.

Students who are accepted into the CALS Global Fellows Program will be required to complete 4 parts of the program:

• An in-person 7-week, Spring (session 2) pre-engagement 1 credit course ALS 2300, focusing on health and safety, cultural awareness, logistics and more.
• a continuous 8–12-week internship or research placement in an international setting
• and a 7-week, 1 credit post-engagement course in the first half of the Fall semester (ALS/GDEV 3105)
• Poster Symposium in the Fall

Placement Opportunity: United Nations FAO Fellowship –  Agrifood Economics and Policy, Statistics, or Food Loss and Waste. (Rome, Italy)

Placements: 2 (in person)

Dates: May–July (approximately 3 months)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), headquartered in Rome, Italy, offers internship opportunities for students interested in addressing global challenges related to food systems, agriculture, and sustainable development. Interns may contribute to projects in one of three key areas: Agrifood Economics and Policy, Statistics, or Food Loss and Waste.

Depending on their placement, interns will support research and analysis, contribute to policy development, assist with data collection and interpretation, and help identify innovative strategies to strengthen global agrifood systems. Responsibilities may include conducting literature reviews, analyzing economic and statistical data, preparing reports and presentations, and supporting initiatives aimed at improving food security, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

This internship provides students with valuable international experience and the opportunity to work alongside global experts while gaining insight into the role of international organizations in shaping agricultural policy and addressing global food system challenges.

In your statement of interest, please include which of the 3 key areas Agrifood Economics and Policy, Statistics, or Food Loss and Waste you would like to work in.