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Internships in Canada
Internships are available at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa or at the U.S. Consulates General in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary.

Canada-Internships

The U.S. Commercial Service Canada offers internship opportunities throughout the year at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa and the U.S. Consulate General’s in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary.

What You Would be Doing

The U.S. Commercial Service is the trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. Our office analyzes information on the Canadian market, facilitates contacts with Canadian businesses, promotes U.S. products in the Canadian marketplace, and advocates for U.S. business interests. We assist trade missions to Canada and provide logistical support to U.S. companies holding product launches and exhibitions.

After a brief orientation period, the intern will be involved in ’on-the-job’ training by working on a pre-defined project or projects relating to U.S./Canada trade development.  Intern responsibilities may include conducting market research, preparing reports, drafting replies to trade inquiries, promoting and recruiting exhibitors for trade events and making business appointments for U.S. companies seeking strategic alliances in Canada.  The intern’s work assignments shall be in the public interest, and to the maximum extent possible, shall provide an appropriate educational experience for the intern.

Interns work in a progressive environment and quickly become familiar with the dynamic field of international trade.  Upon completion of the internship, each intern will receive a letter of referral based upon performance.

Who is Eligible?

In order to participate in this program, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • Pass a U.S. government non-sensitive security clearance
  • Be enrolled at a university or institute of higher education after the second year /sophomore year of academic studies
  • Have fluency in English
  • Be availability for up to 12 weeks
  • Have good communication and computer skills

Selection is made without regard to consideration of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, or disability. Every intern must receive a positive security check by the U.S. Government and a medical clearance prior to the start of his/her internship.

Payment and Insurance

This internship is a volunteer service. Federal regulations prohibit financial compensation. An official letter of recommendation will be provided. Some universities may provide credit for a completed internship. No federal government liability is assumed.

How to Apply

We offer internships throughout the entire year, starting in January, May and September. You much apply at least 3 months in advance. Your application must include:

  • Cover Letter: Why you want to be an intern, what you have to offer, how you hope to benefit from the internship and the time frame in which you are available.  Please note to which post you are applying.
  • Resume: Future goals, computer skills, experience, including academic accomplishments, citizenship, and years of study at post-secondary schools.
  • Writing Sample: Provide a writing sample that displays your market research and your writing skills.  Business and market research papers are preferred.  Do not submit group work projects.

For Your Planning

The internship will last up to 12 weeks, starting dates are flexible. Remember to plan up to 3 months ahead until your security check is completed (including a personal interview with an official security officer). Our offices are closed on official Canadian and American holidays.

Application

Please submit your application via email to the office location you wish to perform your internship or call us if you have any questions. Please let us know if you apply in more than one of our locations.

Ottawa

Embassy of the United States of America
U.S. Commercial Service
Tracey Ford
P.O. Box 866, Stn. B
Ottawa ON  K1P 5T1
Tel: 613-688-5406 (office) / 613-295-4235 (cell)
Email: Tracey.Ford@trade.gov

Toronto

American Consulate General
U.S. Commercial Service
Bojan Opsenica
360 University Ave.
Toronto ON  M5G 1S4
Tel: 416-595-5412 x224 (office)
Email: bojan.opsenica@trade.gov

Montreal

American Consulate General
U.S. Commercial Service
Yamilka Pena
955 1re Avenue #USA
Ste-Catherine, Quebec J5C 1C5
Tel: 514-592-8523 (office)
Email: yamilka.pena@trade.gov

Calgary

American Consulate General
U.S. Commercial Service
Connie Haider
615 Macleod Trail, S.E. Suite 1000
Calgary AB  T2G 4T8
Tel: 403-351-7761 (office)
Email: connie.haider@trade.gov