“This summer placement has been both intense and incredibly rewarding. I’ve gained not only technical skills, but also a deeper appreciation for how evidence-based policymaking, rigorous impact evaluation and close collaboration between policymakers, international development partners and research institutions can improve lives.”
Apiwan Duangphumment, G’26MIDP Summer Experience
In the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program, hands-on experience is key. Our required summer experience immerses you in real-world communities, turning classroom knowledge into practical skills to prepare you to design and lead development efforts.
Summer experience overview
Every MIDP student completes a required summer placement after their first year. You’ll spend approximately 10 weeks working with a leading development organization — typically one focused on evidence-based impact in developing countries.
The financial support provided by the McCourt School enables you to pursue the placement that best advances your professional development. Past students have worked with organizations ranging from international research organizations (e.g., J-PAL, IPA) to multilateral institutions (e.g., DIME and DECRG at the World Bank), NGOs and government agencies. You’ll gain direct experience in policy analysis, program evaluation and development practice.
Finding your placement
Without worrying about costs, you can work in an unpaid internship or create a new placement position at organizations worldwide, turning your vision for meaningful work into reality. Every year, most MIDP students essentially design their own placement by connecting with development professionals who are eager to add a well-qualified McCourt School student to their team.
With years of experience in the field, our faculty have connections throughout the development world. Students are responsible for directing their own search process, but the program director and individual faculty mentors provide valuable support and guidance to each and every student as they explore opportunities related to their interests in a wide range of sectors, including health, education, labor, gender and environmental policy.
Recent summer placements
Our students travel all over the world for their summer placements. A few recent examples include:
- The African Gender Innovation Lab (World Bank, Nigeria)
- Jameel Poverty Action Lab ( Egypt, Guatemala, India)
- Innovations for Poverty Action (Peru, Ghana, the Philippines, Sierra Leone)
- IDinsight ( the Philippines)
- Center for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP)
- Development Impact Evaluation (DIME World Bank, Rwanda)
- Causal Design (Cambodia)
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Learn more about the summer experience
If you want to know more about the summer experience, such as how to find a placement or what expenses the program covers, please email Faculty Director Franck Wiebe at Franck.Wiebe@georgetown.edu.
Send an email to Franck WiebeSummer experience highlights
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