World Food Prize Foundation
Apply for the Borlaug-Ruan Internship
Applications for the 2027 Borlaug-Ruan International Internship will open in October 2026.
The Borlaug-Ruan International Internship provides students a unique professional experience working with world-renowned scientists and policymakers at leading research and development organizations in Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East.
WORLD FOOD PRIZE
Eligibility Requirements
Any student who has participated in, volunteered for or has other involvement with a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Program and is between the ages of 17 – 20 years old (on June 1, 2027) is eligible to apply.
World Food Prize Foundation Youth Programs include:
WORLD FOOD PRIZE
Timeframe
The 2027 Borlaug-Ruan International Internships are planned to take place between May 1 – August 30, 2027. The timeline for candidate review and selection is outlined below:
- November 29, 2026: Applications are due.
- December 9, 2026: Applicants notified of their application status.
- December 11 – 18, 2026: Interviews, held virtually.
- March 1, 2027: Candidates notified of their selection.
- April 10, 2027: Internship Orientation, held in-person in Des Moines, IA.
- May 1 – August 30, 2027: Internships take place during this timeframe, dependent upon intern’s availability.
GLOBAL YOUTH INSTITUTE
Internship Expectations
Borlaug-Ruan International Interns will be required to commit to an in-person international internship which requires an 8-week minimum commitment during the summer of 2027, during which they will not return home unless in case of emergency. Specific dates will be determined with placements if selected.
Borlaug-Ruan Interns are encouraged to participate in, and present at, the World Food Prize Foundation Global Youth Institute and International Borlaug Dialogue in October 2027 as a core component of the experience. As a capstone to their internship, Borlaug-Ruan Interns are required to develop a research paper or other knowledge product, as well as provide summary presentations for their host organization and the World Food Prize Foundation, as requested.
GLOBAL YOUTH INSTITUTE
Required Materials
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all of the required materials listed below are submitted in their application in order to be considered for a 2027 Borlaug-Ruan International Internship.
The selection committee and host organizations will see this, so ensure that your resume or CV is updated and includes relevant work experience, school and community involvement, leadership activities and relevant research/projects. Try to limit your resume to one page.
Imagine that you are recommending yourself to a host organization. What do you want them to know about you? What skills do you have? What accomplishments? What relevant interests and passions will you share? In a maximum of one page, persuade the host organization to take you on as an intern by preparing a biography/cover letter. Please upload your biography in PDF or Word format.
Note: Your biography may actually be sent to a host organization, so give this some thought!
For student applicants who are U.S. Citizens:
Please submit clear images of the signature and photo page of the student applicant’s U.S. passport, which must be valid through February 2028 and have a least two blank visa pages; OR submit an invoice verifying that the applicant’s U.S. passport application has officially been submitted to the U.S. Department of State prior to November 28, 2026.
- For student applicants who are foreign nationals residing permanently in the U.S:
Please submit clear images of the signature and photo page of the student applicant’s foreign passport and U.S. permanent resident card, both of which must be valid through February 2028 and have at least two blank visa pages. - For student applicants who are not U.S. Citizens:
Please submit clear images of the signature and photo page of the student applicant’s passport, which must be valid through February 2028 and have at least two blank visa pages; OR submit an invoice verifying that the applicant’s passport application has officially been submitted to the appropriate ministry prior to November 29, 2026.
Download the Parent / Guardian Consent form here. Then print, sign, scan and upload the completed form in the application. Digital signature is acceptable.
Provide the names and information for two references. One must be a teacher who has had you as a student in class. The other reference can be a teacher, coach, employer or mentor. A parent or relative can not serve as a reference.
Note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to request that your two references complete the online Recommendation Form by December 6, 2026 on your behalf. The form is located at www.worldfoodprize.org/BRInternReference. The World Food Prize Foundation may contact your references to verify the information submitted.
A downloadable copy of the 2026 application form is available HERE for your reference as you prepare your answers and materials, but you must complete the 2027 online application form to be considered for the internship. All application materials must be uploaded together to complete and submit your application form online.
Applications for the 2027 Borlaug-Ruan International Internship will open in October 2026.
Questions
Contact Renee Cooper at RCOOPER@WORLDFOODPRIZE.ORG.