The Harvard Center for International Development (CID) supports students at all levels of their academic careers to deepen their knowledge of international development and work to build a thriving world for all.
All Harvard students have the opportunity to engage directly with experts in international development, from CID's faculty affiliates, to visiting practitioners and government leaders. Students can participate in seminars, research projects, internships, hands-on programs, and special events offered by CID.
Hear from CID Students
In-Classroom Opportunities
CID Student Seminars
As part of our strategy to invest in people, places, and ideas, CID expands students' understanding of important issues in international development.
Master’s Degree in International Development
This economics-centered program combines rigorous training in analytical and quantitative methods with a strong emphasis on policy and practice.
Executive Education
CID-affiliated faculty teach many Executive Education Programs at Harvard Kennedy School and disseminate their research findings to expose leaders to cutting-edge solutions to some of the most challenging development problems.
Internships & Experiential Learning
CID Global Internship Program
This program provides development opportunities to expand students’ horizons, gain practical training and experience, and explore potential international development career pathways following graduation.
Growth Lab Summer Internships
The Growth Lab Summer Internship offers hands-on experience working on real projects. Interns work on teams that blend research with policy work, testing theories and seeing the impact on economic development.
Community Engagement
CID Student Ambassadors
CID's Student Ambassador Program offers Harvard graduate and undergraduate students an opportunity to contribute to and embody CID’s mission of building a thriving world for all.
CID Speaker Series and Events
Throughout the academic year we host the flagship CID Speaker Series, where academics and practitioners speak on a wide range of international development perspectives and issues.
CID PhD Affiliates
CID PhD Affiliates are invited to participate in events throughout the year, explore opportunities for research and teaching collaborations, and have their work amplified through various forums.
Research and Funding Opportunities
CID will not offer J-Term funding for the AY26-27 academic year.
The Harvard CID Student Research Scholar Program helps connect undergraduate and graduate Harvard students with research projects led by CID’s faculty and PhD student affiliates. It is an excellent opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience working on a research project in international development and make connections with faculty across the University. The program is designed to allow students to apply their existing skillset to a real-world project but will not provide training in the required skills.
How does the program work?
Student research opportunities will be advertised in the CID weekly newsletter and posted on our Jobs and Opportunities page as they become available.
Hired Student Research Scholar positions are paid. Positions typically require a 5-20 hour/week commitment based on requirements from the project lead.
CID Faculty and PhD Students look for Research Scholars with the following skills:
- Survey design
- Econometrics (RCTs and/or quasi-experimental methods)
- Literature review writing
- Programming languages such as R, C/C++, or Python
- Statistical survey software such as Stata or Qualtrics
- Technical writing
Please sign up for our weekly newsletter to be notified of these opportunities.
CID Voices: Student Perspectives
News + Opportunities Newsletter
Students are central to CID's efforts to build a thriving world for all. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay up to date on all events and student offerings.