Volunteering opportunities
We are seeking interns who want to work with us in Seoul, South Korea. The ideal candidate is a current or recent undergraduate/graduate student pursuing law, political science, Asian/East Asian studies, sociology, economics, foreign policy, international relations, etc, and is interested in Corean* reunification and North Korean human rights. For most positions no Korean is required, and English will be the primary language of the internship. Commitment and dedication to the field of human rights is the most important thing to us.
Internships are unpaid, though we can provide internship credit for suitable candidates. Positions are offered both full time and part time. Full time interns commit to 5 days in the office weekly, while part time interns commit to at least 12 hours weekly in the office, depending on availability. Please indicate your availability in your application. We review applications on a rolling basis. Positions are open until filled.
If you are interested, please contact us by sending an email to [email protected] with the completed application form.
Below is a list of our internship opportunities. Detailed information will appear by clicking on the different internship titles.
* Original spelling of Korea prior to the division of North and South Korea in 1948
What We Do
PSCORE’s Research Team monitors, documents, and analyzes human rights conditions in North Korea and among defectors.
As an intern, we take part in every stage of the process: gathering data from diverse and reliable sources such as UN documents, government reports, local and international media, NGOs, diplomats, and academic experts. We analyze testimonies and other first-hand accounts to support ongoing advocacy and policy projects. We prepare reports for upcoming UN events, develop policy briefs and advocacy materials, and contribute to PSCORE’s publications and communications.
In addition, we assist in researching, submitting, and fulfilling grant applications, ensuring that PSCORE’s work continues to have the resources needed for impact. Through this work, the Research Team ensures that PSCORE’s advocacy is grounded in evidence, helping the organization remain a trusted voice in the fight for human rights in North Korea.
Research
interns mission
North Korean human rights remain one of the most urgent and underreported issues in the world. Reliable, detailed information is essential for advocacy, policy change, and raising public awareness. Yet much of what happens inside the DPRK remains hidden from the global community. At PSCORE, the Research Team plays a critical role in uncovering and documenting these human rights abuses, ensuring that the voices of victims are heard and that their stories are backed by solid evidence.
Research Interns work closely with a young, dynamic team to collect, analyze, and present information for reports, publications, grant applications, and advocacy materials. Their work supports PSCORE’s mission by providing credible, well-documented resources that strengthen campaigns, influence decision-makers, and keep North Korean human rights on the international agenda.
No prior expertise in human rights is required, just strong analytical and writing skills, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to learning. Proficiency in Korean is an advantage, but not a requirement.
Grant Writing interns mission
For a nonprofit organization like PSCORE, grants can provide essential support for sustaining and developing programs, projects, and advocacy activities. Identifying suitable funding opportunities and communicating the value of our work clearly to potential funders are therefore important parts of building long-term organizational capacity.
PSCORE welcomes volunteers and interns with experience or an interest in grant writing, particularly for U.S. and European funding opportunities. Grant Writers can contribute their knowledge and skills to help strengthen our approach to funding applications and support the organization in presenting its mission, activities, and impact effectively.
Whether you are based in South Korea or visiting Seoul for a few weeks, your experience can make a valuable contribution. We especially welcome people who are familiar with grant research, proposal writing, or funding processes in the United States or Europe.
What We Do
Grant Writers support PSCORE in researching potential funding opportunities and developing grant applications that align with the organization’s programs and mission. This can include identifying relevant grants, reviewing funding requirements, organizing information needed for applications, and helping communicate PSCORE’s goals and activities clearly to potential funders.
Working together with members of the PSCORE team, Grant Writers can contribute to proposals for projects across areas such as human rights advocacy, research, education, and organizational development. Depending on their experience, they may also share knowledge about grant-writing practices and help improve the organization’s approach to future applications.
Through this work, Grant Writers help PSCORE strengthen its fundraising capacity and pursue resources that can support the continuation and development of its programs. Experience with U.S. or European grants is particularly valuable, and volunteers who are willing to share their expertise with the organization are encouraged to get involved.
Translator interns mission
Our Translator Interns help make reliable information about North Korea accessible to a wider international audience. Through their work, they support PSCORE’s mission to educate North Koreans, South Koreans, and the international community about current events, human rights issues, and everyday conditions in North Korea.
What We Do
Translator Interns translate relevant news articles and other content from Korean into clear and natural English. Their translations help PSCORE share important information with an international audience and strengthen our communication and human rights awareness efforts. This role can be carried out remotely and offers interns the opportunity to deepen their understanding of North Korea while contributing directly to PSCORE’s work
Education
interns mission
North Korean defector youth arrive in South Korea with hopes for a better future, but many face serious challenges, discrimination, isolation, and educational gaps. Many come to South Korea alone or live in single-parent households. Often, they are placed in lower grades with classmates younger than themselves and must catch up on missed education in a short amount of time. Even those who completed their schooling in North Korea find it difficult to compete in South Korea’s high-pressure academic environment, especially after spending months or even years in transit without access to consistent education.
At PSCORE, volunteers work directly with these students, providing individualized support that reflects their unique backgrounds and learning needs. By offering flexible, student-centered help outside the standard curriculum, volunteers help defector youth adapt more smoothly to the South Korean school system and build the confidence needed for academic success. No teaching degree is required, just patience, openness, and a willingness to connect. Even one hour a week can make a real difference in a young person’s life.
What We Do
PSCORE Education Program offers 1:1 and small group tutoring to North Korean defector youth or children of defectors. The schedules are flexible and can be done both in-person or online, taught by a team of enthusiastic tutors from all over the world.
As an intern at the PSCORE Education Team, we take an active role coordinating these classes, regularly communicating with tutors, students, and teachers to ensure smooth operation of the program. The education team interns also conduct hiring interviews for new tutors, and manage the matching process between student and tutors.
PSCORE Education Team also works closely with Reunification Education Specialists, defectors who were former teachers in North Korea who continue their work with defector youth to help them assimilate into the new environment. Through Growth Mentorship, PSCORE provides the teachers with counseling, art therapy, and fellowship, creating a safe environment for these teachers to express themselves and share their experiences with the other teachers. Through the direct support of both defector students and teachers, PSCORE Education Team promotes a holistic approach to advocacy and empowerment through the lens of education.
Social Media interns mission
North Korean human rights remain one of the most urgent and underreported issues in the world. Many people know little about life inside North Korea or the challenges faced by defectors starting over in South Korea. At PSCORE, the Social Media Team is the public face of the organization by presenting PSCORE’s work to the world, shaping its brand image, and building the connection between our mission and global audiences.
Interns create and share impactful content on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to raise awareness, provide accurate and accessible information about North Korea, and encourage.
Social Media Interns help craft this image from engaging YouTube videos to informative Instagram infographics, from LinkedIn advocacy posts to Facebook updates. Their work strengthen PSCORE’s credibility, visibility, and ability to mobilize support worldwide.
No prior expertise in human rights is required just creativity, adaptability, and a strong sense of storytelling. Skills in design, video editing, writing, or online community engagement are valuable, but what matters most is a willingness to learn and contribute.
What We Do
PSCORE’s Social Media Team manages the organization’s online presence and shapes its public identity.
As an intern, we take part in every step of this process. We design and edit videos, graphics, and infographics that reflect PSCORE’s values and mission. We write clear, engaging captions and articles that make complex issues accessible to a wide audience. We share news, facts, and educational materials about North Korea in ways that spark curiosity and empathy. We help plan and run awareness and fundraising campaigns that inspire people to support our cause. We also monitor engagement and interact with our online community, ensuring that our platforms remain welcoming, informative, and active.
IT
interns mission
PSCORE’s online presence plays a vital role in connecting with contributors, raising awareness about human rights in North Korea, and providing resources to both defectors and the general public. However, maintaining an effective and secure digital infrastructure requires constant attention, especially in a fast-evolving technological environment. Without proper IT support, the organization’s ability to share information, coordinate programs, and protect sensitive data could be compromised.
At PSCORE, the IT team ensures that our website and digital tools remain functional, secure, and up to date. We provide technical support to all departments, adapting solutions to their specific needs, whether it’s implementing new features on the website, optimizing performance, or ensuring compliance with security best practices.
What We Do
The PSCORE IT Team manages and improves the organization’s website, ensuring accessibility, reliability, and security for visitors worldwide. This includes content updates, performance optimization, and troubleshooting technical issues.
We also conduct regular IT monitoring, keeping track of the latest developments in cybersecurity, software, and hardware that may benefit or protect the organization. The team assists in reviewing and interpreting IT audits, and supports the drafting of reports or articles that require a technical perspective.
As part of our collaborative approach, we work closely with other PSCORE teams to provide tailored IT solutions, whether for education, events, or advocacy campaigns. By combining technical expertise with the organization’s broader mission, the IT team helps PSCORE maintain a strong, secure, and impactful presence, both online and behind the scenes.