Internships The European Union Center of IES Abroad
Internships arranged by the European Union Center of IES Abroad offer students an enriching cultural experience in the European workplace. The European Union Center offers unique internship placements— for example, in Brussels or in the surrounding area of Freiburg— so that students can develop their practical skills in a work environment. From such experience, students can gain more than they would have by just participating in the study abroad program: a new perspective on work culture in Europe and practical application of the policies and economics of the European Union studied in their semester-long lectures. Internships offered through the European Union Center of IES Abroad are available during the Spring semester
Each internship takes place at the end of the semester term in June
Before the internship, for approximately two weeks in the month of May, all students involved in internships will participate in an Internship Seminar designed to educate students on expectations and trends in the European workplace
Students are responsible for crafting a Curriculum Vitae (CV) in the European format and a cover letter to send to their sponsoring internship institution (help is provided on-site)
No previous internship experience is needed!
Intern at European Parliament!
Internships in Brussels are offered at the European Parliament. Students interested in government and politics are the most well-suited candidates for these internships, although all fields of study would be applicable. In the past, students have worked in the offices of Members of Parliamant (MEPs) and in various capacities, including researching topical issues relevant to international relations. No knowledge of the German language is required for this internship. However, knowlege of other languages may assist in placement. These internships last six-weeks from the beginning of June until the middle of July.
“The precious opportunity to work in a highly democratic political institution” XU YINING | GRINNELL COLLEGE Interned in the office of Mr. Helmut Scholz at European Parliament, Brussels
“Working in the European Parliament provided me a precious opportunity to deepen my understanding of not only a democratic political system but also an intercultural working environment.”
Intern in Freiburg and the area! Interning at a local institution in Freiburg can be a highly rewarding experience at the end of your study abroad session. In the past, students have been able to find a perfect placement to suit their interests. Students interested in business have interned at Ormed, SpielPlanVier or the Buchhandlung Schwanhäuser. Students interested in government and politics have found placements within local governmental party offices or agencies. Examples include SPD, Bündis90/die Grünen and Freiburg City Council Foreigner Advisory Committee. Other students have found placements at non-governmental agencies (NGOs) like FESA— an agency for solar energy. It is preferred that students with a knowledge of German participate in these internships. These internships could start in mid-May and finish as late as mid-July. Therefore, the internship could potentially last between four and eight weeks. “… developing a strong sense of German language and culture” KELLY BAUER | PENN STATE UNIVERSITY Interned at the Landeszentrale für politische Bildung,Stuttgart
“ To make my internship a successful experience, I forced myself to think, speak and act like a native German. I am now able to speak and understand German to a degree that prepares me for communication on a business level with German colleagues. ”
Feel free to contact Almut Meyer zu Schwabedissen at the European Union Center of IES Abroad in Freiburg, Germany with more questions: Almut.Meyer.zu.Schwabedissen@ies.unifreiburg.de
We look forward to helping you experience what the European Union Center has to offer!