EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Internships
Applications closing 03 March 2023
Since 2003, the NCRE and EUCN, in conjunction with Members of the European Parliament and the New Zealand Embassy in Brussels, have coordinated a programme allowing New Zealanders to work as interns for a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Every year up to two postgraduate students from EUCN partner universities are funded to work as interns at the European Parliament. Additionally, funded domestic internships are available at the EU Delegation to New Zealand in Wellington and other places such as the NZIIA. There are also incoming internships.
This programme forms part of the EUCN's wider objective to increase New Zealanders' awareness and understanding of the EU. The internships are designed to provide post-graduates with an opportunity to experience working in a real-life setting, as well as to assist their own research.
In both internship categories, students work on a variety of projects, including but not limited to undertaking small research papers, helping to prepare documents, assisting with administrative tasks and event organisation. To gain the greatest benefits interns are expected and contribute in a significant way to the project they are attached to, interns are expected to work full-time (37.5 hours/week) during the internship. The exact starting dates will be negotiated with the hosting institution, however a preferred start date cannot be guaranteed.
After the closing date, all applications will be evaluated by an academic expert panel, and short-listed candidates will be interviewed.
Read more about past interns' experiences
What are Domestic Internships?
EUCN in conjunction with the EU Delegation to New Zealand coordinate a domestic internship programme, to gain experience in a professional setting and translate theoretical skills and knowledge into tangible career and employment opportunities. The internship, and the networking opportunities increase awareness and understanding of policy-oriented organisations and governmental institutions. Interns learn to put theoretical skills and knowledge into practice and develop practical skills relevant for future careers.
Postgraduate students are funded to work as interns at the EU Delegation to New Zealand, a Ministry, Embassy, NGO or other appropriate organisation for three months and the exact timing will be negotiated with the hosting organisation and intern. For this application round, internships must start before 01 July 2023.
Interns receive up to NZ$ 5,000 funding to contribute to costs such as travel, acommodation, and daily living expenses. The amount depends on the length on the internship, placement, and other factors.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for the internship you must be a post-graduate student enrolled at an EUCN partner university for study (Hons, Masters or Doctoral level) and currently residing in New Zealand.
Interns will be required to produce a detailed report at the end of their internship and give a short presentation upon their return about their experiences. Interns will also be asked to contribute to the EUCN facebook page on the work they are undertaking.
What are MEP Internships?
This programme allows NZ postgraduate students with an interest in the EU to work as interns for a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). It is designed to increase awareness and understanding of the EU, the inner workings of the European Parliament and EU institutions, and equips students with practical, transversal skills relevant for professional careers. Being fluent in a second European language (besides English) is an advantage but not required.
Every year up to two postgraduate students are funded. Internships are normally for three months starting in September, however the exact timing will be negotiated with the MEP's office and the intern.
The MEP Internship provides €5,000 to support return airfares to Brussels, accommodation, local transport and daily living costs during the internship. All expenditure must be in line with University of Canterbury and EUCN grant rules (Interns must return receipts to the project team).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the internship you must be a post-graduate student enrolled at an EUCN partner university for study (Hons, Masters or Doctoral level) and currently residing in New Zealand.
Interns are "EUCN and New Zealand Ambassadors" to the European Parliament and expected to assist the MEP's office effectively in a very busy environment. Interns must be able to work full-time for the normally 3 months internship. MEP interns are expected to be available from September on each year. Exact timing will be negotiated with the New Zealand Embassy in Brussels and the MEP. Therefore, students are eligible if they have recently completed studies focused on the EU or are enrolled for a relevant course of study.
Interns will be required to produce a detailed report at the end of their internship and give a public seminar presentation upon their return about their experiences. Interns will also be asked to contribute to the EUCN facebook page on the work they are undertaking.
Application Process & Required Documents
MEP internships are currently suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are happy to offer a number of domestic internships. To apply you must to complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
Applications must be submitted by 3 March 2023. Late or incomplete applications cannot be accepted. Please follow the following simple steps to complete your application:
Collect the Required Documents (see below) and save them into ONE pdf file (any scanner can do this, if in doubt ask for help – incomplete applications will not be considered).
A one page summary of your intended course of study and research connected to this.
If you have previously received funding from the NCRE please outline how your research has progressed.
A motivational statement.
Please provide a half-page motivational statement as to why you want to be an intern, what you will bring to this role and studies will benefit from this.
A budget and timeline.
Include one page that outlines your budget (i.e. flights, accommodation, local transport, etc) and a proposed timeline.
Tip: We suggest that you take time to research and complete this component with a realistic timeframe and costing as it will increase your chances of being successful. It is also a very useful skill in any future career.
Your CV which must be no longer than one page in length.
Please outline both, your academic and employment/volunteering information.
Your academic record (transcript) containing your academic history.
This must either be signed or certified by the university, a supervisor or administrator with departmental stamp.
Tip: Yes, NCRE Administrators can do this.
Complete the online Application Form and upload the pdf file containing the required documents before the submission deadline.
Submit your application.
Ensure your academic referee emails us a pdf of your reference letter or fills in the appropriate form.
Note: You can apply for multiple opportunities but you must complete an individual application for every category. Successful candidates will receive a maximum of one award (no matter how many applications have been submitted).
Any Questions
If you have any questions on the degrees, courses, structure, or anything academic, please email or talk to
Prof Martin Holland martin.holland@canterbury.ac.nz in Logie 605 or Dr Serena Kelly serena.kelly@canterbury.ac.nz in Logie 611.
We suggest that you contact the EUCN Staff Representative at your university to discuss the submission of your application. List of EUCN Staff Contacts at Partner Universities