
Council of Europe Internships
Our flagship opportunity is the prestigious internship program at the Council of Europe, one of the world’s leading multilateral international organizations. Places are limited, however, and subject to interview. French is required for some internships, but many do not require French at all, because native English-speaking ability can be viewed as a valuable skill.
Students that accept an internship opportunity at the Council of Europe are registered for PSC471 and earn 3-credits in Political Science. Students attend a weekly 1-hour seminar, in addition to the internship, to discuss the historical and evolving context of international institutional cooperation in Europe.
Syracuse University is the only U.S.-based institution of higher learning through which students can participate in internships at the Council. This extraordinary privilege is made possible in large part thanks to our long-established and well-respected presence in Strasbourg.
Learn more about past experiences at the Council:
How to Apply: Accepted Strasbourg students complete the Internship Request Form (Strasbourg – Council of Europe Internships) that is included in your Syracuse Abroad Post-Decision Questionnaires in the OrangeAbroad portal.
ARTE TV & Media Internship
This program offers a nearly full-time internship with ARTE, one of Europe’s most influential cultural media organizations. Designed primarily for journalism and communications majors, this internship program immerses participants in the daily work of European media through 7 credits of full-time internship experience paired with 5 credits of academic coursework.
Internship placements:
- Global Offer Division (No language requirement but French, German, Spanish, Polish, and Romanian are an advantage): Work in the cultural production of ARTE, including documentaries, cultural events, and films.
- Digital News Division (FRE 202 or equivalent): Work in the newsroom of a major European news outlet, focusing on its online materials.
Learn more and apply: Strasbourg Center: ARTE TV & Media Internship
Community Internships
A community internship in Strasbourg allows you to apply classroom lessons to real work situations in inter-cultural settings, explore career options, and develop professional skills – all while earning academic credit.
The Community Internship (1-3 credits) involves placements at international organizations, businesses, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and others. Drawing on Syracuse University’s more than 50 years in Strasbourg, a dedicated Professor of Early Career Development and Internship Manager works to match eligible students with specific, tailored internship opportunities.
Community Internship placements:
Humanitarian & Social
The European Association for the Defense of Rights and Liberties (ASSEDEL) is a non-profit supporting and defending human rights and freedoms. It promotes these values by organizing joint events with the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and local schools and colleges. Run mostly by volunteers, it also offers Syracuse interns the opportunity to meet young Europeans from across the continent.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 3
Working language: English
I am currently interning at ASSEDEL, a human rights non-profit that collaborates with European institutions and the local community to promote human rights. I am a part of the Communications Intergroup where I make fun content and share ASSEDEL’s mission. A cool opportunity I have had with ASSEDEL is sitting in at the Council of Europe and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. I am grateful to work alongside a young, diverse, international community, with people who are passionate about human rights. Be sure to follow @assedelorg! –Victoria Schnell (2026)
The Collective for Welcoming Asylum Seekers to Strasbourg (CASAS) provides asylum seekers with legal advice and assistance, as well as offering them cultural and linguistic opportunities to smooth their integration into French society. Interns get the chance to meet and help some of Europe’s most vulnerable citizens.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 1
Working language: French (intermediate)
Completing an internship at CASAS during my semester abroad was transformative, to say the least. I was able to directly work and communicate with those who had just arrived in France, offer them legal advice as well as help them find adequate lawyers and obtain their required documents. I am truly grateful to have been able to live this experience, seeing as it was not only fulfilling and rewarding, but also gave me the proper experience needed for my future career in international relations. -Mia Prezioso ( 2025)
Education & Training
Inspired by the Finnish education system as well as innovative pedagogues such as Montessori, Freinet, Neill and Rogers, the Pinsons school seeks to offer an alternative education for children with learning disabilities up to 16 years of age. Parents and staff work closely together to provide a unique educational experience which contrasts sharply with regular French schools.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 2
Working language: French (intermediate)
Les Pinsons is a very welcoming environment. The teachers are eager to have me contribute by helping create lessons and presentations. The students learned my name within the first two weeks and participate with enthusiasm, ask thoughtful questions, and greet me warmly when I return. I have truly been accepted into the community, even being invited to events outside of school, and I am so happy to be part of it. I have also learned so much from teaching there, both from the students I work with and from the teachers I shadow. –Bronwyn Kraebber (2025)
The Pôle LANSAD (Center for Languages for Students of Other Disciplines) is part of the University of Strasbourg. It offers students not specializing in languages the opportunity to learn a foreign language (usually English, German or Spanish). Syracuse interns can interact with students from many countries by helping them to improve their English language skills.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 2
Working language: English
“This semester I am completing an internship with LANSAD at the University of Strasbourg, where I support two English classes by creating presentations, leading lessons, and assisting students. This experience has helped me strengthen my communication and interpersonal skills. I take into account the student’s perspectives as English learners and apply that to understand how I can be of the most help. I also enjoy engaging students through interactive activities, such as a “Would You Rather” presentation on travel. This internship has pushed me outside my comfort zone and contributed to my personal and professional growth.” –Danielle Williams (2026)
Food & Retail
The Tiger bookstore is an independent book seller in the center of Strasbourg, specializing in ‘bandes dessinées’ (illustrated story books on a wide range of subjects – a popular cultural tradition in France, Belgium and Japan) as well as mainstream books. With a recently opened café, the store regularly hosts author signing sessions as well as other events.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 2
Working language: French (advanced)
“I gained valuable experience learning about book releases and publishing in France, alongside broadening my French vocabulary in the context of customer service and literature. I was able to get hands on experience in the store and learn more about what it means to run an independent/small business. Also, M. Deprez always lets you read/borrow books in the store!.” –Amanda Ruth Long (2025)
Located in the very center of Strasbourg, the ORO restaurant specialises in Latin American cuisine. It also has a small boutique selling food and gifts representative of the region. Interns get the chance to play a full part in the running and promotion of the restaurant, including helping with its social media channels.
Hours: mostly limited to restaurant opening hours
Maximum credits: 1
Working languages: French (intermediate) or Spanish (advanced)
“My internship experience with ORO has been amazing, especially given the fact that it has allowed me to branch out and meet so much more of the Latin community within Strasbourg! I am able to work on my leadership and communication skills while also practicing and improving my French, all while meeting people who are enjoying some of the best cuisine in town!” –Dan Jaime (2026)
Sport & Leisure
The leading club for American football, not just in Strasbourg but also in the entire north-east region of France, Gorilla Strasbourg competes in the first division of the French American football league. As well as striving for sporting success, the club encourages individual exchanges between France, the USA and other countries and promotes the sport of American football in the Alsace region.
Hours: can include evenings and weekends
Maximum credits: 1
Working languages: French (intermediate) and English
“The internship reinforced skills I had already been developing and pushed me to build new ones. On the coaching side, I learned how to adjust instruction for players with different experience levels and how to communicate technical concepts across a language barrier. The experience also taught me more about working across cultures than any class could”. –James Schmitt (2026)
Part of the Sporting Club Schiltigheim (a suburb of Strasbourg), the blind football section was founded in 2015. As well as competing in the national championship with teams from other parts of France, the club also hosts international tournaments of blind football (known as ‘Cecifoot’ in France).
Hours: can include evenings and weekends
Maximum credits: 2
Working language: French (intermediate)
Arts & Culture
The Myriam Booghs art gallery is the focus for an annual salon featuring internationally-renowned artists from a wide range of countries. Interns can help with the organization and marketing of the Inter.ART salon, which takes place annually in November.
Hours: negotiable with internship supervisor
Maximum credits: 2
Working languages: French (intermediate) and English
“While working with Madame Myriam Booghs, I was able to be a part of an immersive experience that allowed me to gain insight on the importance of intercultural art and exchange, especially in a European context. I mainly assist Madame Booghs with exhibition support, reaching out to artists, and maintaining a social media presence for the gallery.” –Christy Joshy (2026)
The Young Actors Theater Strasbourg (YATS) is an English-speaking drama group promoting anglophone theater for young people in the Strasbourg area. Interns can help with sound, lighting and marketing for the main annual musical production as well as teaching assistance for dance, music and drama workshops taking place throughout the year.
Hours: coincide with workshop schedule (mostly evenings)
Maximum credits: 1
Working language: English
“Hi! I’m Ava, and I am currently at YATS (Young Actors Theater Strasbourg), and I help out with their workshops! From 17h-18:30h, I work with 9–11-year-olds, and then from 18:30h-20h, I work with 11–13-year-olds. I help them with their dancing and acting, giving them ideas with fun ways to be creative. We have three instructors, and I am there as an aide when they need help, as kids at that age can be a lot. I absolutely love it, going in and seeing all of the kids faces, seeing so much energy and enthusiasm from them is so wonderful. Getting to experience an internship like this is helping me to build a lot of skills that I’m glad to acquire.” –Ava Scoville (2026)
Governance
As an Observer state to the 46 nation Council of Europe, the Mexican representation offers a unique opportunity for interns to experience hands-on diplomacy in a multilateral organization dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights and democracy. Candidates must speak fluent Spanish and be prepared to dedicate two days per week for the internship.
Hours: to be negotiated with internship supervisor
Maximum credits: 3
Working language: Spanish (advanced)
Law & Justice
The Arab Center for Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Education (ACIHL) is a non-profit promoting democracy and human rights in Arab countries, in line with the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights. Interns work with a Syrian-born university professor to research and write a report on a subject reflecting the organization’s aims and values.
Hours: very flexible (mainly working remotely)
Maximum credits: 1
Working languages: English, French or Arabic (optional)
“This semester, I’m interning with the Arab Center for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Education (ACIHL). Founded in 2000, ACIHL is a non-profit organization specializing in the research and education of international humanitarian law and human rights across the Arab world and Europe. The Center publishes the Arabic Review of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, a journal dedicated to advancing human rights scholarship. As an intern, I am authoring a research paper that will be published in the journal. My research focuses on the humanitarian crisis of Al-Hol camp, examining how its collapse impacted the children who lived there and what their rights under international law demand.” –McKenzie Holmes (2026)
Media & Communications
The Young Actors Theater Strasbourg (YATS) is an English-speaking drama group promoting anglophone theater for young people in the Strasbourg area. Interns can help with social media and marketing work to help the Theater extend its reach to the local audience and surrounding region.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 1
Working language: English
“Interning at YATS gave me real independence to develop a communications strategy from the ground up, working directly with the board to move their outreach vision forward. I felt genuinely welcomed and valued throughout, and came away with a much deeper understanding of how arts nonprofits operate in France, and of my own ability to manage my time and work toward a shared goal.” –Callan Nagel-Dubin (2026)
Students can also intern with Syracuse University in Strasbourg, promoting its work to the rest of the Syracuse University community in the USA and other sites in Europe, in particular with a view to encouraging students to spend a semester in Strasbourg. Tasks include posting on main social media channels.
Hours: flexible
Maximum credits: 1
Working languages: English and French (intermediate)
How to Apply: Complete the Internship Request Form (Strasbourg – Community Internships) that is included in your Syracuse Abroad Post-Decision Questionnaires.
Note: This list is not exhaustive. In the past students have also interned in other sectors, including:
- An indoor climbing facility
- A pediatrician’s medical practice
- An online arts and crafts retailer
Questions? Contact your Strasbourg International Program advisor, syrstrasbourg@syr.edu.