Do you have a strong interest for human rights, democracy and the rule of law?

Would you like to gain valuable experience working at a multi-cultural Organisation aiming to make Europe a better place for all citizens? Do you want to acquire a hands-on understanding of the functioning and activities of the Council of Europe. Does working with people from various backgrounds on subjects you’ve already studied sound interesting? In turn, would you be willing to share your enthusiasm and skills with us?

Our traineeships

Duration: two to five months

Paid: approximately €635/month (only applies to trainees selected for the official programme)

Start dates: 1 March and 1 October

Who can apply?

To be eligible for a traineeship, you must:

• Be aged 18+.
• Have the nationality of one of the Council of Europe member states.
• have completed a minimum of three years of university study and have been awarded a degree for the first cycle of higher education within the meaning of the Bologna declaration at the time of applying (as well as Masters 1 for traineeships at the ECHR);
• have a very good knowledge of one of the two Council of Europe official languages (English or French). Good knowledge of the other official language is helpful.

Please note that if you already were a trainee/study visitor within the Council of Europe (either in Strasbourg or in the field) you may not undertake another traineeship in the Organisation, whatever form it may take.

When can you apply?

For traineeships starting in March and finishing in July, applications open in September.

For traineeships starting in October and finishing in February, applications open in April.

Where will you work and what will you do?

You can only apply for one department within the Organisation. (Only one choice is possible in the list).

The typical responsibilities given to trainees include observing and assisting in: 

• research work;
• preparation of draft reports and studies for meetings of experts;
• drafting of meeting reports;
• committee organisation;
• updating websites; ...
  and more

To make the best selection for you, please find out all about our different placements here. 

Most of our in-person traineeships take place at our Strasbourg headquarters but there are a few options to work in our field offices. 

How do you apply?

Apply online in English or French only. 

Applications cannot be accepted after the deadline. Please note that the application can be time consuming. It can be completed in stages, saved and submitted once finalised.

What happens next?

The selection procedure can take approximately two months and notifications (selection, reserve list, rejection) are usually sent three months in advance of the start date.

To self-finance the traineeship, there exist various scholarship options with different international funds (for ex. Erasmus+). You must be selected to start the process and the Traineeship Office can support applications.

Traineeship sessions