Applications Open for CIEE’s 2026 Frederick Douglass–Daniel O’Connell Global Internship in Ireland Program
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Ten students to be selected for 8-week summer internship program in Ireland.
Applications are now open for the 10th cohort of Frederick Douglass–Daniel O’Connell Global Interns in Ireland.
The Douglass–O'Connell Global Internship in Ireland is sponsored by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, and the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
Established in 2015, the program celebrates the inspiration that young Frederick Douglass experienced during his visit to Ireland over 175 years ago when he met the elder statesman, Daniel O'Connell. O’Connell was known at the time as the world’s leading abolitionist, leading to his nickname The Liberator. O’Connell and Douglass spent their lives advocating for equality and opportunity in Ireland, the United States, and around the world.
The Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship program prepares high-achieving students for future personal and professional success through the powerful combination of international education and a global internship. In addition, it introduces a new generation of young American leaders to today’s dynamic and inclusive Ireland.
Ten Douglass–O’Connell Global Interns will be selected to live, study, and intern in Ireland. Each will receive full program funding, airfare, and a living stipend. The program includes an 8-week work experience with an Irish organization, a six-credit internship seminar, lectures on Irish history and culture, and networking activities in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast.
Students will be selected based on their record of academic success, history of advancing positive social change, and demonstrated financial need (e.g., Pell Grant eligible).
Applications are due January 9, 2026. Final awards will be announced February 14, 2026.
Eligible applicants not selected will receive a CIEE Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant of $1,500 that may be used for one year on any CIEE summer or semester study abroad program.
"Few experiences rival the impact of a global internship for preparing students for life after graduation," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE.
"Being a Douglass–O’Connell Intern in Ireland was life-changing. It showed me that leadership takes many forms, that I belong in spaces of influence, and that our voices matter. This program gave me confidence to lead with purpose,” said Keana Pope, a 2025 Intern.
For more about the Frederick Douglass–Daniel O'Connell Global Internship in Ireland, visit ciee.org/fddo.
About CIEE
Since 1947, CIEE has built bridges between different people, countries, and cultures, supporting over one million student exchanges between more than 140 countries. Learn more at ciee.org.
About AAIDN
The African American Irish Diaspora Network was launched in 2020 to foster relationships between African Americans, Ireland, and the Irish Diaspora. With nearly 40% of African Americans having some Irish ancestry, AAIDN brings African American and Irish communities together via that ancestry and other affinities, including entrepreneurship, innovation, education, arts, and culture. AAIDN's mission is supported by Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and the government of Northern Ireland. Learn more at aaidnet.org.
About the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation (JLMLF)
The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, Inc. was conceived by Congressman John Lewis to carry on his and his wife’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement, building the “beloved community,” and to inspire and support Good Trouble. Learn more at jlmlf.org.
Media contact: Leslie Taylor, ltaylor@ciee.org, (207) 553-4274