Highlights from Day 3 of the 2025 Global Internship Conference

The 13th Annual CIEE Global Internship Conference (GIC) wrapped up Friday in Singapore, capping off a celebration of insights, collaboration, and bold ideas to shape the future of work through global internships. 

This year’s theme, “Leading Change in Global Internships,” centered on inclusive, adaptable, and globally minded programming designed to prepare students for success in an evolving workforce.

Closing Plenary: Maximizing the ROI of Global Internships

Day 3 began with a closing plenary focused on maximizing global internships' return on investment (ROI). Speakers across higher education and workforce development emphasized how well-designed internship experiences provide measurable value to students, institutions, and employers.

Panelists shared strategies for aligning internship opportunities with students’ long-term goals, integrating mentorship and support systems, and positioning global internships as essential to workforce development and equity. The session emphasized the importance of building partnerships that ensure internships serve as stepping stones to real career advancement.

Speakers included:

• Maria Flynn, President & CEO, Jobs for the Future
• Russell Ganim, Associate Provost and Dean of International Programs, University of Iowa
• Viva Sinniah, Executive Chairman, PSB Academy
• Moderated by Goldie Blumenstyk, Contributing Writer, The Chronicle of Higher Education

2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge

The final session of the week spotlighted the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge. Now in its third year, the challenge invited undergraduate teams worldwide to present bold, student-led ideas to increase access to education and livelihoods for forcibly displaced youth. Finalists shared compelling solutions rooted in equity, empathy, and innovation.

The finalists of the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge were:

• Team Aspan (Kazakhstan): Aisana Issabay (Team Captain) and Aruzhan Shakirkhozha of Semmelweis University; Alina Serik and Makhabbat Ibraimova of Lingnan University
• Team Path Seekers (Brazil): Júlia Kamata de Castro (Team Captain), Federal University of São Paulo; Henrique do Bomfim Braga Chaves, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais; Giulia Kaori Nagao, Paulista University; Bianca Serighelli, Technological Federal University of Paraná
• Team The Unstoppables (Uganda, Rwanda): Shalom Nyirimana Ishimwe (Team Captain), Sasha Achola, and Akankunda Rhinah, all from Makerere University

This signature event, hosted in partnership with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), underscored the potential of young global leaders to drive change, and the vital role that international programs like global internships play in building those leadership skills.

Meet the Winning Teams 

Team Unstoppables (Uganda). All members from Makerere University: 

• Shalom Nyirimana Ishimwe (Team Captain) 
• Sasha Achola 
• Rhinah Akankunda 

 The team’s winning proposal – a 7-day mobile camp called “Re Platform” – brings together education and apprenticeships, empowering displaced youth by connecting them to opportunities in their communities. 

Team Path Seekers (Brazil): 

• Júlia Kamata de Castro (Team Captain), Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) 
• Henrique do Bomfim Braga Chaves, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (PUC-MG) 
• Giulia Kaori Nagao, Paulista University (UNIP) 
• Bianca Serighelli, Technological Federal University of Paraná (UTFPR) 

The team’s winning proposal, “Borderless Apprentices” features a 4+1 apprenticeship model with onboarding and supporting components, including vocational guidance, micro credentials, and community engagement.  

Each eligible team member will receive a CIEE global internship experience in summer 2026, and both teams will have the opportunity  

Alongside the two winning teams, Team Aspan (Kazakhstan) was named runner-up for their proposal advancing access to jobs through an innovative digital health apprenticeship program. 

Team Aspan included: 

• Aisana Issabay (Team Captain) and Aruzhan Shakirkhozha,  Semmelweis University 
• Alina Serik and Makhabbat Ibraimova, Lingnan University 

Finalist teams were evaluated by a distinguished panel of leaders from refugee advocacy and higher education, including: 

• James P. Pellow, President & CEO, CIEE  
• Laura Brege, Senior Advisor, BridgeBio & CIEE Board Chair 
• Wendy Ong, Philanthropy and Partnership Lead, UNHCR, Singapore  

Following their presentations, Team Unstoppables (Uganda) and Team Path Seekers (Brazil), were named co-winners of the 2025 CIEE UNHCR Student Challenge, marking the first tie in the Challenge’s history.  

Closing Connections and New Beginnings

As the 2025 Global Internship Conference came to a close, attendees left with a renewed commitment to expanding access, building cross-sector partnerships, and supporting the next generation of global professionals. 

Across all three days, the conversations and connections forged in Singapore demonstrated the enduring value of international internships in a world that needs collaboration more than ever.