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The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship

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About
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About the Program

For the 2024 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship (formerly known as the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship), 15 exceptional student leaders will be selected for a transformative eight-weeksummer internship program in Dublin, Ireland,  during which they will expand their understanding of Irish history and culture while gaining practical work experience.

Cosponsored by CIEE, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), the program is designed to honor two iconic leaders in the global movement for freedom, equality, social justice, and economic mobility by preparing students from diverse backgrounds for future and career success.

Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns will spend June 14 to August 10, 2024  attending lectures on the history of social change in Ireland, participating in extracurricular and networking activities, and interning with a host company that aligns with their skills and career goals.

The program pays tribute to Frederick Douglass’ transformative experience visiting Ireland more than 175 years ago, when Douglass was embraced by the Irish people and met the famous Irish reformer, Daniel O’Connell. This immersive opportunity celebrates their exceptional contributions to society and their notable business acumen, inspiring young professionals to emulate their success and apply their principles in the modern world. Students seeking a rich international experience that combines real-world work experience in Ireland with an exciting overview of Irish history and culture are encouraged to apply. Join us in Dublin for a summer of growth, learning, and the pursuit of a better, more inclusive world. 

Meet Our 2024 Interns

Sponsors

African American Irish Diaspora Network logo
Ireland Emigrant Support Programme logo
How to Apply

How to Apply

Applications are now closed

Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship Applicants Must:

  • Be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore, or junior from an accredited institution
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
  • Be Pell-eligible preferred (not required)
  • Submit a complete application no later than February 1, 2024 
     
  • The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship is a transformative eight-week summer internship program taking place in Dublin, Ireland that includes an immersive work placement and an academic internship course. 
  • The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship is fully-sponsored by CIEE, the Government of Ireland, and the African American Irish Diaspora Network. 
  • Fifteen (15) students will be selected. 
  • Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns will be selected based on their demonstrated interest in gaining real-world work experience in Ireland; their desire to emulate the business acumen and social justice reform of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell; their values in equality, entrepreneurship, and advocacy; and their commitment to pursuing a better, more inclusive world. 
  • During the program, Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns commit to completing all required academic coursework, fully immersing themselves in their Irish work placement, attending all activities, and actively engaging with instructors and peers throughout the program. 
  • After the program, Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns commit to sharing their international internship experience with their campus community to promote the power of international education and encourage peers to study or intern abroad.
     

What will the Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns study?
While on the program,the 2024 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns will be placed in an immersive internship with an Irish organization and participate in a 6-credit academic internship seminar. . Students will also explore the legacies of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell as success businessmen and leaders of social change. 

Where will the Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns study?
The 2024 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns will spend eight weeks in Dublin, Ireland.

What are the dates of the program?
The 2024 cohort will study from June 14, 2024 to August 10, 2024.

Is the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship a full scholarship?
Cosponsored by CIEE, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), the program award covers the full program cost, airfare, housing, field trips, and an academic course taught by CIEE. Meals and recreational activities are not covered.

Who is eligible for the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship?
Applicants must:

  • Be a current undergraduate freshman, sophomore, or junior from an accredited institution 
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or permanent resident
  • Be Pell-eligible preferred (not required)
  • Submit a complete application no later than February 1, 2024  

How do I apply?
Applications open November 1, 2023 and are due by February 1, 2024.

What should I know about the application? 
You must complete the application by February 1, 2024. We suggest that you request your letter of recommendation well in advance of the deadline. You must secure this recommendation from a college/university president, faculty member, or administrator who is familiar with you and your leadership skills. Additionally, we suggest you complete your video submission early, as it is a critical component of the selection process.

How many students will be selected for the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship?
Fifteen (15) students will be selected.

Is the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship competitive?
Yes, the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship is a competitive program, but it is a one-of-a-kind transformative experience for exceptional students. If you’re not selected for the program, all eligible applicants receive a Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant that they may use for a 2024 or 2025 CIEE Summer Global Internship program.

When is the application due?
Completed applications must be submitted by February 1, 2024. Late applications will not be considered for any reason and all application tasks must be finished in their entirety.  

When will the selection of the Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns be announced?
March 1, 2024

Where can I find more information?

Follow @ciee_fddo

 
Grants
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Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant

The Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant is awarded to all qualifying applicants who submit a completed application for the 2024 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship – and meet all eligibility requirements – but are not selected for the program.  

The $1,500 grant can be used toward any of CIEE’s 20+ Summer Global Internship programs in 2024 or 2025. CIEE will contact Grant recipients with information on how to become a Douglass-O'Connell Scholar.
 

fddo trio of students posing outside of CIEE London

President’s Merit Grant

The 35 finalists for the Douglass–O’Connell Global Internship will be awarded a $5,000 President’s Merit Grant that can be applied to any 2024 or 2025 CIEE summer internship in nine international cities, including Dublin, Prague, Rome, Lisbon, Monteverde, Santiago (CH), Amman, Cape Town, and Sydney.

Past Fellows

What People are Saying

  • “Frederick Douglass passed you a baton, during your part of the race, what will you do with it?"

    Vice President Kamala Harris

  • "We are excited to participate in the development of leaders that are taught the value of intercultural awareness and molded to be change agents in their communities like our great ancestor, Frederick Douglass."

    Nettie Washington Douglass, chairwoman and co-founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, and the great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass

  •  “Through study abroad, I began to identify and refine skills that will empower me to network anywhere in the world. My quest to expand beyond the lessons of the classroom were encouraged by my wonderful professors at CIEE, who purposefully created an atmosphere of curiosity and empathy during our time abroad.”

    Meghan Sowersby, FDGF 2017

  • “Céad míle fáilte to the Fellows in Ireland exploring the legacies of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell on leadership and social justice. “

    Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin

  • "As I questioned preexisting beliefs and learned about lived experiences different from those in my country, my world became bigger. This gave me the insight to see myself in the context of a larger and beautifully complicated global picture. Travel and exposure to newness has now become a central priority to me, and I know that my CIEE experience abroad is a gift that will continue to give throughout my lifetime."

    Sophia Jackson, FDGF 2021

  • "Because of this fellowship, I grew confident in my communications skills and learned how to be a strong communicator, just as Frederick Douglass was. I returned home with a heightened consciousness regarding effective interpersonal communication practices— an essential tool that every aspiring global leader should have. The culture of this program has brilliantly fostered all the necessary aspects I need to become a global leader."

    Brielle Smith, FDGF 2021