Internship Placements
Collegium Civitas offers students from around the world a unique opportunity to complete an internship in one of several dozen of attractive organizations in Warsaw: national and international, NGOs and government, media, business and cultural institutions. Besides the internships, the program participants may benefit from academic and cultural programs, as well as courses of Polish as a foreign language.
The American and Canadian candidates are asked to contact Global Education Leadership, a representative of Collegium Civitas in the
Picture on the right: one of our internship placements - the Polish Constitutional Tribunal
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS/ORGANIZATIONS IN WHICH INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SPEAKING ENGLISH (DURATION FROM ONE MONTH TO HALF A YEAR)
Important Note:
If none of these organizations and institutions looks sufficiently interesting to the student, she or he may send an inquiry to Collegium Civitas asking for a possibility of obtaining an internship placement in an organization that fits better her/his expectation. Taking into account the student’s area of interest Collegium Civitas will identify some other Warsaw-based organizations whose profiles match student’s interest and experience. The list below is constantly expanding.
ART & CULTURE
Galeria Zachęta ( http://www.zacheta.art.pl/)
Zachęta National Gallery of Art is one of the most important National Art Galleries, promoting contemporary and 20th century art. An important icon on the nation’s social and cultural life, Zachęta seeks to develop art at home and to promote it abroad. It is the MOMA of Poland. The gallery’s schedule is packed with symposia, workshops, concerts, lectures, films and other events throughout the year and especially in the summer. It is a great place for a multi-tasking social butterfly.
Fundation of Culture Bęc Zmniana ( http://www.www.funbec.eu/english.php)
Bęc Zmiana presents the most contemporary Polish art, culture, design and architecture, creating an ‘energy tunnel’ connecting artists and the public. It is more eclectic and hip than you can imagine. The foundation publishes a magazine, organizes competitions and promotes art events across the country. It is a perfect place for art aficionados and art majors or folks who enjoy working with artists.
Warsaw Rising Museum (http://www.1944.pl)
The Warsaw Rising Museum is a true 21st century museum where technology, art, media, politics (old and new) and history meet. One of the most spoken off museums in Poland, it became an instant landmark the day it opened in 2004. The Museum is super busy in the summer and the internship is designed for a people’s person, with some interest in history and public events.
Adam Mickiewicz Institute (http://www.muzeumliteratury.pl/index.htm)
This thriving literary institute organizes lectures and classes for adults and kids, thematic exhibits, concerts, reading events and book promotions. They are very busy, located in a great building on the Old Market Square in the Old Town. If your Polish is good, it can be a terrific value added. If you love Polish literature, this will be a great adventure.
Foundation of Culture ( http://www.fundacjakultury.pl/index.htm)
As an important NGO with 20 years long history, Foundation of Culture is the place where you will be able to explore how non-conventional cultural programs are invented, created, financed and then promoted, locally and nationwide. Music, art, literature, dance—you name it. You may have to wear many hats here, and do not act surprised if they ask you to envision a new internet portal or a national competition for cultural and arts centers. They do it all and it is in a continuous movement.
Appendix Gallery (http://www.appendix2.com)
Interested in helping out in organizing and promoting solo or group exhibits of leading Polish and international artists? The place is huge, the curators full of ideas and with great contacts, and the location could not be more bohemian. The projects are world class and if you are into art and would enjoy learning more about the artists you will have a pretty busy summer.
Cinema Lab and Center of Contemporary Art (http://csw.art.pl/kino_lab/)
Cinema Lab is an integral part of Center of Contemporary Art. The summer is the time for short film and video festivals, moving picture exhibits, meetings with filmmakers and critics, academic conferences on the art of filmmaking and fun open air movie nights. Become a member of their young, dynamic team and learn how to organize such events, promote them and turn them into a success. We guarantee you will watch lots of movies, old and new!
GOVERNMENT, LEGAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS
Sejm of the Republic of Poland (http://www.sejm.gov.pl/english.html)
Are you into politics and would like to be at the Capitol one day? Well, start with the Polish Sejm and see from very close the working methods and procedures of the Polish legislative power. A great place to be for someone who enjoys formal attire and does not mind observing procedures and readings. Sometimes it is really funny.
Polish Constitutional Tribunal
http://www.trybunal.gov.pl/eng/index.htm
The Office of the Constitutional Tribunal will help you understand the complexity of all the administrative and organizational aspects of the Constitutional Tribunal. You may help them with research, do a benchmark study or help them organize seminars, discussions or other meetings, or just help them ran their busy office.
Picture on the right: Polish Parliament (Sejm)
HUMAN RIGHTS, MIGRATION AND REFUGEES
Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (http://humanrightshouse.org/Members/Poland/index.html)
A summer with the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights will show you the range of aspects in the field of human rights in this part of the world. They will introduce you to their lobbying practices here, or how to organize workshops, educational seminars and research activities, and what challenges they encounter. Your good writing skills and organizational skills will be handy, but above all empathy and interest in justice will count.
Amnesty International (http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/poland)
The Polish chapter is small but very active, organizing locally Amnesty Int. global campaigns, and promoting social awareness through exhibits, events, conference, happenings, concerts and other meetings scheduled all over Poland. The organization is continuously seeking support from the locals, and if you are into development and campaigns for a good cause, there is plenty of work to do.
Other Space Foundation (http://przestrzen.art.pl/index_en.php)
Art and social issues are on the agenda here. You will enter the world of artists, social activists, students and academics who want to promote multiculturalism, speak about human rights, support minorities, and bring some remote places a bit closer to Warsaw and to the minds of her people.
MEDIA, ADVERTISING AND JOURNALISM
Gazeta Wyborcza Daily Newspaper (www.gazeta.pl)
Gazeta’s is one of the main newspapers in the country, and their office is always hectic. This is the place to be for someone who wants to see and experience how the news is prepared and what it takes to prepare it well. No need to major in journalism or media, but a go-getters attitude is a must.
Polityka Weekly (www.polityka.pl)
Polityka is one of the most established weeklies in the country, perhaps could be compared with the American Time. They write about serious matters and do it well. You would be in their international news department if you do not speak Polish. Polityka’s office is a perfect place to learn about a paper media company, and as it is with the media, they always need fact –checkers, researches, and if you write well, they may ask you for a sample or two.
RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Central Statistical Office (GUS) (http://www.stat.gov.pl/gus/index_ENG_HTML.htm)
This is where the Polish Statistical Yearbook gets published. If you want to see how it is done and what it takes to do it, join GUS for the summer. Be prepared, even if you are not a math wiz, to help them gather, process and maybe even analyze statistical data, or help them collect information on Polish society, economy, and the government. There are always new things to do as their office is swamped with work. The internship takes you though many internal departments to give you an overview of this government organization.
Would you like to explore a think tank for the summer? Do you want to put your economics into practice? Or would you like to see how experts do it? CASE is a great place for that: the institute conducts economic research, advises institutions and governments on social and economic issues, encourages debate and helps the local entities from the NGO sector. You will be able to see how they do it on a daily basis and don’t worry about your stats or econ. They care about your well-being as well.
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS, EUROPEAN INTEGRATION & DIPLOMACY
Chancellery of the President of Poland (http://www.president.pl/en/chancellery/)
One of the most sought-after internship placements. You will not get an access to classified documents, but still your experience there will be more than rewarding. Formal attire and diplomatic demeanor are undisputable prerequsites.
CIVIL SOCIETY & LOCAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Stefan Batory Foundation (http://www.batory.org.pl/english/index.htm)
This Foundation is perfect for a student interested in Civic Society, Rule of Law in Public Life, partnership between public and private spheres. George Soros established it in 1988, and 20 years later is it an important actor on the Polish Civic Society scene. You may be asked to dress more formally here.
Rural Development Foundation (http://www.fww.org.pl/)
Rural Development Foundation supports economic, social, cultural, educational and pro-environmental initiatives and programs in rural Poland. Some of the initiatives include: micro loans for small businesses, small business consulting, development of agro tourism, strengthening of the local democracy and civic activities. This academic year the Foundation and Collegium Civitas are organizing a competition "Know America" for high school students.
Academy for Development of Philanthropy in Poland (http://www.filantropia.org.pl/)
The Academy for Development of Philanthropy ‘inspires and helps to act’ and allows a group of talented and enthusiastic people to support local philanthropic activities across the country. Join them if you want to share the energy and drive. The Foundation was created in 1998 and its initiatives include building activities for senior citizens (50+programs), promoting corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship.
Polish American Freedom Foundation ( http://www.pafw.pl/strona.php?setlanguage=2)
Polish American Freedom Foundation was established by the Polish-American Enterprise Fund ten years ago, and has been responsible for several important and highly successful programs in education and in civic development of local communities. The Foundation builds programs for smaller NGO’s and supports their activities countrywide and in Russia and Ukraine. There is always something on the table.
Foundation in Support of Local Democracy (http://www.frdl.org.pl/english/fundation.htm)
You do not have to be political science, history or sociology major to enjoy this internship. If you are curious about democratic reforms, how they work on the local level, what makes a civic organization good and reliable, and how to make it better, efficient and even more democratic, this is the place to be. The Foundation is the key NGO supporting local democracy and governance.
Jagiellonian Institute (http://jagiellonski.pl/index.php/o-instytucie/misja)
In a young democracy there is a need for an organization that helps spreading democratic initiatives and way of thinking. The Institute’s main goal is to secure Poland’s importance as a democratic republic in this part of the world. If reading, writing, collaborating with institutions and people is right up your alley, this is worth checking out.
JEWISH HISTORY, JEWISH ART AND CULTURE
Jewish Historical Institute (http://www.jewishinstitute.org.pl/en/home/index/0.html)
This is one of the finest Jewish Historical Institutes in the world and it will surprise you with its special atmosphere, youthful enthusiasm, sense of solidarity and mission. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Polish Jews and Eastern European Jews, and help the staff with summer and fall activities (exhibits, marches, conferences, festivals) you are at the right place.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMANITARIANISM
Polish Red Cross (http://www.pck.pl)
A veteran among Polish charities, PCK helps all in need, from flood victims to homeless in the streets, crying orphans or sweet elderly ladies. Their programs are numerous and there is always need for a well organized, empathic and good-natured person who is computer savvy and can also carry boxes with goods or welcome a less fortunate one with a smile and a handshake.
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT
American Chamber of Commerce in Poland (http://www.amcham.pl/index.php)
If networking and building connections between people, businesses and organizations, the ACCP will provide a full schedule for you. Their mission is to provide top-quality information, know-how, services and events. The Chamber works closely with both governments and related bodies in Poland and the US. They may ask you to dress a bit more formal than usual on a few occasions, but overall they are cool.
ENVIRONMENT
Foundation Our Planet (http://www.naszaziemia.pl/v3/)
For the environment protector who wants to get his or her hands dirty, this is the place! Poland is really making baby steps towards recycling and treating our Planet with respect, and your expertise from the US or Canada will count here. The organization is entering its 13th year and it is thriving. Their agenda is packed with events, competitions, happenings and general clean-up days.
In cooperation with:
Ours partners:
