The MATA high-level internship gives students the opportunity to apply their academic expertise in a professional environment in Europe or the United States.
Over three to four months, students gain first-hand experience of how institutions and organisations address transatlantic challenges. They develop practical and intercultural skills, build professional networks and explore how their academic interests can translate into a future career.
3–4 months · 25 ECTS · Transatlantic focus · Europe or the United States
Most MATA students choose a second-year route combining:
Students may instead choose a complete academic year of coursework at the partner institution, subject to programme requirements.
If you start at the College of Europe
You can undertake the internship in Semester 3 or Semester 4. Students beginning at the College are encouraged to complete their internship in the United States, while spending the other semester at The Fletcher School.
If you start at The Fletcher School
Students following the internship route normally complete the internship in Semester 3 and are encouraged to undertake it in Europe before continuing their studies at the College of Europe.
Compare the MATA second-year routes:
Route 1: Fletchter > Internship | Route 2: Internship > Fletcher | Route 3: Full year at Fletcher |
Internship: YES |
Internship: YES |
Internship: NO |
| View route details | View route details | View route details |
Apply your academic expertise
Use the knowledge developed through your study track to contribute to current policy, research, institutional or organisational work.
Develop professional skills
Strengthen your ability to analyse information, communicate with specialist audiences, manage responsibilities and collaborate across institutional and cultural settings.
Explore a career sector
Gain direct experience of a professional environment and develop a clearer understanding of the roles, organisations and policy areas that interest you.
Build a transatlantic network
Form professional relationships with colleagues, practitioners and alumni in Europe or the United States.
Inform your longer-term specialisation
Use the experience to refine your professional interests and deepen your understanding of how research and policy analysis are applied in practice.
Internships may take place in organisations such as:
International and European institutions
International organisations, EU institutions, agencies and multilateral bodies.
Government and diplomacy
National administrations, ministries, diplomatic missions and parliamentary offices.
Think tanks and research organisations
Institutes working on foreign policy, security, trade, technology, climate, European affairs and other transatlantic issues.
Private sector and civil society
Companies, consultancies, foundations, nongovernmental organisations and professional associations addressing international policy challenges.
Past MATA students have completed internships at organisations including the UN Secretariat, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the US Mission to the EU, the Atlantic Council, the German Marshall Fund, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Egmont Institute, the Albright Stonebridge Group, and the Brookings Institution.
Placements vary from year to year. The organisations listed are examples of previous MATA internships and do not represent guaranteed placements or formal recruitment partnerships.
 |  |  |
| Washington, DC | Washington > Brussels | Washington > Brussels |
| Antonia, MATA '25 | Cecilia, MATA '23 | Pau, MATA '24 |
| Internship | Internship | Internship |
| German Marshall Fund | Tax Foundation | CSIS |
| Continued working with the organisation after her internship. | Continued with the organisation in DC and Brussels before joining the Commission. | Later worked at the World Bank and joined the European Commission. |
| Read Antonia's story Antonia completed her MATA internship at the German Marshall Fund, where she subsequently continued her professional journey. | Read Cecilia's story Cecilia was a MATA-POL student who completed her internship at the Tax Foundation in Washington and remained with the organisation after graduation. She later transferred to its Brussels office before moving to the European Commission where she works as a Policy Officer. | Read Pau's story Pau completed his internship at the Center for Strategic and International Studies before gaining experience at the World Bank and European Commission where he works as a Policy Officer in DG CNECT. |
Alumni experiences are individual examples. MATA students identify and apply for internships independently, with access to guidance and career resources from both institutions. Previous internships and career outcomes do not represent guaranteed placements or employment.
Students take an active role in identifying and applying for opportunities related to their academic interests and professional objectives.
The College of Europe and Fletcher support students through career guidance, internship opportunities, application preparation, alumni connections and access to the professional resources of both institutions. Proposed placements must meet programme requirements and receive approval before the internship begins.
Then provide a simple process:
Funding opportunities
Squire Patton Boggs Public Policy Fellowship
Through the programme’s partnership with the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation, a limited number of MATA students may receive a fellowship and related grant to support an internship in the nonprofit sector.
[Learn about the Public Policy Fellowship ]
Internship placements may be paid, unpaid or funded through separate grants.
Is the internship compulsory?
Most students follow a second-year route that includes an internship. An alternative route consisting of a full academic year at the partner institution is also available, subject to programme requirements.
How long is the internship?
The internship must last at least three months and should ideally last four months. It carries 25 ECTS.
Does MATA place students in internships?
No. Students are responsible for identifying suitable opportunities and applying directly to host organisations. The College of Europe and The Fletcher School support the process through career resources, guidance, professional networks and information about relevant opportunities. All proposed internships must meet MATA’s academic and professional requirements and receive programme approval before they begin.
Past internship organisations are provided as examples of placements secured by previous students; they do not represent guaranteed placements or formal recruitment arrangements.
Must the internship be in the United States or Europe?
No, but students are encouraged to complete the internship on the opposite side of the Atlantic from their starting institution. The proposed location and role must satisfy programme requirements.
Are internships paid?
Compensation depends on the host organisation. Some placements may be paid, while others may require separate financial support. Limited fellowship funding may be available for eligible students doing a public sector internship thanks to the support of the Squire Patton Boggs Foundation’s Public Policy Fellowship.
Can the internship relate to my thesis?
The internship can inform a student’s professional and academic interests, but the thesis remains an independent academic project. Students must respect the confidentiality and intellectual-property requirements of their host organisation.
What kinds of roles qualify?
Eligible internships must have a substantive connection to transatlantic affairs and provide appropriate professional responsibilities. Final approval rests with the programme.
The College of Europe warmly congratulates Dr Teona LAVRELASHVILI (Giovanni FALCONE and PAOLO Borsellino Promotion 2014/2015) on her re-election as President of the College of Europe Alumni...