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The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship
About the Program
For the 2025 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship (formerly known as the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship), 12 exceptional student leaders will be selected for a transformative eight-week summer internship program in Dublin, Ireland, during which they will expand their understanding of Irish history and culture while gaining practical work experience.
Co-sponsored by CIEE, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, and the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), the program honors 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 13 to August 9, 2025 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
How to Apply
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 Grant-eligible
- Submit a complete application no later than December 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.
- Twelve (12) 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 2025 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 successful businessmen and leaders of social change.
Where will the Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns study?
The 2025 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns will spend eight weeks in Dublin, Ireland.
What are the dates of the program?
The 2025 cohort will study from June 13 to August 9, 2025.
Is the Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship a full scholarship?
Co-sponsored 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. Students will also receive a stipend while on the program.
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 Grant-eligible
- Submit a complete application no later than December 1, 2024
How do I apply?
Applications open on September 3, 2024, and close on December 1, 2024. Submit your application here.
What should I know about the application?
You must complete the application by December 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?
Twelve (12) 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 $1,500 Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant that they may use for a 2025 or 2026 CIEE Summer Global Internship program.
When is the application due?
Completed applications must be submitted by December 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?
Early January
Where can I find more information?
- Follow us on Instagram: @ciee_fddo
- Email us with your questions: fddo@ciee.org
Date | Time | Registration |
9/1/2024 | 2 p.m. EST | Register |
More sessions to come
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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 2025 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 30+ Summer Global Internship programs in 2025 or 2026. CIEE will contact Grant recipients with information on how to become a Douglass-O'Connell Scholar.
See and Hear from Our Previous Cohorts
2024 Cohort
![2024 fddo cohort](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2024-02/2024-FDDO-Social-Announcement%281280x720%29.png?h=c673cd1c&itok=PXTWiq2e)
See more on the 2024 cohort.
Learn more2023 Cohort
![2023 frederick douglass fellows cohort](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2023-05/frederick-douglass-2023-fellows.png?h=ae30cebe&itok=gHq02VFC)
See more on the 2023 cohort.
Learn more2022 Cohort
![2022 frederick douglass fellows cohort](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2023-05/2022-fdgf-fellows.png?h=44667b34&itok=i4bG71L-)
Some more from our 2022 cohort.
Learn more2021/20 Cohort
![2021 frederick douglass global fellows cohort](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2023-05/fdgf2021cohort-hero.png?h=2cb01eec&itok=iVoOvSZj)
Some more from our 2021/20 cohort.
Learn more2019 Cohort
![2019 frederick douglass fellows cohort](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2023-05/fdgs_cohort19_flex_0.jpg?h=44667b34&itok=lGAbst9i)
Some more from our 2019 cohort.
Learn more2018 Cohort
![frederick douglass scholar 2018](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2023-05/hover_study_abroad_cape_town_fdgf_18_lionshead-4038_0.jpg?h=44667b34&itok=_1gYeNLc)
Some more from our 2018 cohort.
Learn more2017 Cohort
![2017 frederick douglass cohort](/sites/default/files/styles/360x235/public/images/2023-05/checker_fdgs_groupk.jpg?h=0fdd88c6&itok=Xsmuo74a)
Some more from our 2017 cohort.
Learn moreCheck out Program Posts
Hear from the 2021 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows
Leeah Derenoncourt, Emerson College "At 13, Frederick Douglass taught me that words have power," shared Leeah during a presentation to her classmates. "Today I am here to tell you the... keep reading
My First Week in Cape Town
I heard a quote somewhere that resonated with me so much. I can’t seem to find who said it, unfortunately, but it goes like, “The best time to experience new... keep reading
Why Black Students are Already Prepared to Study Abroad
In 2017, I joined the 5.9% of black students from the United States who chose to explore new interests across the world. As a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow, I studied... keep reading