Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern EU Migration and Asylum
at Clingendael Institute
🏢 About Clingendael Institute
The Clingendael Institute is an independent think tank and academy for international relations with 40 years of expertise, unaffiliated with any political or commercial movements. It uniquely combines research, training, and public debate to contribute to global security and justice, offering interns exposure to policymakers, diplomats, and NGOs across Europe.
About This Role
This 6-month full-time internship focuses on supporting the Migration Programme with research on migration partnerships and nearshoring through desk research, interviews, and surveys. The role provides hands-on experience in organizing research missions and public events at a leading EU think tank, directly impacting migration policy discussions.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves conducting desk research on migration partnership agreements, preparing interview questions for stakeholders, and coordinating logistics for upcoming research missions. You might also attend virtual team meetings to discuss findings and help plan public events that translate research into policy debates.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Clingendael Institute Is Looking For
- Strong research skills in EU migration/asylum policy, particularly migration partnerships and nearshoring
- Experience with qualitative methods like conducting interviews and survey research
- Ability to assist with organizing international research missions and public events
- Interest in working with diverse stakeholders (policymakers, NGOs, armed forces) in a remote setting
📝 Tips for Applying to Clingendael Institute
Highlight specific experience with migration partnership frameworks or nearshoring concepts in your resume
Mention any previous work with EU institutions or migration policy organizations
Demonstrate your ability to work independently in a remote research environment
Include examples of organizing academic or policy events in your background
Show familiarity with Clingendael's recent migration publications in your cover letter
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific interest in migration partnerships and nearshoring research', 'Experience with both desk research and primary research methods (interviews/surveys)', "Ability to contribute to Clingendael's mission of stimulating public debate on migration", 'How your background aligns with working in an independent, non-partisan think tank environment']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Clingendael's Migration Programme publications from the past year
- → The Institute's work on EU-Africa migration partnerships
- → Clingendael's event series on asylum policy and public debates
- → The structure of the EU and Global Affairs research unit
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't mention migration partnerships or nearshoring specifically
- Overly political or activist language inconsistent with Clingendael's independent stance
- Failing to demonstrate remote work discipline and communication skills
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Clingendael Institute!