Application Guide

How to Apply for Intern – EU & Neighbourhood

at Clingendael Institute

🏢 About Clingendael Institute

The Clingendael Institute is a prestigious independent think tank and academy for international relations based in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice. What makes it unique is its dual focus on both cutting-edge research and practical training programs, directly influencing EU and neighbourhood policy debates. Working here offers unparalleled access to policymakers and experts in a city that hosts numerous international organizations.

About This Role

This internship involves directly supporting the 'EU and its neighbours' research team through qualitative data collection, literature reviews, and contributing to publications that shape European foreign policy discussions. It's impactful because you'll be assisting research that informs real-world decisions on EU relations with neighbouring countries, while gaining hands-on experience in organizing events and reporting on key meetings.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might begin with reviewing recent policy developments in EU-neighbourhood relations, followed by collecting and organizing relevant academic literature for an ongoing research project. You might spend the afternoon assisting with logistics for an upcoming expert roundtable, then attend and take notes at a webinar on Eastern Partnership policy, before concluding with administrative tasks supporting the research team's workflow.

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🎯 Who Clingendael Institute Is Looking For

  • A current student or recent graduate in International Relations, European Studies, Political Science, or a related field with demonstrated interest in EU external affairs
  • Someone with strong qualitative research skills, including experience gathering and synthesizing information from academic journals, policy papers, and official documents
  • An organized multitasker who can balance research support with administrative tasks like meeting coordination and event assistance
  • A proactive learner eager to engage with the EU's neighbourhood policy challenges, possibly with language skills relevant to the region (e.g., Russian, Arabic, or Balkan languages)

📝 Tips for Applying to Clingendael Institute

1

Explicitly mention your familiarity with Clingendael's recent publications on EU neighbourhood policy (like their work on Eastern Partnership or Western Balkans) in your application

2

Highlight any experience with qualitative research methods, even from academic projects, and provide specific examples of data collection or literature review work

3

Demonstrate your understanding of The Hague's international ecosystem by referencing how Clingendael's location enhances its policy influence

4

If you have language skills relevant to EU neighbouring regions, emphasize how they would aid in source collection and analysis

5

Show how your academic background connects to specific EU neighbourhood policy issues Clingendael addresses, rather than just general international relations

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in the EU's relations with its neighbours and which geographical or thematic aspects particularly engage you", 'Concrete examples of your qualitative research experience and how it prepares you for supporting the research team', "Why Clingendael's unique combination of think tank and academy work appeals to you over other international relations organizations", "How you would contribute to the institute's mission of stimulating public debate through event organization and meeting reporting"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read at least three recent Clingendael publications from the 'EU & Neighbourhood' team to understand their research focus and methodology
  • → Explore the institute's training academy programs to see how research translates into practical diplomacy training
  • → Review Clingendael's events calendar and past webinar topics to understand current policy debates they're engaging with
  • → Understand the institute's independence and how it maintains credibility while engaging with government stakeholders

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your understanding of current challenges in EU-neighbourhood relations and which Clingendael publications you've found most insightful
2 A walkthrough of your approach to collecting and synthesizing qualitative data on a specific EU neighbourhood policy issue
3 How you would prioritize tasks when balancing research support with administrative duties during a busy period
4 Your experience with or ideas for organizing hybrid/in-person events that engage diverse stakeholders
5 What you hope to gain from being in The Hague specifically and how you'd leverage the location for professional development
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application that doesn't reference Clingendael's specific work or The Hague's international context
  • Overemphasizing quantitative research skills when the role clearly focuses on qualitative data and literature collection
  • Failing to demonstrate how your interests align with the EU's neighbourhood policy specifically, rather than just general EU affairs

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Clingendael Institute!

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