EUROPE INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, LAW & GLOBAL INNOVATION
With A Focus On Political Science
Explore Europe’s hubs of innovation, culture and leadership in Germany, Brussels and Paris, where collaboration shapes the future.
Internship Overview
Discover Europe through the lens of leadership, innovation and global citizenship on this immersive journey across Germany, France and Belgium. Explore the continent’s centers of industry, politics and culture as you visit influential institutions like the EU Parliament.
Along the way, experience the charm of historic cities, taste regional cuisines and connect with diverse communities to see how collaboration, culture and history intertwine to shape Europe’s future. Conclude in Paris, where art, history and modern influence come together to inspire the next generation of global leaders.
On GLA’s Europe Internship: Career Exploration in International Business, Law & Global Innovation With A Focus On Political Science you will:
- Tour Germany’s financial and industrial centers, including the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Bundesbank
- Explore Heidelberg’s castles and take part in leadership-focused activities
- Visit key European institutions like the EU Parliament and the Council of Europe
- Join interactive workshops on diplomacy, democracy and European policy
- Discover cultural landmarks and UNESCO sites across Strasbourg, Brussels and Paris
- Experience local traditions and cuisine, from Alsatian villages to Parisian cafés
- See Paris icons including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum
Internship Menu
EUROPE INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, LAW & GLOBAL INNOVATION
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Days 1-2: Arrival & Frankfurt Orientation
Arrive at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) for transfers and a welcome orientation with your internship family. Explore the city’s unique blend of medieval tradition and modern skyscrapers on a guided tour of this global financial gateway.
Days 3-4: The Economic Heartbeat
Dive into Germany’s financial sector with a visit to the Frankfurt Stock Exchangeand a behind-the-scenes logistics tour of Frankfurt Airport. Continue to the Bundesbank for a lecture on monetary policy before getting hands-on with history at the Money Museum.
Days 5-7: Heritage & Automotive Innovation
Travel to Heidelberg to tour its iconic castle and world-renowned university grounds. Then, head to Stuttgart, the cradle of the automotive industry, for an inside look at the Mercedes-Benz Museum and a live production plant tour.
Day 8: Tech & Relaxation
Journey toward Strasbourg with a stop at the Sinsheim Technik Museum. After exploring supersonic jets and vintage engineering, unwind with a soak in the thermal baths of the Caracalla Spa.
Days 9-10: Strasbourg & Regional History
Balance internship project work with a scenic boat tour of Strasbourg’s canals. Visit the Memorial Alsace-Moselle to reflect on how the region’s complex past shaped the modern European commitment to peace and unity.
Days 11-12: Governance & Democracy Workshops
Step inside the European Parliament for a high-stakes diplomacy roleplay simulation. Follow this with a masterclass at the Centre Robert Schuman, engaging with experts on the challenges of European governance and migration policy.
Days 13-14: Culture & Civil Society
Enjoy a morning at the Chocolate Museum followed by a trek to the mountain-top Haute Koenigsbourg Castle. Conclude your time in Strasbourg with a visit to the Council of Europe to discuss human rights and the rule of law.
Days 15-17: Luxembourg & Brussels
Head to Brussels, stopping for a history-themed treasure hunt in Luxembourg. Once in the Belgian capital, tour the EU Parliament and the Atomium, a landmark of post-war optimism and scientific innovation.
Days 18-19: The Magic of Paris
Take the train to Paris for a sunset Seine boat tour. Connect with the city through a local community service project, explore the heights of Montmartre, and visit icons like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
Days 20-21: Versailles & Departure
Experience the Palace of Versailles via a guided bike tour of the royal gardens and canals. After a final farewell celebration, enjoy a seamless transfer to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for your journey home.
Program Map
EUROPE INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, LAW & GLOBAL INNOVATION
Program Details
Dates & Tuition
2027 Session Dates
July 09 – July 29, 2027
What's Included in Tuition
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
to hold your spot on-program.
Program at a Glance
Program Location: Multi-Country
Program Type(s): Career Exploration: Internship, Exploratory Travel
Every GLA Program is Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended By Students And Parents
NEVA C. | 2024 ALUMNI STUDENT
“It opened me up to a part of the world I never knew about before. I was able to embrace myself in the culture and learn about sustainability techniques as well as how to make an impact on the environment. It was truly an extraordinary experience with amazing mentors and it was great to meet students from all across the world.”
The Program Experience
Career Exploration
Gain executive-level insight into the political, financial, and industrial engines driving modern Europe on a high-impact internship designed for high school students. Tour Germany’s primary economic and industrial hubs, including exclusive visits to the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and Deutsche Bundesbank and observe cutting-edge manufacturing, agricultural, and automotive engineering practices firsthand across Heidelberg and Stuttgart. Immerse yourself in international diplomacy and policy at the European Parliament and Council of Europe through interactive governance workshops, policymaking roleplay simulations, and leadership development sessions alongside regional experts. Round out your internship portfolio by contributing to community-led service initiatives, gaining hands-on professional experience that distinguishes your college applications.
Why This Internship Is Unique for High School Students: Unlike traditional high school summer tours that focus solely on sight-seeing, this career exploration internship provides rare direct access to global policymakers, corporate innovators and international financial institutions. You’ll engage in active consulting-style simulations, examine how cross-border policy shapes global business and build an exceptional portfolio piece that demonstrates university-level maturity in international business, political science and law.
Exploratory Travel
Embark on a multi-country journey across Germany, France and Belgium, exploring Europe’s most famous historic landmarks, political centers and cultural heritage sites. Discover the storybook charm of Alsatian villages in Strasbourg, explore the halls of European governance in Brussels and immerse yourself in the art, history, and romance of Paris. From world-renowned treasures like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower to historic architecture across Heidelberg and Versailles, you’ll experience firsthand how history and modern innovation intertwine across the European continent.
Adventure
See Europe by train, bus and boat as you navigate iconic cities and scenic landscapes! Challenge yourself with interactive city treasure hunts through historic downtowns, participate in outdoor leadership activities and dive into hands-on visits to cutting-edge production plants and world-class interactive museums. From exploring the grand gardens of Versailles and the artistic winding streets of Montmartre to conquering team-building challenges across major capitals, adventure is woven into every leg of your journey.
Country Spotlight
Discover the rich cultural tapestry, historic architecture, and world-class gastronomy of Western Europe.
Lodging: Because of the dynamic, travel-focused nature of this multi-city itinerary, students will stay in comfortable Home Bases tailored to each region. Accommodation includes modern youth hostels featuring air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and vibrant common areas, as well as 3-star hotel blocks offering 2–6 beds per student room with private en-suite facilities and air conditioning.
Meals: Experience the rich culinary diversity of Europe throughout your journey. In Germany, savor hearty regional specialties like schnitzel, sausages, käsespätzle and freshly baked pretzels. In Strasbourg, taste the blend of French and German influences with savory flammekueche and fresh baguettes. Continue to Belgium to indulge in world-famous waffles, rich chocolates and crispy fries, before concluding in Paris to enjoy buttery croissants, delicate pastries, and classic French café dining.
EUROPE INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, LAW & GLOBAL INNOVATION
Internship Details
Everything you need to know about the travel internship.
High school students who participate in this GLA travel internship in Europe will develop essential leadership and career skills, while working on initiatives centered around the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development worldwide.
Throughout the course of your session you will complete 62 total internship hours:
- Contact Hours: 52
- Self-Study Hours: 10
- Service Hours: 10
The outcomes of this internship are related to five main learning objectives:
- Clarify personal career goals and professional interests while gaining insight into European political systems and policy environments in Germany, France and Belgium.
- Build foundational knowledge of contemporary European political trends, key concepts and governance case studies.
- Compare and clearly articulate diverse political perspectives within Europe’s social, cultural and historical contexts.
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative political data, policy documents and academic sources to form evidence-based conclusions.
- Evaluate real-world political institutions, processes, and civic spaces at the local, national and EU levels.
- Frankfurt Stock Exchange: A session on market structure, trading principles, and global financial concepts.
- Deutsche Bundesbank: An exploration of Germany’s central bank and its role in European finance, including the Money Museum.
- European Parliament (Strasbourg): A briefing on the legislative process followed by a hands-on policymaking simulation.
- Mercedes-Benz Museum & Factory: A study of automotive history and design coupled with a technical look at the assembly process.
- The Atomium: A discussion on the monument as a symbol of post-war innovation and European cooperation.
- Council of Europe: A deep dive into human rights and the rule of law in Europe.
- Robert Schumann Centre Masterclass: A deep dive into Migration Policy & Asylum Seeking in the EU as well as challenges and goals for the future of the EU.
The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development serves as the framework for discussions and the self-study coursework for our student interns here in Europe. During this travel internship, you will focus on three SDGs, including:
Complete a core curriculum with your peers and through the guidance of your internship supervisor. Build your personal competitive edge, as part of a cohort of student interns working in partnership with our global nonprofit partner in Bali. Create a portfolio from completed project work to enhance your college application or future career resume.
By completing this travel internship you will earn:
- CliftonStrengths Assessment & Debrief
- Personal Mission Statement Updated
- Resume or LinkedIn Resume
- Letter of Recommendation completed by your Internship Supervisor & Internship Director
- Certificate of Completion (62 hours)
- Certificate of Service Hours (variable per internship)
- Professional Headshots for Resume or CV
- Portfolio of Evidence/Internship Log Book (if needed)
- Recommendations via Common App
Global Leadership Adventures can also provide any supporting documentation and serve as an organization of record, should you want to earn college credits for your internship.
Global Leadership Adventures is proud to partner with Hartwick College, a private liberal arts institution based in Oneonta, New York, to offer official U.S. undergraduate college credit for students who successfully complete the Career Exploration Travel Internship program.
Through this partnership, eligible students (16+) may enroll in the optional college credit add-on and earn 3 semester credits upon successful completion of the internship coursework. Upon successful completion of the internship requirements, students will receive:
- Official enrollment with Hartwick College
- Faculty evaluation and grading
- Issuance of an official college transcript
The deadline for college credit registration is May 31, 2027. Students must enroll in the college credit add-on by this date in order to be formally registered with Hartwick College.
- Accreditation: Fully accredited U.S. undergraduate credit.
- Optional Enrollment: The college credit add-on is 100% optional.
- Tuition Fee: The additional fee to earn up to three semester credits is $500.00.
- Click here to learn more.
EUROPE INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, LAW & GLOBAL INNOVATION
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EUROPE INTERNSHIP
CAREER EXPLORATION IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, LAW & GLOBAL INNOVATION
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