The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union (CSEU) is an overseas office of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  CSEU’s mission is to promote U.S. business interests in the European Union through advocacy, information dissemination, and cooperation with other Commercial Service posts throughout Europe and the world.

The U.S. Mission to the European Union is situated in the heart of Brussels, next door to the bilateral U.S. Embassy to Belgium, convenient to public transportation.  The Arts-Loi Metro station is located close by.

Intern Responsibilities

Interns perform a variety of tasks at CSEU.  We work with interns to identify projects in sectors that are both relevant to our stakeholders and of interest to the intern.  In all cases, interns will be integrated into the daily work of the American and Foreign Service National staff.   

Examples of tasks typically performed by interns:

• Assist in the preparation of short, topical reports covering policy developments in the European Union that are of interest to U.S. exporters. 
• Research and respond to incoming business inquiry correspondence from American firms about EU legislation.
• Assist with planning associated with high-level visitors and other events taking place during the internship.
• Attend office and Mission staff meetings and external conferences.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Most summer interns work 40 hours per week.  We ask for a minimum of six weeks full-time work or 20 hours per week for those interns staying a longer period of time.  Many of the tasks and projects are time-sensitive and require continuing coordination, or require extensive research and analysis, so a regular presence in the office is imperative.  

Requirements

• Interns must have either U.S. or EU citizenship.
• English-language proficiency is required, European language skills are a bonus.
• Computer skills are a prerequisite (Word, Excel, Internet) and advanced skills (html, database) are desirable.
• This program is voluntary and uncompensated.  Although many interns find the experience valuable, there is no salary, no stipend, no expense allowances, and no housing available for interns.  Volunteer service is not creditable for leave or any other employee benefits.
• Interns should be available for a minimum four weeks full time, and longer if part time.
• All applicants will be subject to a detailed background security check, which can take as long as four months to complete before the internship can begin.
• Worldwide U.S. Government policy on interns is that they must be enrolled in full-time study courses.
• You must advise us if you are seeking internships at other FCS offices so that we might coordinate our efforts.  Failure to do so will result in a termination of your consideration for an internship.

Qualities we look for in an intern:

• Self-starters who are willing to work generally unsupervised
• Commitment to quality work and public service
• Genuine interest in international business
• Capable of drafting reports and correspondence in professional English
• Familiar with the European Union, its countries and institutions

Procedures

It is important to apply as early as possible for internships at the US Mission to the EU. Availability during the most popular internship periods is limited, and the security clearance process can take up to 3 or 4 months. Please plan accordingly.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications for an internship to Louis.Santamaria@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .  Make sure to address these aspects in your initial communication:

1 - Your school, major(s), year, location - study abroad, etc.?
2 – Your nationality; if not US citizen, your visa/immigration status if in the US
3 – How long an internship are you looking for? Our minimum is three (3) months - full time basis.
4 - What dates for an internship are you interested in?

5 - Alternative dates/times when we could call you and the telephone number we should use to call you.

If Accepted. . . Security Clearance

If accepted for an internship, you will be asked to complete and mail original copies of the following documents required for a security clearance:

• American citizens - please provide originals of the following documents:
  1. Current resumé
  2. Volunteer Service Agreement (72KB) (signed by university and student)
  3. Required Information Form
  4. Release Statement for Fair Credit Report
  5. Men only- Pre-Appointment Certification Statement (26KB) 
  6. Standard Form 85P - Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions
  7. Copy of passport
  8. Proof of Medical and Evacuation Insurance

Note: Once these documents are received, the intern will be sent a fingerprint chart to be completed and used for background check purposes. If studying overseas, the chart can be mailed to the student's foreign address. However, completing the chart while abroad will likely require a visit to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, and an appointment must be made in advance. Please allow sufficient time if you will be completing this portion of the process abroad. 

• EU citizens - please provide originals of the following documents:
  1. Original "Certificate of Good Behavior" from your town hall
  2. One passport picture
  3. Copy of your ID card
  4. Copy of both parents ID card
  5. School Work Placement Agreement (if you have one)
  6. Proof of Medical Insurance

For more information, contact Mr. Louis Santamaria at Louis.Santamaria@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov .