National Assembly for Wales Internship Program

  Wales

Cardiff

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Winter 
Dates: Fall or Spring quarter

Description: The Official National Assembly for Wales Internship Program was established in January 2000 by Ohio University in partnership with Swansea University. Since then, over 100 students, from all over the United States, have interned in the Welsh Assembly. Internships are political, but undergraduates from all majors are welcome to apply. Students from the areas of journalism, communication, business, history, biology, engineering, anthropology, education, and political science have participated in the program.

Interns are classified as research assistants and work with political parties or Assembly Members (AMs), who serve as elected representatives in the National Assembly. Interns work with AMs, the AM support staff, and members of party offices. Interns perform varying tasks and through them are exposed to many aspects of Assembly business. In the past, interns have written research reports, press releases, and speeches for plenary (the twice-weekly legislative session). Interns often handle Member schedules, correspondence, and constituent relations.

Students have a large say in their placement options. Preferences may be based on party lines, areas of interest, or requests to work with a specific AM. The British government, including the National Assembly for Wales, is run by a multi-party system. AMs in the National Assembly currently represent four parties: Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Plaid Cymru. Interns can be and have been places with all four of these parties.

Internships are offered twice a year: January-April and September-December. Interns receive up to 19 hours credit based on the quarter system. Explore the links below to find out more.

Highlights:
* Interns live in upscale flats in the capitol city of Cardiff, Wales
* Interns work full time as research assistants at the Assembly, earning between 16 and 19 OU credit hours
* A ten-day break each term, as well as other bank holidays, allow for plenty of traveling across the UK and mainland Europe
* Open to ALL majors!!

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: The program is open to US citizens only. Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must have completed some prior coursework in international relations or comparative politics. Applications for the Fall term should be received by April 15; for Winter, applications should be received by May 15.

Cost in US$: $6,500 for Ohio resident/ $9,500 for non-Ohio

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Participants Travel to Wales Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Scholarships are Available. The Wales Internship Program, as well as Ohio University's Office of Education Abroad, offer scholarships based on need.

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Ohio University - Wales Internship Program's Mission Statement: Ohio University offers a range of internships in the National Assembly for Wales, Great Britain. Students who participate in this 12-15 week program are placed with Assembly Members or political parties and work as research assistants, performing various tasks. Students receive up to 19 hours of OU credit and take an intensive British culture and politics course. The National Assembly for Wales is Britain's newest legislature and is located in Cardiff Bay, 2 hours west of London, England. Students stay in upscale housing within walking distance of both the Assembly and downtown area. Cardiff is a regional centre for education, business, sport, and entertainment. Students have free time for British and/or European travel. Explore our website for more information on this exciting internship opportunity!

Year Founded: 2000