fddo-2025-cohort-faculty-steps

The Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship

黑料网911
  • fddo-2025-cohort-group-pose-grey-shirts
  • fddo-2025-interns-talking-conference-table
  • fddo-2025-classroom-selfie

黑料网911 the Program

The 2026 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship marks its 10th anniversary of empowering future leaders through cultural exchange, leadership, and global impact. Ten (10) exceptional student leaders will be selected for a transformative eight-week summer internship program in Dublin, Ireland, during which they will expand their understanding of Irish history and culture while gaining real-world work experience.

Co-sponsored by CIEE, Ireland鈥檚 Department of Foreign Affairs, and the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, the program honors two iconic leaders in the global movement for freedom, equality, social justice, and economic mobility by preparing students from diverse backgrounds for future and career success.

Douglass-O鈥機onnell Global Interns will spend June 12 to August 9, 2026 attending lectures on the history of social change in Ireland, participating in extracurricular and networking activities, and interning with a host company that aligns with their skills and career goals.

The program pays tribute to Frederick Douglass鈥 transformative experience visiting Ireland more than 175 years ago, when Douglass was embraced by the Irish people and met the famous Irish reformer, Daniel O鈥機onnell. This immersive opportunity celebrates their exceptional contributions to society and their notable business acumen, inspiring young professionals to emulate their success and apply their principles in the modern world. Students seeking a rich international experience that combines real-world work experience in Ireland with an exciting overview of Irish history and culture are encouraged to apply. Join us in Dublin for a summer of growth, learning, and the pursuit of a better, more inclusive world. 

Sponsors

 
How to Apply

Upcoming Virtual Info Sessions

Join us for free virtual information sessions to learn more about the Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship program, receive application support, and more.

December 4, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. ET
December 15, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. ET

How to Apply

Applications are open! 

Follow

 
Grants
study-abroad-woman-looking-out-airplane-window

Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant

The Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant is awarded to all qualifying applicants who submit a completed application for the 2026 Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship 鈥 and meet all eligibility requirements 鈥 but are not selected for the program.  

The $1,500 grant can be used toward any 黑料网911summer or semester program through summer 2027. 黑料网911will contact Grant recipients with information on how to become a Douglass-O'Connell Scholar.

Past Fellows

What People are Saying

  • 鈥淔rederick Douglass passed you a baton, during your part of the race, what will you do with it?"

    Vice President Kamala Harris

  • "We are excited to participate in the development of leaders that are taught the value of intercultural awareness and molded to be change agents in their communities like our great ancestor, Frederick Douglass."

    Nettie Washington Douglass, chairwoman and co-founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, and the great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass

  •  鈥淭hrough study abroad, I began to identify and refine skills that will empower me to network anywhere in the world. My quest to expand beyond the lessons of the classroom were encouraged by my wonderful professors at CIEE, who purposefully created an atmosphere of curiosity and empathy during our time abroad.鈥

    Meghan Sowersby, FDGF 2017

  • 鈥淐茅ad m铆le f谩ilte to the Fellows in Ireland exploring the legacies of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Daniel O鈥機onnell on leadership and social justice. 鈥

    Ireland's Taoiseach Miche谩l Martin

  • "As I questioned preexisting beliefs and learned about lived experiences different from those in my country, my world became bigger. This gave me the insight to see myself in the context of a larger and beautifully complicated global picture. Travel and exposure to newness has now become a central priority to me, and I know that my 黑料网911experience abroad is a gift that will continue to give throughout my lifetime."

    Sophia Jackson, FDGF 2021

  • "Because of this fellowship, I grew confident in my communications skills and learned how to be a strong communicator, just as Frederick Douglass was. I returned home with a heightened consciousness regarding effective interpersonal communication practices鈥 an essential tool that every aspiring global leader should have. The culture of this program has brilliantly fostered all the necessary aspects I need to become a global leader."

    Brielle Smith, FDGF 2021