ESIC University is positioning itself as a strategically active player in European higher education, and is offering a Master-level or final-year Bachelor student the chance to work directly with the Vice-Rectorate on its strategic files. This is not a student services role — you'll be embedded in institutional intelligence, partnership development and event coordination work normally invisible to other internships in the sector.
The Role
Current workstreams span a deepened partnership with UK research-intensive institutions ahead of the UK's re-association to Erasmus+ in January 2027, institutional positioning under the European Commission's Union of Skills framework, and a proactive presence at the main international higher education congresses (EAIE, NAFSA, APAIE).
Main Responsibilities
📋 Support the preparation of high-level institutional visits and partner meetings, including briefing documents, partner intelligence and follow-up materials
🌍 Contribute to coordinating ESIC's presence at international congresses (EAIE 2026, planning for NAFSA 2027), including logistics, partner mapping and pre-meeting research
📑 Assist in producing internal strategic documents: partner profiles, country briefings, competitive analyses
✍️ Support the editorial activity of the Vice-Rectorate (LinkedIn institutional content, Erasmus Days October 2026, internal newsletters)
🤝 Contribute to the design and implementation of partnership-deepening initiatives with European institutions
🧭 Support, where relevant, the early-stage scoping of KA2 project proposals
Not sure your country is eligible for Erasmus+? Here's the full list: https://youthworkshub.org/15124/
Required Profile
🎓 Currently enrolled as a higher education student (Master preferred; final-year Bachelor considered) in a European institution holding a valid ECHE
📚 Background in International Relations, European Studies, European Public Affairs, Higher Education Policy, Political Science, International Business or related fields
🗣️ English C1 minimum (the working language of the role)
🧠 Strong analytical and writing skills, demonstrated in academic or professional output
🌍 Genuine interest in European higher education policy, internationalisation strategy or the competitiveness/skills agenda
🚀 Comfort working in a senior-level environment with high autonomy and exposure to institutional decision-making
What You'll Gain
🏛️ Direct involvement in strategic files at Vice-Rectorate level
🌐 Exposure to the European higher education policy ecosystem (Commission frameworks, national agencies, peer institutions)
📂 A portfolio of substantive deliverables (briefings, partner analyses, event coordination) suitable for early-career positioning
📜 A formal letter of reference and Europass mobility documentation
🤝 A professional network within ESIC's partner institutions across Europe
Who Can Apply
🌍 As a Digital Opportunities Traineeship (DOT), you must be a student or recent graduate based in one of the 33 Erasmus+ Programme Countries or the Horizon 2020 Associated Countries
✅ Check with your university whether you're eligible for an Erasmus+ traineeship before applying
The Details
📍 Location: Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid), Spain
🗓️ Period: 1 September 2026 to 1 March 2027
⏳ Duration: 6 months
🕒 Commitment: Part-time
💶 Compensation: Paid (financial compensation; amount not specified)
🎓 Programme: Erasmus+ traineeship (DOT)
How to Apply
Send your CV (in English) and a motivation letter (max. 500 words, in English) addressing:
📌 Why this role specifically, and not Offer A or a generic traineeship
📑 One example of substantive analytical or institutional work you have produced
🗓️ Which period you are applying for
📧 Send your application to og@esic.university with the subject line: Offer B — Strategic Projects Trainee
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 45-minute online interview that includes a brief analytical exercise.
Deadline
📅 20 June 2026
Links
📧 Apply (email): og@esic.university
