The Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation offers an internship opportunity to Greek and foreign students in our central offices in Athens. Positions are available for two different Sessions (Fall / Winter each year) for a period of 3 - 6 months. The Sessions available are:
- Winter Session starting from the 15th January each year.
- Fall Session starting from the 15th September each year.
All applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to starting date of each session. Under special circumstances, the internships can be prolonged.
Through this internship program, GAAEC wants to give the intern the opportunity to become familiar with the real-life work conditions of a non-governmental organization and apply the theoretical knowledge acquired in university. In this regard, the interns will actively participate on all organizational aspects of several national & international activities organized by GAAEC.
Areas of Interest
- Trans-Atlantic Cooperation
- European Security and Defense Policy
- Education and the Leaders of Future Generations
- National-International Development and Humanitarian Aid
- North and South Dialogue
- Cooperation with NGO's for Women
Typical Responsibilities
Program Assistance: G.A.A.E.C. runs a wide variety of events and international programs. Interns are generally asked to provide research assistance to GAAEC's staff for the organization and coordination of events. Also, they help send out invitations, write summaries, prepare briefing materials, and help set-up the required logistics.
Writing & Editing: Part of an intern's responsibility is to edit and run the GAAEC e-newsletter and website and research and publish articles related to issues of Trans-Atlantic relations, European Security and Defense and Greek Foreign Policy.
Administrative and Clerical Duties: All internships require some photocopying, faxing, filing and other clerical work. However, the burden of this is not particularly heavy at GAAEC since all staff generally does this work alongside their interns.
All applicants should be aware that GAAEC cannot extend any financial support nor accommodation for the interns.
Application Procedure
To apply, please e-mail, your CV and a motivation letter explaining academic interests and availability together with a letter of recommendation to:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or by Fax at:
+30 210 8654 749
If you didn't find the answer, please direct your question at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
"Interning at the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation has been a whirlwind of new experiences for me. I did not know exactly what to expect when I came to Greece, and I was pleasantly surprised by the range of possibilities that a relatively small organization such as GAAEC can offer young interns. Most activities are related to project management, and this makes for an intense and dynamic office environment. From day one, I had the opportunity to become involved in core activities of the Association, and this can only be described as immensely fulfilling. The various subjects that are dealt with within the organization offer insights into the international arena and civil society, and the professional network is enormous – a great way of interacting with people from different (and, in my case, unknown) countries and cultures! Of course, all of this is not handed to you on a silver plate. Hard work is expected, as is flexibility; this is not your normal 9-to-5 job! Every day brings something new, different, and unexpected... GAAEC is part of multiple networks, organizes conferences and educational programs, and tackles pretty much every aspect of any project, so diversity is guaranteed. Dedication and a certain degree of maturity are other characteristics that are valued in a GAAEC intern, not to mention a sense of humor! After all, when stress knocks on the door, it is necessary to be able to put things into perspective. With the right attitude, GAAEC will open many doors to enthusiastic interns. You will not only learn about international events in the broadest sense of the term – you will learn about yourself! I have discovered a whole new side of myself at GAAEC, delving into international relations and developing organizational skills... I am convinced that my internship will continue to influence me.
To sum up: if you are up for a challenge, up for making a contribution, up for a new environment, and up for a rewarding experience: intern at GAAEC!"
Niels, The Netherlands
The year 2006 saw G.A.A.E.C. opening its doors to a number of international volunteers, providing them with international working experience and enriching the association with a new and dynamic multicultural component. Within the European Union's European Voluntary Service (EVS, part of the YOUTH program), G.A.A.E.C. offers young European citizens the opportunity to complete a long-term voluntary service (from 8 months to a year) in its Athens office under a project called "Listen to us – Young European citizens/Aristoteles". This project aims at empowering young people therefore empowering communities at a cultural, educational and economic level. Our organization gives the opportunity to international volunteers to take part actively in several local, national, and international activities endeavouring to develop their European and International citizenship awareness, to promote Youth involvement, to sustain integration and to emphasize intercultural relations.
GAAEC is accredited as sending,host and coordinating organization for the European Voluntary Service (reference number 2011-GR-5) which is a program of YOUTH in Action, Action 2 financed by the European Union.
What are the volunteer's tasks?
Part of our dynamic working team, our volunteers actively participate to all organizational aspects of several national and international activities, such as IIPES, Kernels of our future, the 52nd General Assembly of ATA, the International Meeting of EURODEFENSE, The Euro-Mediterranean Journalism Institute and the Fellowship program on International Security and Cooperation – the contribution of a new generation. The responsibilities of the EVS volunteers include: Organisation of regular events; Edition and running of the G.A.A.E.C. e-newsletter and website; Organization of YOUTH and EVS presentation events to local youth groups; Research and publication of articles related to issues of European citizenship in the young population and publicising international volunteering to NGOs and Networks. Special issues and projects such as gender involvement can be implemented depending on volunteers' interests. The opportunities given to volunteers are going to make them confident about their organizational and management skills and offer them great experience in a democratic environment and help them to fulfill their future dreams more easily.
The volunteers have to enjoy communicating with people, be cooperative, sociable, friendly and fluent English speaker. They have to have basic computer knowledge, be able to promote the European Voluntary Service, be practical and have organizational and management skills. Priority will be given to people interested in cultural development, European integration, and youth's contemporary issues including educational advancement. Interest in gender issues, especially related to education and International Security, is welcomed.
For more information about the project "Listen to Us – Young European Citizens/Aristoteles" visit here
How to apply?
There are 3 deadlines every year when organizations have to submit documents to get the funding for hosting EVS volunteer:
February 1st - for projects starting between 1 May and 31 October
May 1st - for projects starting between 1 August and 31 January
October 1st - for projects starting between 1 January and 30 June
Please send us your CV, motivation letter and details of your sending organization not later than 15 days before the deadline to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to the following fax number: +30 210 8654 749.
Looking forward to welcoming you in Athens!
"If you are planning to apply for an EVS I can only encourage you to do so! During my stay in Greece, I learned so many things, I made so many friends and I gained so many experiences that it would make a very long list. If you want to come to Greece, I can promise you that you will live it not just watch it. The program at GAAEC was challenging, improving and it provided a snapshot of the world of the euro-atlantic integration, the work GAAEC is doing. My involvement with the Greek youth and the other international volunteers was fascinating; I had a lot of fun with them during my free time, while I also learned some Greek. Returning to Hungary I could use my new skills so as to continue my studies in a higher level. If I was offered EVS again I would accept it."
Attila, Hungary
Networks
Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation is a sole representative of Greece to:
- ATA (Atlantic Treaty Association)
- EuroDefense Network
- WIIS (Women In International Security)
In April 2009 we also joined Anna Lindh network.
Partners
TFAS (The Fund of American Studies) is our partner for educational programs. G.A.A.E.C. also cooperates with AWEPA (European Parliamentarians for Africa), ACYPL (American Council of Young Political Leaders), The Eastern Institute, IFES (International Foundation for Electoral Systems).
In May 2009 G.A.A.E.C. also forged partnership with Romanian NGO "Books for Peace", led by Antonia Colibasanu, IIPES 2003 and EMJI 2007 alumna.
The Youth Branch of the Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation was established in 1993 aiming to activate university and high-school students in Greece in the fields of expertise related to the operation of G.A.A.E.C.
We aim to educate them on the transatlantic dimension of international relations of Greece. In addition to this we promote healthy debates and the share of ideas, which can contribute to raise awareness of key issues.
The activities of GAAEC provides the Youth Branch the necessary worldwide background to work effectively in today's world. In cooperation with its international partners and local universities the Youth Branch of GAAEC managed to bring together all those students and young professionals who are interested and active in the field of international relations not just in Greece, but also on a global scale.
The detailed report can provide an inside view of the activities of the youth branch.
Our Mission
- To empower dialogue and understanding among young people with different nationalities, religions, ethnicity and cultures.
- To present the active and dynamic Greek ideas towards our Partners
- To generate ideas and informed debate about international politics/relations at home to include both simulated and historical cases concerning NATO, EU, ESDP, OSCE, UN, OECD...
- To provide opportunities for young people to network and learn about international politics while being exposed to educational activities such as simulations, seminars and internet debates.
The International Center for Leading Studies has been founded in 2012 by the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation (G.A.A.E.C.) and personalities from over 15 countries who have been involved in its activities, and have become affirmed supporters of its goals.
T.I.C.L.S. is a broader education platform aiming to develop programs that disseminate information, stimulate dialogue, and build up leadership for perceptive people of all ages.
As an educational center and affirmed supporter of continuing education, T.I.C.L.S. facilitates acquisition of skills and knowledge as the basic tools to provide opportunities for personal development at all levels.
Interdisciplinary multicultural education is an integrated learning experience that can develop persons as personalities rather than solely trained specialists, and transmit a cultural heritage that can make a difference in the civic life of communities. It aims to develop the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation for the individual to make a difference locally and globally, professionally and civically.
Our goal is to act as mediators between science and civil society, offering the tools that will motivate people of all ages and background to contribute for a more interrelated International Community which is our contemporary world.
The Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation (G.A.A.E.C.) was founded on the 28th of May 1991 by Greek individuals coming from academic, political, military and media sectors of the Greek society. During these years many Greek citizens have taken different positions in G.A.A.E.C. according to the Founding Act and to its regulations.
In addition, G.A.A.E.C. has registered members coming from several sectors of Greek Society, including Youth members.
Founding members:
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Attorney-at-Law |
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Admiral (ret) |
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Journalist |
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Medical Doctor |
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Political Scientist |
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The main goal of the "Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation" is the Greek contribution towards improving and reinforcing Euro-Atlantic cooperation.
An important challenge for the Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation is the study and indication of methods that will improve the position of our country in relation to Euro – Atlantic cooperation in other sectors. To achieve this goal, G.A.A.E.C. will guide numerous activities.
This main goal will be achieved with greater consent, information, education, and equal participation in international organizations, fora, and with forwarding programs in Greece and abroad.
The Greek Association for Atlantic & European Cooperation considers the improved role of citizens' society in decision-making, and in formatting developments in a rapidly changing environment. G.A.A.E.C. can and will contribute to the reinforcement and improvement of the cooperation between Europe and the US, either alone or in cooperation with governmental or non-Governmental organizations, as well as through international networks.
