About ELSA Traineeships
ELSA Traineeships is an ELSA programme that offers its members the possibility of having an international experience thanks to the different traineeship vacancies offered all over the world. The program is divided into two cycles: the autumn cycle and the spring cycle. ELSA offers both "normal" on-site Traineeship vacancies, which require physical presence throughout the Traineeship period, and online Traineeship vacancies, which are done remotely from the Trainee's home office.
Who Can Apply?
In case there is no ELSA Group in your country, you might be able to still apply for ELSA Traineeships as an External Applicant. You need to pay the External Application Fee. • The External Application Fee for one cycle is 16€. • The External Application Fee for both cycles is 26€. Write traineeships@elsa.org for more information.
Traineeship Types
On-site Traineeships require the Trainee's physical presence throughout the Traineeship period. This may require the Trainee to relocate and travel internationally. Many of the on-site Traineeships offered have flexible dates, i.e. offer-holders may negotiate directly with the respective Traineeship Provider when it is suitable and possible to start in the applicable circumstances.
Online Traineeships are like "normal" on-site Traineeships but they can be done remotely from a location of the Trainee's choice (e.g. the Trainee's home couch).
Like on-site Traineeships, online Traineeships are supervised and the Trainee receives mentoring and feedback from the Traineeship Provider throughout the Traineeship period.
Both fully online and flexible Traineeships are available. In the case of the latter, the question of whether the Traineeship at issue will be conducted as an on-site or online vacancy is subject to negotiation between the Trainee candidate and the Traineeship Provider directly.
Application Process
You can apply for a traineeship via the Application Form. The Application Form is available on the ELSA Traineeships Homepage when the application period is open. The application period is open twice a year in the spring and the autumn, respectively.
You need to indicate in the Application Form:
- Up to three ELSA Traineeships of your choice
- Your language skills as required by the chosen Traineeship(s)
- Your legal skills as required by the chosen Traineeship(s)
- Your academic background, i.e. degree(s) and educational institution(s)
In the Application Form you need to include the following:
- A motivation letter of up to 5,000 characters for each chosen ELSA Traineeship
- Your CV in PDF form
- Additional documents may be required if explicitly requested by the Traineeship Provider
Verification
After you have submitted your Application Form, the information you have provided will be verified. You may be contacted by ELSA via email with a request to provide evidence in support of the skills and experience you have claimed to possess.
Approval
Only if your Application Form is verified by ELSA on time, it will be approved. Only approved Application Forms are forwarded to the Traineeship Providers.
Selection
The Traineeship Providers make the final decision on the basis of the Application Form regarding who either receives the ELSA Traineeship offer or goes to the waiting list. ELSA International communicates to you directly via email the outcome of your application.
Offer
If a Traineeship Provider makes you an offer, you will have approximately one week to confirm your acceptance. During that time you may discuss details directly with the Traineeship Provider and the respective ELSA Group hosting you. The failure to accept an offer within the deadline is considered equivalent to rejection.
Preparation
Once you have accepted the offer for a Traineeship, you may start the preparations necessary. The ELSA Group hosting you will help you during the preparations stage by providing you with information and assistance.
Work
The nature of your Traineeship is outlined in the vacancy publication on the ELSA Traineeships website during the application period. The specifics regarding the terms and conditions are negotiated between you and the Traineeship Provider after you receive the offer.
After completing your Traineeship, you may evaluate your experience by filling in a simple online form provided by ELSA International. After your evaluation submission, you will receive a Certificate from ELSA International. The ELSA Traineeships Certificate explains what is ELSA Traineeships and attests that you successfully took part in a Traineeship at a given Traineeship Provider over a given time period.