EDUCATION

Fully Funded Internship in Turkey: Apply for the LOCALINTERNational Program 2025

Applications are now open for the LOCALINTERNational Internship Program 2025, a fully funded international training opportunity in Turkey for passionate students and recent graduates interested in public governance and municipal leadership.

What is LOCALINTERNational?

Since 2012, the Union of Municipalities of Türkiye has organized this prestigious program, inviting young changemakers from across the globe to participate in a one-of-a-kind learning experience. The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 7, 2025, and promises an immersive exploration into the structure, roles, and real-world practices of local governments in Türkiye.

What the Program Offers

Participants will engage in a well-rounded schedule featuring:

Interactive training sessions led by experienced municipal officials and governance experts
Field visits to various local government offices and service departments
Networking opportunities with global peers and Turkish authorities
Cultural immersion experiences, allowing participants to appreciate the rich heritage and traditions of Türkiye

This intensive week-long program aims to sharpen participants’ understanding of how municipalities operate, how public policy is implemented on a local level, and how international cooperation shapes inclusive development.

Focus Areas

The LOCALINTERNational 2025 curriculum will cover a wide range of subjects, including:

Sustainable urban development
Youth participation in governance
Local resource management
International municipal collaborations
Strategic planning and local funding models

Through real-life examples and case studies from Turkish cities, participants will gain practical insights into how local governments address community needs and implement development projects.

Program Benefits

This is a fully funded opportunity. All selected participants will receive:

Round-trip international flight tickets
Accommodation throughout the program
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Domestic transportation in Türkiye
All program-related expenses

Visa fees, however, are not included and must be handled by participants individually.

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to:

University students or recent graduates from countries outside Türkiye
Individuals with proficiency in English (the program is conducted entirely in English)
Candidates with a strong academic background and a demonstrable interest in public administration, local governance, or related disciplines

Applicants with prior international experience or active involvement in community development or leadership initiatives will have an added advantage.

Why You Should Apply

This internship is more than just a training program—it’s a platform for career advancement, cross-cultural exchange, and international networking. If you’re passionate about governance, public service, or policymaking, this is your chance to:

Learn from experts in the field
Visit Turkish municipalities and see local administration in action
Build lasting friendships and global connections
Enhance your leadership and policy skills in a real-world setting

Deadline to Apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications by July 30, 2025. Early application is encouraged due to the competitive nature of the selection process.