The Polish-American Internship Initiative (PAII) is a prestigious internship program connecting the leading American companies with outstanding Polish students for summer internships in the United States.
PAII offers an exceptional opportunity for talented Polish students to expand their knowledge and develop professional skills through learning from the best. Students from Poland can apply for a paid 2 – 3 month-long summer internship at American companies, traveling expenses subsidy and assistance in obtaining a visa. The internship is available for full-time students of the second year and above at Polish universities, with fluent command of English, achieving the highest academic results and who have already shown outstanding abilities and commitment.
This prestigious initiative was reflected in an official Joint Statement of the U.S. and Polish Presidents following their meeting in the White House, December 2010:
“President Obama and President Komorowski applauded the partnership between the Polish-American Freedom Foundation and leading U.S. companies to bring Polish university students and young professionals to the United States for internships in the private sector.”
[The White House, Office of the Press Secretary, December 08, 2010]
The initiative was launched in 2010 by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation (PAFF). The operational activities within the program are carried out by the Educational Enterprise Foundation together with American companies providing internships.
The undertaking was implemented with strong support from the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw. United States Ambassador to Poland, His Excellency Stephen D. Mull said: “The U.S. Embassy is proud to support PAFF, which offers a special opportunity for talented Polish students to work with industry leaders, get a first-hand understanding of business and innovation and experience life and culture in the United States. The Internship Initiative is personally rewarding for students and mentors alike, and is a terrific investment in our bilateral relations. ”
Jerzy Koźmiński, President and CEO of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation said: “The Polish-American Internship Initiative really is a one in a lifetime opportunity for those young people – not only to learn from the best and enhance their competencies but also to get to know America – the American culture, heritage and everyday life – which, I am sure, will foster increased cooperation between our countries.”
The participants of PAFF Programs such as scholarship holders of the “Bridge Scholarships” Program (to date a total of over 26 000 scholarships have already been awarded) and participants of the “Projector” Program (over 15 000 students involved) are particularly encouraged to apply for the internship.
The “Bridge Scholarships” Program addresses the disparity of access to higher education for talented school students living in rural areas of Poland whereas within the „Projector” Program groups of university student volunteers implement – at schools in villages and small towns – educational projects they have prepared to develop knowledge, skills and interests of the local children.
Visit FOR STUDENTS to learn more on the application process.