INTERNSHIP FAQs
1. What types of internships exist?
Completing an internship with a Defence Team practising before the IRMCT may come in two forms. The credited internship, will give students the opportunity to receive credits from their academic institution. The non-credited internship organized by the ADC-ICT does not entitle the applicants to credit but does allow applicants to experience working for a Defence Team. Many universities have set up agreements for credit for the internships including; the University of Leiden, University of Utrecht, Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, Rotterdam Erasmus University and The Hague University. Although there are no official agreements with other universities, many do accept the time spent completing an internship as credit hours and the ADC can provide confirmation, if necessary.
2. What documents do I need to include in my application?
Any applicant should provide the following documents: curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation providing evidence of the applicant's personal maturity, ability to safeguard confidential information and ability to work effectively as a member of a Team. An applicant may provide references.
3. Will the Defence Team provide me with any type of compensation during my Internship?
No. The Defence Team is unable to provide participants with remuneration, nor is it possible to provide any reimbursement for any expenses incurred during the Internship. Accordingly, all successful applicants are expected to make their own arrangements for travel, lodging and living expenses during the internship period.
4. How long can I complete an Internship for?
The duration of the internship can range from a minimum of 3 months to a maximum of 6 months.
5. What are the visa requirements needed for an Internship for The Netherlands?
If you are offered an internship, assistance can be provided with getting a visa to enter the Netherlands.
6. Do I require a Residence Permit to complete an Internship in the Netherlands?
All successful applicants of non-EU nationality have to contact the ADC-ICT Head Office to discuss their respective needs for a visa and/or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) ID Card to ensure their legal stay in The Netherlands (if they are overstaying their free 90 days in the Schengen area). Upon approval of the ADC-ICT, the card has to be requested within four days of arrival. The Tribunal's Visa and Entitlements Unit will apply for you once you have completed the appropriate form and provided a color passport photograph. This card will be valid for a maximum twelve months. Once the card is returned you are obliged to leave the country within 7 days.
7. What are my chances of employment in a Defence Team after my Internship?
There should be no expectation of employment by any Defence Team following the completion of the Internship. However, it is undoubtedly the case that it could help in securing employment with a Defence Team.
8. Are Internship positions only available to those with a legal background?
Applicants for a legal internship should have a legal background, with at least classes in international law, criminal procedure or other relevant experience. An educational background in either military studies, international relations, political science may be more appropriate in combination with relevant experience.
It is also possible to apply for a non-legal internship in the Head Office which involves administration, organisation and communications.
9. I am a first/second year legal student, Am I eligible to apply for a legal internship?
For both internship programmes, Defence Teams mostly only accept candidates who fulfil the requirements as stated above. Usually, this means that people are in the final stages of education on the relevant field (i.e. final year).
10. I am looking for accommodation, who can help?
The ADC-ICTY does not provide guaranteed housing in The Hague. However, the ADC-ICT will be of assistance whenever applicants require housing and are unable to obtain it themselves. Please contact the Head Office for up-to-date accommodation lists.
11. What type of activities are organised for Defence interns?
The ADC-ICT regularly organises field trips to other international organisations and institutions in The Hague (e.g. ICC, STL, ICJ, PCA, Eurojust, Europol), as well as monthly Advocacy Training Sessions. The ADC-ICT has also organised a series of Moot Courts, IT classes and ethics training. Defence interns are also invited to participate in the activities organised by the MICT Intern Career Development Committee, as well as MICT language classes.
12. Where are Defence interns from?
Defence interns come from over 60 countries.
13. How and when should I apply?
Please use the online Application Form to apply for an internship with a Defence team and attach your CV and a letter of motivation. After having received your application, it is being forwarded to the Defence teams, who will review it according to their current and future needs for interns. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. However, due to the nature of the work, defence teams may not be able to plan further ahead than two to three months.
14. How is my application being assessed?
As soon as you have filled in the online Application Form, we receive a copy in our inbox. Your application will be reviewed and forwarded to the defence teams, depending on your availability and background and the teams' current and future needs. Due to the high number of applications you will not be sent a confirmation of receipt of your application. Furthermore, only successful candidates will be contacted.