Paid Internship Opportunity for Ukrainian Professionals in Austria: Details of the New Initiative Unveiled
Vienna, December 4, 2023 – The application period has officially opened for the «Professional Integration HUB», a forward-looking educational program offering paid internships within leading Austrian organizations. Initiated and funded by ERSTE Foundation, the program is implemented by the European Centre for Freedom and Independence in Vienna.
The «Professional Integration HUB» seeks to provide Ukrainian professionals currently residing in Austria, due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with a unique opportunity for long-term internships within Austrian institutions. This initiative not only supports the integration of Ukrainian specialists into the European professional environment but also aims to contribute significantly to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and its integration into the European Union.
Starting March 4, 2024, twelve selected participants will undergo a three-month internship in
Austrian institutions and organizations. The following institutions and organizations have joined the program as internship partners: Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, the Civil Service, and Sport of Austria; Caritas Austria; ERSTE Foundation; European Forum Alpbach; Austrian Integration Fund; Belvedere Museum Vienna; Kunstverien Salzburg; Vienna Contemporary; WienXtra.
Yana Barinova, ERSTE Foundation’s Project Manager on European Policies and Ukrainian Affairs, announced: Our program goes beyond supporting the professional development of exceptional Ukrainian experts “here and now”. The primary objective is to equip them with practical experience crucial for Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.
Applications are invited from Ukrainian professionals in the fields of culture, education, and social security who are currently residing in Austria and eligible for official employment. Key requirements include holding a higher education degree, possessing excellent English proficiency, having relevant experience in the specified sectors, and demonstrating civic engagement.
The application deadline is January 7, 2024, and successful participants will be announced on
January 22, 2024. Winners will be offered internships tailored to their fields and qualifications. The Professional Integration HUB ensures comprehensive organizational support, a monthly stipend, and additional educational activities within the program. For detailed information about the Professional Integration HUB program and to submit applications, please visit professionalhub.at.
About ERSTE Foundation:
ERSTE Foundation serves as a creative workshop for ideas and innovation, a laboratory for future-oriented topics, and strategically cooperates with networks. As the main shareholder of Erste Group, ERSTE Foundation secures the independent future of one of the largest financial services providers in Central, Eastern, and South Eastern Europe. Committed to serving the common good, the private Austrian savings banks foundation believes in supporting individuals to thrive.
About The European Centre for Freedom and Independence:
The European Centre for Freedom and Independence (EUCFI) is an Austrian public organization founded by Ukrainians after the full-scale invasion in Ukraine. EUCFI is dedicated to promoting a united Europe, supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine, and facilitating its integration into the European Union.
