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Traineeships at the ECML


General information and FAQ

Sylvie Brunelle
Administrative
Secretarial Assistant

Working conditions

The ECML is centrally located five-minutes walking distance from the heart of Graz. The large open-plan offices are well equipped helping to create an informal and friendly working environment. In terms of hours spent at the ECML - a working week consists of 38 hours and 45 minutes which means you will have time to explore what Graz and the surrounding regions or even countries have to offer!

Leave

The trainees are entitled to 2 days leave per month, which means a total of 12 days for the six-month period. It is possible to take more than 2 days at a time although leave should be scheduled taking into account work commitments in consultation with the relevant colleague.

Accommodation

Information on this area is currently being updated.

Michael Armstrong
Head of Administration

Formalities

The selected trainees receive a formal letter of acceptance from the ECML informing them about the duration and the conditions of the internship. Normally, this letter is sufficient for nationalities, requiring a visa to enter Austria. In case of problems regarding the visa, the ECML can directly intervene with the relevant Austrian embassy.

Since 1 January 2006, trainees who are not citizens of the European Union must obtain a residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) from the relevant Austrian embassy. If a trainee intends to stay more than 6 months (i.e. beyond the duration of his/her traineeship at the ECML), he/she can obtain the necessary permit only from the Styrian government after his/her arrival in Graz. In all cases, the purpose of the stay corresponds to a special case of employment from the law on the employment of foreigners. The ECML will assist you in the submission of the application.

Right after the arrival in Graz it is necessary to "declare" the length of your stay in Austria to the local authorities. For this purpose the trainees must fill out the Meldezettel form that the ECML will provide. The Meldezettel must be signed by the keeper of the residence where the trainees stay.


Allowance 

The trainees receive a subsistence allowance of about € 765 per month. This amount is reduced upon a pro rata basis for the first and/or last month of the traineeship in case the trainee officially begins later than the first day of the month and/or ends the traineeship before the last day. The allowance is paid by the Council of Europe at the end of every month, so if the trainee starts work on July 1st, the payment will not arrive until July 31st. This can be a problem at the beginning of the stay as a deposit and an advance payment are often required for the accommodation; the Centre offers financial support so that newcomers do not get into financial problems because of their internship.

Travel costs to and from the ECML are not covered by the Centre.

Most trainees find it convenient to open a student account at a local bank in Graz. A valid passport, a student card and the Meldezettel are the only documents required for this purpose.


Insurance

Each month an amount of approximately € 20 is deducted from the allowance of the trainees to cover the insurance costs during their stay. This insurance covers medical expenses during the traineeship. The Centre will provide you with more detailed information on health insurance after your arrival.

Frequently asked questions

What qualities are expected of trainees?

In order to qualify for a traineeship at the ECML, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and have a very good command of at least one of the Council of Europe’s working languages (English or French) though knowledge of both is an obvious asset and might make the difference in order to get selected. Trainees must be flexible, well organised and capable of working in an international team. Other requirements depend on the work area.

Who is eligible to apply?

Your application will only be considered if you belong to or study in one of our member states (see list of member states).

How long do traineeships last?

Traineeships run for a period of 6 months, twice a year, from April to September and from October to March.

Is it possible to do an internship for a shorter period?

Generally this is not possible, except in special circumstances for example to support an exceptional event like a major conference.

What will my working hours be like?

Trainees work a total of 38 hours 45 minutes per week and are entitled to 12 days leave during the 6 month period, excluding public holidays. Working hours are flexible, but there are core hours which are to be observed; that is, all employees must be present between 09.00 and 12.00 and between 14.30 and 16.30.

Can I apply for more than one traineeship?

When you submit your application you specify which traineeship you are applying for and which is your second choice. When deciding which to apply for, consider your strengths and personal interests.

What will I be required to do as a trainee?

The work of the trainees depends on the work of the centre during the particular traineeship period, and, of course, on the traineeship undertaken. If there are specific questions that cannot be answered by our website, feel free to contact our current trainees.

Are the traineeships paid?

Trainees receive a subsistence allowance of approximately €765 per month, which is transferred by the Council of Europe at the end of each month.  From this, a deduction of approximately € 25 is made each month from the trainees allowance to cover the costs of insurance during the stay.

No contribution is made by the ECML towards travel costs from the trainee's home country to and from Graz.

Do I have to be able to speak German in order to qualify for a traineeship?

It is not essential for you to speak German, however as the centre is located in a German speaking country, some knowledge of the language is definitely an asset. The centre will guide you in finding a language course if you decide to start learning German.

Where is the centre situated?

The ECML is right in the centre of Graz. This gives you a wide choice of restaurants and bars to occasionnally eat out for lunch or just to have a coffee during the break. For your daily use, the ECML has a fully equiped kitchen where you can heat up your lunch,  

How is life in Graz?

Every day offers a wide range of events, from interesting talks and readings to live music, opera and theatre performances (including a number of free events at the famous University of Music and performing arts). Graz is connected - to all lines. Although the best way to discover the city is on foot or by bike, the well developed public transport network offers a great deal of flexibility.


If you are into sports, Graz’s parks and forests provide a unique space for running or hiking. Since the city is surrounded by mountains, there are many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing or climbing. Graz is definitely a city to be explored. To find out more about Graz, click here.

Does the centre organise accommodation?

Although the centre does not provide accommodation for the trainees, it does have an agreement with a student residence in Graz where the majority of the trainees stay. The centre makes a reservation for 4 rooms during the whole year. To find out more see the information section of this website.

How much does the accommodation cost?

A room at the student residence is currently 355€/month which leaves you with 365€ for transport, insurance (25€) and food. There is a kitchen at the ECML so you can bring your food and eat here. We are also allowed to use the rooftop terrace of the building, where you can have lunch while enjoying a stunning view. Usually ECML trainees even manage to travel if they plan ahead to get good deals.

Any other questions?

Please contact us here.