Harvard University Student Awarded Douglass-O’Connell Global Internship

Harvard University sophomore Michelle Chung has been selected for the 2026 Frederick Douglass–Daniel O’Connell Global Internship through CIEE. Chung will join a distinguished cohort of 14 students for the eight-week program in Dublin, Ireland.

Co-sponsored by CIEE, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN), and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, the Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program honors two iconic leaders in the global movement for freedom, equality, social justice, and economic mobility by preparing young professionals for future and career success.

More than 500 students applied from hundreds of institutions of higher education, including Ivy League schools, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), private colleges, and flagship public universities. The 2026 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns are featured in this video.

Chung is one of 14 high-achieving students selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants based on their demonstrated interest in gaining practical work experience in Ireland; their desire to emulate the business acumen and social justice reform of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell; their values in equality, entrepreneurship, and advocacy; and their commitment to pursuing a better, more inclusive world.

A Philosophy major, Chung was chosen for her academic distinction and leadership promise.

“Both Daniel O’Connell and Frederick Douglass understood that power begins with voice — being heard is not something you are granted, but something you must claim,” Chung said. “They inspire me through their use of dialogue, persuasion, and moral clarity to advocate for others.”

During the program, students will intern with Ireland-based companies, attend lectures on Irish history and culture, and participate in extracurricular and networking activities in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast. Students choose from dozens of internship placement opportunities, including roles in media, technology, transportation, and human rights advocacy. Each student receives an internship placement, academic lectures, housing, airfare, and a living stipend.

“The Douglass-O'Connell program introduces a new generation of young leaders to today's diverse and vibrant Ireland," said James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE. "It's a privilege to partner with AAIDN, Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs, and the John & Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation to help increase diversity abroad as we also help unite the diverse and global Irish diaspora." 

“Congressman Lewis believed in the power of young people to advance justice and build the beloved community,” said Michael Collins, Chair of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “We are proud to support four exceptional students in this year’s program. By expanding their global perspectives and leadership skills in Ireland, this experience helps equip the next generation to carry forward Congressman Lewis’ legacy of creating ‘Good Trouble’ and making the world a better place.”

“The Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program builds inclusive bridges of understanding and opportunity between Ireland and America,” said Dennis Brownlee, Founder and President of the African American Irish Diaspora Network. “We are pleased to again support this transformative program.”

To help expand access to international opportunities, all eligible applicants who were not selected as one of the 2026 Douglass-O’Connell Global Interns in Ireland will receive a $1,500 Douglass-O’Connell Scholars Grant, which may be applied toward any of CIEE’s 200+ summer or semester study abroad programs through summer 2027.

For more information about CIEE’s Frederick Douglass–Daniel O’Connell Global Internship in Ireland, visit ciee.org/fddo.