Join WISE and you will be Wiser!

Be part of the Western Balkans Internship Scheme 2026
Apply as Young Professional
Apply as Host Entity (Business & NGOs)

Join WISE and you will be Wiser!

Be part of the Western Balkans Internship Scheme 2026
Apply as Young Professional
Apply as Host Entity (Business & NGOs)

What is WISE?

The Western Balkans Young Professionals Internship Scheme for Empowerment (WISE) is a transformative initiative implemented by the Young Professionals Network (YPN) with the generous support of the German Foreign Office. Designed to invest empower young professionals and foster regional economic cooperation, WISE addresses critical challenges such as unemployment, human capital development, skills gaps, economic cooperation and limited workforce mobility in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia while aligning with important agendas for the region such as the Common Regional Market, the Berlin Process and the EU Single Market. 

This internship scheme is taking place for the very first time in the region, integrates skills development, workforce mobility and regional economic cooperation to prepare the next generation of leaders. Through three-month internships in top businesses and NGOs, WISE provides 12 participants with hands-on experience in fields such as technology, communication, green jobs, and civic engagement. These internships are paired with structured mentoring, training, and networking opportunities. 

Our Objectives:

Networking

Build a network of young professionals dedicated to innovation and collaboration. 

Mobility

Increase the mobility of young professionals by providing them with opportunity to travel, work and live in the Western Balkans region 

Cooperation

Strengthen regional economic cooperation by engaging businesses and institutions across the region. 

Skills

Align skills development with labour market demands, enhancing youth employability. 

Innovation

Contributes to broader regional agendas, such as the Common Regional Market, the Berlin Process, and EU Integration, while fostering a culture of shared progress and innovation

Why WISE is for You?

Whether you are a young professional looking to grow or an organization/business ready to host talent, discover why WISE is the right opportunity for you. 

For Young Professionals 

Whether you are a young professional looking to grow or an organization / business ready to host talent, discover why WISE is the right opportunity for you. WISE offers young professionals aged 20–30 a unique opportunity to launch their careers through a three-month internship in the Western Balkans while all costs covered. 

Working Experience

Gain hands-on experience by working in leading businesses and NGOs in fields like technology, sustainability, and civic engagement.

Soft Skills

Boost your soft skills by receiving a 4-day training in leadership, workplace ethics, and intercultural communication, which will take place in Albania prior to the internships.

Travel

Live and work in a new country, gaining regional experience and adaptability.

Network

Build a strong network, boost employability, and earn a professional certification.

Paid Internship

Fully supported internships: All costs related to internships including monthly stipends and travel, are covered.

Join WISE to unlock your potential and shape your future as a leader in the Western Balkans! 

Apply as Young Professional

For Host Entities (Business & NGOs)

WISE offers young professionals aged 22–30 a unique opportunity to launch their careers through a three-month internship in the Western Balkans while all costs covered. 

Top Talents

Gain access to top talents of the region, highly motivated and skilled young professionals.

Social Responsibility​

Enhance your reputation as a CHAMPION of youth empowerment and regional development while strengthening your corporate social responsibility.

Network

Build a stronger network and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic progress of the Western Balkans.

Regional Development​

Receive information about important regional developments and their impact on possible business expansion.

Join WISE and grow your workforce across the region! 

Apply as Host Entity (Business & NGOs)

WISE IN NUMBERS

6

Countries

12

Participants

3
Months

Interships

3
Mins

Average Answer Time

Can i apply?

Eligibility criteria

To participate in the WISE internship scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age:
    Be between 20 and 30 years’ old
  • Education:
    Hold at least a Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred). Final-year Bachelor's students or recent graduates pending official diploma issuance are also eligible, provided they submit an official document confirming completion or expected completion of their studies.
  • Being a citizen of one of the six countries of the Western Balkans
  • Experience:
    Have a minimum of two years of professional experience or relevant achievements in internships, community engagement, or leadership initiatives
  • Language skills:
    Fluent in English. All the internships selection procedure and internships will take place in English.
  • Have a strong character with honesty, motivation, and the ability to manage yourself and work on your own.
  • Provide a strong personal statement that aligns with WISE's goals and demonstrates openness to learning about the region.

How WISE Works: Step-by-step process

This is the journey you’ll take through WISE: 

A. Application & Selection

1.Submit your application online, including a CV, recommendation letter, academic credentials, and a personal statement.

Application period: start April 16th and end May 4th. 

2.The process includes three rounds: 

  • Screening:

We review your application to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. | Timeline: May 5th – May 10th

  • Interviews:

Shortlisted candidates will have interviews to discuss their skills, goals, and motivation for joining WISE. | Timeline: May 11th – May 13th

  • Matching:

Successful candidates are paired with host entities that best fit their interests and skills. Timeline: May 2026

3.Notification of results will be sent after the pair with host entity in May. Selected candidates are informed and provided with further instructions for the next steps. 

4.Using AI tools like ChatGPT is prohibited. All answers must be original, and plagiarism or fraud will lead to disqualification. Applicants must confirm compliance in the application form. 

  • Selected fellows will participate in a two-day online capacity building program prior to their departure. Sessions will cover key topics including regional cooperation, workplace culture, and usage of Linkedln and other relevant aspects for the internship experience. 
  • A pre-assessment session to help set goals for personal and professional growth. 
  • Interns are matched with host entities, such as businesses and NGOs across the Western Balkans, by focusing on the compatibility of thematic areas between young professionals and host entities rather than on location. – Placements are tailored to provide a meaningful and impactful experience.
  • If you have a specific entity in mind within the region where you would like to complete your internship, please feel free to suggest it in your application, as this may be taken into consideration during the partner selection process. Please note that final placements are subject to the overall matching process and various other factors. 
  • YPN team will guide interns throughout the program, with regular check-ins to ensure progress and address challenges. 
  • Fellows will receive a monthly stipend ranging from 600 EUR to 750 EUR, determined based on the average between the minimum and average wages of the host country, as calculated by YPN’s financial team. 
  • The stipend is intended to cover accommodation, local transportation, and personal expenses. 
  • A travel allowance will also be provided to support fellows’ travel to and from the host country. 

A mid-program networking event helps interns share experiences, connect with peers, and foster regional collaboration. 

  • Upon successful completion, interns receive a professional certification. 
  • They join YPN network, gaining access to ongoing career opportunities and regional collaborations. 

Proceed to the application

For questions, inquiries or assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at network@ypn.al

Cick here to start the application

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