Tallinn 2026 - Global Internship Conference

Thank you

CIEE’s 14th Annual Global Internship Conference (GIC) was held in Tallinn, Estonia on June 10-12, 2026, bringing together educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to explore how immersive, digitally driven internships can equip students to lead in a world increasingly shaped by emerging technologies.

Day 1

Jun 10, 2026

Day 2

Jun 11, 2026

Day 3

Jun 12, 2026

9:00 am-11:30 am

Taltech/Iseauto

Internship Site Visit

During the visit, attendees will tour the site and hear from CIEE interns as well as industry partners about their organizations and the projects that interns can expect to work on.

12:00 pm-1:00 pm

Lunch – MEKK restaurant

1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Seville Room

Daria Sivovol

Nicole Hunter

Robby Block

Pre-Conference Workshop

Best practices and case studies shared will teach how to best deliver rewarding programs and minimize risks and challenges to help prepare students for future career opportunities.

Daria Sivovol

Nicole Hunter

Robby Block

5:30 pm-7:00 pm

Tallinn Ballroom

Opening Plenary: Wired for Impact: Immersive Learning in a Digital World

On this panel, leaders from diverse sectors – including government, higher education, industry – will offer their perspectives on Estonia’s innovation ecosystem, in the European context.

Phil Regier

Liisi Org

Karel Nappus

Kersti Kaljulaid

Petra Holm

7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Tallinn Foyer

Tech in Tallinn Networking Event

Explore Estonia’s digital economy through a showcase of leading Tallinn-based companies. Participants will have the opportunity to engage directly with company representatives, learn about innovative products and services, and gain insight into Estonia’s innovation ecosystem. This interactive session also highlights potential pathways for student internships, offering a unique chance to build connections and explore future collaboration opportunities. You’ll also have the chance to win a fun prize. Don’t miss this opportunity to set the stage for an inspiring and energetic conference ahead!

9:00 am-10:10 am

Tallinn Ballroom

Morning Plenary: A Legacy of Powerful Exchange Programs Between the US and Baltic Countries

This session spotlights the powerful partnerships at the heart of BAFF, highlighting the U.S.-based host organizations that provide transformative, hands-on opportunities for Baltic participants, and the alumni who carry those experiences forward.

Agnė Vaiciukevičiūtė

Paul Pedini

Jānis Kreics

Geysha Gonzalez

Carye Duffin

10:10 am-10:40 am

Coffee Break – Tallinn Foyer

10:50 am-12:00 pm

Copenhagen Room

Jen Mrowka

Jennifer Palange

Jüri Vlassov

Concurrent Session: AI Jam

Like many industries, the field of international education is using AI or experimenting with new AI‑enabled ways of working. In this session, co‑panelists will share examples of how AI is shaping their operations and strategic initiatives, with insight from Estonia’s digital‑first governance and innovation environment.

Jüri Vlassov

Jennifer Palange

Jen Mrowka

10:50 am-12:00 pm

Tallinn Ballroom

Gordana Nikolić

Laura Rumbley

Uwe Brandenburg

Concurrent Session: Study Abroad and Internship Trends Across Europe

This session will explore how cross-border internships can help young people understand and address three global trends that will shape their lifespan for the foreseeable future.

Laura Rumbley

Gordana Nikolić

Uwe Brandenburg

10:50 am-12:00 pm

Seville Room

Concurrent Session: The Global Internship Index

This session will not only spark dialogue around quality and equity in experiential learning but also lay the foundation for a global benchmarking tool that supports innovation and accountability in the internship ecosystem.

Frank Ziegele

Ben Wildavsky

Cary Nathenson

Leah Mason

12:00 pm-1:15 pm

Lunch – MEKK restaurant

1:30 pm-2:40 pm

Tallinn Ballroom

Frank Ziegele

Katre Eljas

Maria Sakarias

GIC Talks

Three experts will each share a thought-provoking idea related to a critical trend that will shape the future of work and global experiential learning.

Frank Ziegele

Maria Sakarias

Katre Eljas

2:40 pm-3:00 pm

Coffee Break – Tallinn Foyer

3:00 pm-3:40 pm

Tallinn Ballroom

Leading Change in Global Internships Partner Awards

Partner Awards will recognize innovative employers, university partners, and alums around the world that are committed to supporting student engagement in high-quality internships and skills-based experiential learning.

3:45 pm-4:15 pm

Tallinn Ballroom

Evelyn Müürsepp

Marit Kannelmäe-Geerts

Patrick Moran

Toivo Tänavsuu

CIEE Community Impact Initiative Panel Discussion

Learn more about how CIEE’s Community Impact Initiative provides Tallinn students with the opportunity to contribute to their host communities in meaningful ways that address specific local needs. You’ll also hear from community organizations that embraced Estonia’s start-up culture to set the stage for their success.

Toivo Tänavsuu

Evelyn Müürsepp

Patrick Moran

Marit Kannelmäe-Geerts

5:00 pm-6:00 pm

Walking Tour

6:00 pm-8:30 pm

Fotografiska Rooftop Restaurant

Off-site Reception

Join us for an evening reception at Fotografiska Tallinn's rooftop terrace offering stunning views of the Old City. A bold leader in Estonia’s sustainable food scene and a Michelin Green Star recipient for four consecutive years, Fotografiska provides the perfect setting to connect, unwind, and enjoy thoughtfully crafted cuisine in an inspiring cultural space.

9:30 am-10:40 am

Tallinn Ballroom

Closing Plenary: The Baltic Blueprint

This closing plenary explores the impact of innovative models like multi-country internships, cross-border study programs, and regional mobility frameworks.

Iveta Silova

Rick A. Ruth

Ingrid Pappel

Getlyn Nuut

Doug Lederman

10:40 am-11:00 am

Coffee Break – Tallinn Foyer

11:00 am-12:10 pm

Tallinn Ballroom

Expanding Access to Internships

This panel highlights how CIEE turned partner and student feedback into action through a $1 million commitment to leading change in global internships. Students and staff share firsthand perspectives on...

Patrick Moran

Samantha Michel

Mya Lillemoen

Michayla George

12:15 pm-1:15 pm

Lunch – MEKK restaurant

1:45 pm-3:00 pm

CIEE Tallinn Center

CIEE Tallinn Open House

Campus tour and CIEE office visit.