The?European Union Delegation to China clarified Friday that internships to work with the European Commission in Brussels are genuine and open to young people all over the world, including China.

Confusion and misunderstandings about the program grew on social media for days after the news of the internship was released.

Details of the internships are available on the website http://ec.europa.eu/stages/index_en.htm.

The paid, five-month internships are with the European Commission, executive bodies and agencies of European institutions such as the European External Action Service or Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation. There are 1,400 internships available a year and they start on either March 1 or Oct 1.

The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union.

The EU Delegation says the program demonstrates the openness and transparency of the EU and provides a great opportunity for young, interested candidates from all over the world to get to know the EU and its institutions in more depth, as well as work in a diverse and multicultural environment. The delegation also said the program provides a great opportunity for closer people-to-people contacts between the EU and China.

As noted on the website, the traineeship program is open to university graduates who have a bachelor's degree, and a very good knowledge of English, French or German. Nationals of EU countries must also have a very good knowledge of a second EU official language.

Anyone interested should visit the website for more details.

chenyingqun@chinadaily.com.cn