Short-Term Opportunities in German-Speaking Countries

Study Abroad Internships and Service Learning
Short-Term Opportunities

Study Abroad Internships and Service Learning

Some study abroad programs also include internship or volunteer opportunities. This is one of the easiest ways to work in a German-speaking country. The best place to find a list of such programs is in the Institute of International Education (IIE) study abroad books at U-M International Center, Education Abroad Office. These books are also on the web site which allows you to search under criteria such “Germany” and “internship” to bring up programs meeting both.

When considering a study-internship program, you'll want to ask the program if the internship is an optional add-on (participation in which is not guaranteed) or if every participant will be given an internship or service-learning placement. Also, find out how much time is dedicated to the internship: a few hours a week, half time (twenty hours per week) or full time.

Some examples of programs offering study-internship programs in Germany are:

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) sponsors a number of study and internship programs in Germany in fields ranging from music performance to European politics to the environment. Visit their web site for reputable programs.

Studienforum Berlin combines 4 weeks of language instruction with an 8-week internship in all professional fields:

Lexia International, a well-established study-abroad company runs a program in Berlin including academic instruction and work on a field research project focusing on German social issues.

The following institutions offer study abroad programs combined with volunteer projects:

Goshen College Study-Service Term: A well-established program based in Jena offering courses in German language and politics, followed by volunteering a variety of fields.
Central College Service-Learning and Internships: A program in Vienna offering volunteer and internship opportunities at businesses, non-profits, international organizations, and schools.

Short-Term Work Abroad

Short-Term Jobs (up to 6 months)

CDS International U-M on-campus representative: U-M Department Germanic Languages & Literature 734.615.8018	CDS offers many internship programs in Germany, in most fields for undergraduates, graduates, and professionals. CDS can also help individuals obtain work permits for Germany and Switzerland once they have secured a position.
Interexchange	Au Pair placements in Germany for 6-12 months. Apply 3 months prior to desired starting date. There are application and placement fees. Positions are for 6-12 months, monthly stipend, and 4 weeks of paid vacation. 30 hours of work/week are required. At least basic knowledge of the German language is required.
International Cooperative Education Program	Paid internships & work abroad placements. Paid, carefully-matched placements in the summer (2-4 months) in Germany and Switzerland. This is well-structured program with placement-related assignments. Work abroad positions in retail, hotels/restaurants, hospitals, banks, au pair. Internships in business and engineering. At least one year college German required; more for advanced positions. There is an application fee and a participation fee if you accept a placement. Apply many months in advance; for summer positions, best to apply before February.
U.S. Experiment in International Living / World Learning Inc.	Group Leader, 3-5 week cultural immersion programs for high school students in Europe starting in June. Minimum age 23, Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Experience required working with high school students in leadership positions and experience in the countries where they have programs. All transportation and program costs paid, health insurance, and weekly honorarium. Application deadline for the summer is in February. You need 4 references as to your experiences as a leader and abroad.

Short-Term Volunteer Projects (Workcamps)

A long-established and popular tradition in Europe, volunteer projects known as workcamps “pay” only room and board, but they provide opportunities which are otherwise not available. Literally hundreds are available, located in nearly all European countries (vast offerings in German-speaking countries), as well as a few in Africa and Asia. You can work for social causes--unlikely as a paid job. And workcamps are group experiences, often with nearly every participant coming from a different country.

Workcamps last two to four weeks in the summer. The best time to apply is in March when you'll have the greatest choice; by the end of June most places are filled. Student status not required. You can register for workcamps through several U.S.-based organizations listed below:

Service Civil International-International Voluntary Service(SCI-IVS)	A smaller association which offers unusual projects, typically with socially-conscious themes. Fees are usually low.
Volunteers for Peace	Over 3000 projects offered in more than 100 countries. Fees are low.

Short-Term Internships (up to 6 months)

AIESEC	Paid business-related internships (you do not need to be in the Business School). AIESEC (from the French acronym for the International Association of Students in Economic & Business Management) is an international student-run organization which offers approximately 5,000 paid internships each year in business and other fields in over 80 countries. Site has links to chapters worldwide. Note that application for AIESEC internships is possible only through campus chapters. You normally need to be active with AIESEC to be eligible for these internships.
CDS International U-M on-campus representative: U-M Department Germanic Languages & Literature	CDS Summer Internship Program: 3 month program. Open to college students wanting practical work experience. CDS provides arrangement of work permit, orientation in Germany. Must have knowledge of German. Must find own job and accommodations. Be a U.S. citizen and no older than 29 years of age. Application fee is due in the beginning of February. CDS Internship Program: 6-18 months. Practical training for college seniors and recent graduates. CDS assists in locating and arranging a suitable position, arranges work and residence permits, provides orientation in Germany. Participant must have knowledge of German, some related work experience in a business or technical field, be a U.S. Citizen. Participant is responsible for finding housing after one month language course in Cologne, and for transportation costs. Internships are paid and limited numbers of stipends are available. Application fee and materials should be submitted 5 months before departure.
CDS Émigré Memorial German Internship Program.	This program provides internship opportunities for U.S. and Canadian students to complete one- to three-month internships with German state parliaments and ministries during the fall or spring semesters.
EMGIP-Bundestag (DAAD)	Program offers 2-month internships in the National German Parliament.
Educational Programs Abroad	Tuition-charging internships in Bonn, Cologne, and Berlin in various fields; Communication, Government, Law Theatre, Business and Social Service. 14 week program begins every September and January. Housing is with centrally-located German families. Intensive language course at beginning of each program. All students also enroll in 2 academic courses. Program charges tuition; academic credit possible.
International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)	Paid internships for students of engineering and sciences. Apply by early December. IAESTE can also assist with work permits if you have a job offer. For juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Non-citizens accepted. U-M on-campus chapter.
United States Department of State, Student Intern Program	Student Intern Program (in U.S. embassies abroad or in Washington, D.C.). Objective is to gain firsthand knowledge of American foreign affairs. Interns will be performing research, report writing, correspondence, information systems, and analysis of international issues. Most intern positions are unpaid and in Washington D.C., some overseas positions are available (also unpaid). Unpaid interns are responsible for all costs (housing, food, etc.). Participant must be a continuing student (either junior, senior or graduate student), and must also be a U.S. citizen. Application deadline for Summer - November 1; for Fall - March 1; Spring - July 1. Applications and catalogs are available at U-M International Center or from the U.S. Department of State's web site.

Last reviewed: 1/09