Short Term Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in German Speaking Countries

Some study abroad programs also include internship or volunteer opportunities. Some programs may offer internships as an optional add on—opportunities are not guaranteed—and others ensure that every participant will be given an internship/service learning placement. Hours of internship work vary by jobs and programs.

Below are recommended programs offering study-internship/volunteer opportunities categorized by location. Search the GoAbroad.com database for more specific program opportunities.

Search M-Compass for U-M sponsored study opportunities in Germany-speaking countries

Internship Programs

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

Volunteer Programs

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

  • Central College Service-Learning and Internships
  • A program in Vienna offering volunteer and internship opportunities at businesses, non-profits, international organizations, and schools
  • Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) (Berlin, Freiburg, Vienna)Vienna Overview

Short Term Internships (Up to 6 Months)

  • AIESEC
  • AIESEC is a worldwide student-run organization that generates over 6,000 paid internships each year in nearly 90 countries. Internships range from those with a business or technical focus to teaching English. There’s a fee that includes placement, visa costs and a preparation program before going abroad. To apply U-M students should contact the U-M AIESEC chapter. Lengths of internships vary. Placements are open to continuing students & those who will be graduating.
  • Cultural Vistas

    U-M on-campus representative: U-M Department Germanic Languages & Literature

    Cultural Vistas Summer Internship Program for University of Michigan Students: 3 month program. Open to U-M students seeking an internship over their summer break. Cultural Vistas provides an internship placement, arrangement of work permit, orientation in Germany, and housing assistance. Must have knowledge of German. No citizenship requirement, but participants must be between the ages of 18-30. Participants must be enrolled at U-M before, during, and after completing the internship. Application deadline is December 2nd.

    Cultural Vistas Internship Program: 3-12 months. 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 or Non-U.S. enrolled at an accredited U.S. college or university. Participant is responsible for finding housing and for transportation costs. Most internships are paid and limited numbers of stipends are available. Application fee and materials should be submitted 5 months before departure.

  • DAAD RISE (Research Internships in Science & Engineering)
    Summer internship program for undergraduate students in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences and engineering. It offers opportunities for undergraduate students to work with research groups at universities and top research institutions across Germany for a period of 2 to 3 months during the summer. Graduating seniors and graduate students are eligible for RISE Professional.
  • EMGIP-Bundestag (DAAD)
    Program offers 2-month internships in the National German Parliament.
  • RWTH Aachen UROP International
    UROP International provides undergraduate students with opportunities to conduct research programs at RWTH Aachen University for around two months over the summer. The majority of the projects are in the fields of science and engineering, as mathematics, architecture, and the social sciences.