Internships Overview

If you are interested in an internship in Germany, we suggest that you first take a look how you can best prepare for them.

Create a folder which contains the following information and documents:

• make a list of fellowship or internship programs you might be interested in, and make a note of their annual application dates
• decide upon the people whom you would like to ask for letters of recommendations; make a list of their names, including titles, position, employer, current address, telephone, fax, and email addresses (Tip: Always give these people at least 4 weeks advance notice that you would like them to write a letter of recommendation for you. If you wait until the last minute, not only do you give the impression that you are not well-organized, you also give the impression that your interest in the program was a last-minute decision. As a result, the letter of recommendation might not be as strong and forceful as it could have been, and that might impact whether or not you receive the fellowship.)
• always have several current official transcripts on file
• always have a number of passport-size photos on hand (sometimes one application alone may require four photos)
• make copies of any "Scheine" from courses you took and keep them readily available (sometimes you may be asked to submit them)
• keep several copies of your resume on file, including a "Lebenslauf" in German
• since those who ultimately will make the decision about your acceptance are interested in learning about you, what you have done in the past, what your plans for the future are, and why they should invest thousands of Euros to support you, it's never too early to being writing down thoughts which focus on these questions.
• if the application process involves an oral interview, ask a friend or instructor to participate in a mock interview with you; if the interview will be in German, you can prepare for it by looking up vocabulary and phrases needed to leave the impression that 1) you took the time to be well-prepared, and 2) you have taken the time to reflect upon who you are, what your career goals are, and how you hope to fulfill them.

If you are searching for advantages for your resume and future job applications, a vocational orientated internship in a company or an institution is indispensable. It is recommended to get to know the later professional field before you start your university studies with an "orientation internship". During their studies many students use their vacation period or an extra semester for an internship to apply their theoretically knowledge and experiences in the practice. If the place for the traineeship is well chosen, the trainee has a good chance to emerge as a competent and demanded employee. It is also a good time to establish valuable contacts, which can be important to future prospects. If you plan an internship in Germany you should keep in mind the following:

Contact mediators:

the following institutions will provide contacts and give advice regarding internships in Germany:

• consultancies at the universities
• AIESEC-Germany
• Association for International Practical Training (AIPT)
• Bundestag Internship Program
• Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft
• CDS International (Carl Duisberg Society Internatl.)
• Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program
• Council on International Educational Exchange
• CDS International
• DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Auslandsdienst - German Academic Exchange Service)
• Friedrich Ebert Stiftung
• German American Academic Council
• German-American Exchange Programs
• German American Partnership Program (GAAP)
• German International Programs
• Internabroad.com
• One-to-one-international.com
• Transatlantischer Jugendaustausch
• Youth For Understanding

Know what is important for a successful traineeship:

• Aim description: Duration of the traineeship, task and type of the traineeship, schedule, selection of relevant companies and institutions
• Application documents: prepare resume and cover letter. Describe why, when, what, and how long. Be as detailed as possible
• Conditions: evaluate what is necessary for the acceptance of your university. This is also important for a qualified internship certificate by the company

  Contact companies: Larger companies have a lot of experience with trainees and they often pay a salary during the internship ;-). Here are the 50 biggest companies in Germany.

  Preparation for the interview:

  This probably won't be as intense as an interview for a full-time job but it is advisable to prepare for it as well. The following questions may be of help:

  • Will there be a training schedule or a document about the aim and process of the traineeship?
  • Is there a coach for the entire traineeship?
  • Is there a fixed workplace with a PC?
  • Is it possible to transfer to a certain professional task or project after the instructional period?
  • Is a qualified testimonial issued at the end of the traineeship?
  • Is it possible to adopt projects after the internship or to proceed with a practice relevant to a master's thesis?

  Increase success and efficiency with alternative ways: combine a "German course with an internship in Germany". For further information visit:

  Resource 1
  Resource 2