Internships in Germany
- Students are placed throughout Northern and Southeastern Germany depending on language experience and major
- Internships last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks
- Housing may be with a host family or in an apartment
- Earn academic credit while gaining work experience while traveling Europe
Participation in an international internship allows students to experience the benefits of studying abroad while also gaining real-world professional work experience. Only a small percentage of students study abroad – and even fewer intern abroad - so participation in an internship overseas can give you the professional advantage you need to succeed by giving you in-demand global skills. The Germany Internships Program is sponsored by the Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures. Initially started as the Eutin Internship Program in 1998, interns are now placed with companies in several different locations across Germany.
Internships will begin in late May (exact date to be determined) and run for 6 weeks to 12 weeks (dependent upon location). Host companies typically provide housing or assist with arrangements, as well as provide a modest stipend to assist with day-to-day living expenses. Accommodations vary as housing may be with a host family or in an apartment.
Potential internships locations include the cities of Eutin in Northern Germany and the areas of Holzkirchen/Munich and Amberg/ Weiden, located in the Southeastern region of Germany. Past placements have been in the areas of business, engineering, architecture, and German language, however the program is open to all majors. Interested students are encouraged to contact Jim Morrison (jdmorr@ku.edu), the Faculty Director, to inquire about opportunities for majors outside of those listed above.
Students will enroll in GERM 453, a 1 credit independent study through the Department of Germanic Languages and Literature during the summer term. Students may opt to earn additional credit through the University Career Center’s EPSY 575/LA&S 490 Internship Exploration Course (1-5 credits) or through their academic department.
Participants with a minimum of at least 5 semesters of college-level German are also encouraged to enroll in GERM 462: German Business Environment (3 credits) during the Spring 2017 term.
Please note: there will be several mandatory meetings with the faculty director during the second half of the spring semester. All participants are required to attend.
Language Requirements
Language requirements vary by location. Students interning in Eutin must have at least four semesters of college-level German. Internships in other locations can be in English so no previous German language is required.
Eligibility
Preference will be given to juniors, seniors, and graduate students in good academic standing. A minimum 2.75 GPA is required (exceptions considered with the submission of a GPA petition). In addition to completing an application though the Office of Study Abroad, applicants must also meet with Jim Morrison, the faculty director, during the application process to discuss their goals for the internship experience, the placement process, and potential internship sites.
Tentative Application & Placement Timeline
Nov. 1 Application opens
Dec. 15 Application deadline
Dec.-Jan. Faculty Director works with German contacts to place students
Early March. Students receive placement details
Mid March Students submit financial contract, confirming participation in the program
Mid April Post acceptance forms due
Mid May Program fee and tuition due
Late May/Early June Internships begin (exact dates TBA)
Contact Information
Jim Morrison
Faculty Director
Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures
Wescoe Hall
1445 Jayhawk Boulevard
785-864-9173
jdmorr@ku.edu
