The internship program for international students in Germany is a great way for you to gain valuable work experience and make friends.
Internships in Germany are usually unpaid, but you will still be able to live in a beautiful city like Munich or Berlin. You can also apply for an internship at the European Space Agency if you’re interested in science and technology.
There are numerous companies in Germany that offer internships for international students, including Volkswagen, BMW, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz. Some universities also offer internships for their students where they can learn about business culture and how to communicate with people from different countries.
If you want to get a job in Germany after your internship, it is important that you speak German fluently before starting the program so that your boss or supervisor can understand what you say clearly without having any problems understanding it themselves!
Internship For International Students In Germany
When looking for an internship abroad, there are a lot of things to consider. What are the main industries in your chosen country? What kind of work experience can you expect to gain? Will you get college credit? And perhaps most importantly, can you afford it? While it’s true that in many cases you actually have to pay to intern abroad, don’t let that stop you!
Germany is an affordable choice that allows interns to gain professional skills while also offering low-cost housing options, delicious and cheap street food, and more museums and castles than you can ever hope to visit in a lifetime. With a strong economy and a recognized business and tech scene, low cost internships in Germany for English speakers are worth a serious look.
Our roundup for low cost internships in Germany in 2018-2019
Interning doesn’t have to be expensive! Germany is surprisingly affordable compared to other European destinations, and Berlin has a reputation as one of the cheapest capitals in Western Europe. If you want hands-on work experience without the huge price tag, internships in Germany for international students are the perfect solution!
Affordable internships in Germany summer 2018-2019
Want to spend the summer abroad but aren’t sure how to swing it financially? Luckily there are plenty of low cost internships in Germany. Summer 2018-2019 is a great time to experience German culture, and it’s not too late to apply. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Spend your summer break in Berlin while interning in one of Europe’s most exciting capital cities. Whether you’re studying marketing, tourism, or business, internships in Germany summer 2018-2019 are a great way to add some shine to your resume. Interns must have completed at least two semesters of college-level German to participate, and all internships take place in German. You’ll also earn college credit for your internship, making the program fee that much more affordable.
- Location: Berlin
- Rough program cost: $5,000 for a summer internship plus academic credit
- More info: Read IES Internships reviews
2. Linguistic Horizons Custom Internships
If you’re looking for internships in Germany for English speakers, a summer placement with Linguistic Horizons is a great option. While having some knowledge of German is useful, it’s not required for a placement. Keep in mind that the program fee includes helping you secure an internship, but you’ll be responsible for all costs associated with lodging, meals, and transportation, so it’s best to arrive with some savings in your account.
- Location: Various cities
- Rough program cost: $2,000 for an eight week internship placement
- More info: Read Linguistic Horizons reviews
Budget-friendly environmental internships in Germany
In some ways, Germany is a world leader when it comes to the environment. The country has one of the highest rates of recycling in the world, and interning there will teach you everything you ever needed to know about sorting your trash. That said, Germany still has a long way to go toward reaching other environmental goals. If you’re interested in environmental internships, Germany has a lot to offer, from non-profit positions to jobs helping craft environmental policy.
3. Environmental Policy Internship with ELI Abroad
For interns intent on making a difference, this internship in western Germany is just the ticket. Located in a small town, the intern will work closely with a federally-funded climate manager on projects such as launching special campaigns, establishing energy guidelines, and monitoring existing programs. Knowledge of German isn’t required but a background in climate change issues or environmental science is helpful. Your placement with a German host family will help you fine tune your language skills while also getting a taste for regional cuisine. If you’re brave, ask to try the Saumagen (pig stomach)!
- Location: Enkenbach-Alsenborn
- Rough program cost: $1,200 for a two week internship, up to $3,400 for a 12 week internship
- More info: Read ELI Abroad reviews
4. Internships with Studienforum
Interns who want to study environmental issues in Berlin should check out Studienforum, an organization that arranges your internship based on your academic and personal interests. Internships last a minimum of eight weeks and proof of German proficiency is required as part of the application process. All interns attend an orientation introducing them to life in Berlin and have the option to participate in day or weekend trips to other parts of Germany for an additional fee. For interns who need to brush up on German skills before participating, a four-week language course can be added on to the program prior to starting the internship.
- Location: Berlin
- Rough program cost: $3,600 for an eight week internship program
- More info: Read Studienforum reviews
5. Dresden Internship Program through Boston University Study Abroad
This semester-long internship program is perfect for students looking for environmental internships. Germany is a popular study abroad destination, and this program combines study abroad and interning to ensure students get a well-rounded cultural, linguistic, and professional experience. While the cost of this program doesn’t appear to fall into the low-cost category at first glance, most students should be able to apply existing college financial aid or scholarships toward the program fee. Also included is one semester of course credit and accommodation.
- Location: Dresden
- Rough program cost: $33,000 for a one-semester internship plus tuition
- More info: Read Boston University Study Abroad reviews
Low-cost engineering internships in Germany
For an engineering major, there are plenty of options for low cost internships in Germany. The country is known for training detail-oriented and experienced engineers, and there are plenty of educational opportunities for locals and international students alike. While you can always try for a coveted Volkswagen internship, there are many other well-known companies offering a variety of engineering internships in Germany.
6. Germany Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) RISE Professional
The Research Internships for Science and Engineering (RISE) program is sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office and allows graduate students to complete engineering internships in Germany. All internships are three months long and must take place in the summer or fall term. Interns should submit an application indicating which specific projects they are interested in, and those who are chosen receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses.
- Location: Various cities
- Rough program cost: Students receive a small monthly stipend
- More info: Read more about the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Looking for internships in Germany for English speakers? This internship program is for engineering students as well as those studying other disciplines, and no foreign language skills are required. Interns receive college credit while they complete their eight-week, full-time internship in Berlin, learning about German professionalism while also exploring the city and its many storied landmarks. Housing is arranged by CIEE in on-campus dormitories, but you’re on your own for meals. Just keep in mind: doner kebabs are delicious in moderation, but make sure you throw in some veggies from time to time!
- Location: Berlin
- Rough program cost: $13,000 for a one-semester internship plus tuition
- More info: Read CIEE reviews
Paid internships in Germany
Ahh, the holy grail: paid internships. Germany offers a fair amount of paid internships, but you do need to know where to look. Many internships are sponsored by the German government directly or indirectly via subsidies to German companies. Either way, this means more money in your pocket and extra lines on your resume!
8. Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX)
This competitive internship program offers Americans between the age of 18 and 24 the chance to spend one year studying and interning in Germany. Only 75 applicants are selected each year, and the chosen few spend two months doing intensive language training, four months engaging in academic study, and five months interning with a company in their field. Interns don’t choose where they will go, so if you apply, keep an open mind. This program isn’t just about learning professional skills, but also gaining an appreciation for the German culture and way of life.
- Location: Various cities
- Rough program cost: This program is a funded fellowship that covers all costs.
- More info: Read CBYX reviews
The chance to intern in the German Parliament is a dream come true for many political science, law, and international relations students. This program allows students to do just that, spending two months working within the German administration as well as learning about legislative procedures. Applicants must be fluent in German, be knowledgeable about the German legislative process, and be able to clearly articulate how the experience will further their professional goals. The application process can seem daunting, but for qualified interns, this opportunity can propel a career forward like no other.
- Location: Berlin
- Rough program cost: Interns receive a stipend to cover costs. Travel is not included.
- More info: Read more about the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
10. Cultural Vistas Internship Program
Without paid internships, Germany can still be unaffordable to some. Luckily, Cultural Vistas offers scholarships to interns who are placed in unpaid positions, making an internship abroad possible no matter what your financial situation. Internships are available for three to twelve months, offering flexibility to each intern depending on their professional goals. Every placement is customized depending on your interests, and you’ll receive help tailoring your resume, finding accommodation, and adjusting to returning home after your program ends.
- Location: Various cities
- Rough program cost: $950 program fee. Unpaid interns can apply for financial assistance through the program’s scholarship fund.
- More info: Read Cultural Vistas reviews
[None Quite Right? Browse ALL Low Cost Internships in Germany]
BONUS: 5 extra tips to keep your costs down while interning in Germany
If you’re searching for low cost internships in Germany, chances are you’re looking to save a few pennies while abroad. While not everyone can get paid internships, Germany is a great country for frugal living and your euros can go a long way if you’re smart about it. Before you pack your bags and hit the tarmac, review these tips to keep your bank account out of the red:
Tip #1. Figure out what your program includes.
This is so important! Before you sign any contracts or pay any fees, make sure you know what your program cost includes and what it doesn’t. Will you be provided meals or is that something you’ll need to pay out of pocket in addition to your program fee? Make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for before you arrive. This will help you create a realistic budget and eliminate the possibility of running out of euros halfway through your stay, allowing you to focus on what’s important: your internship!
Tip #2. Prepare Your Meals at Home
If you’re responsible for food costs, this tip can save you a bundle. Sure, it’s easy to eat out every night (and morning, and afternoon), but those meals do add up. Try to cook more of your meals at home and eat out less. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also get to know your local supermarket really well and find out exactly what it is that locals eat every day. (Hint: It isn’t bratwurst and pretzels!)
Tip #3. Explore Locally
With a centrally-located home base in Europe, it’s tempting to want to jet off to a new country every weekend. It’s also expensive. Instead, take the time to explore closer to home. Whether you’re based in Berlin or a smaller city in the countryside, there’s a whole lot to discover within a day’s drive of your apartment. Keeping it local is the best way to really learn about German culture, history, and all of its regional peculiarities. Besides, it’s next to impossible to make friends with Germans when you’re gone every single weekend, amirite?
Tip #4. Get a Roommate
If housing isn’t included in your program fee, try to find a room in a shared apartment. Not only will this keep your rent payments to a minimum, but you’ll also have more chances to interact with locals. This will help improve your German skills, allow you to learn more about German culture, and most likely get you invited to some pretty great dinner parties.
Tip #5. Use your Student Status
Most interns are also students, so make sure to use this to your advantage! Many museums and cultural sites offer reduced admission for students, and sometimes it can even get you reduced rates on things like transportation as well. In addition to bringing your student ID from home, look into getting an ISIC card for additional discounts.
