At some point in every degree program, it's time for the required internship. That way students can gain their first practical experience while still in school. This helps above all with real orientation, so you can also judge whether the work suits you. Usually the whole thing takes place over a full semester. Depending on the institution, though, the number of weeks can vary a little. Completing the internship semester abroad is actually not such a bad idea. After all, it also looks good on your resume later if you can show international experience. That way you can pick up new language skills and also acquire valuable intercultural competence.

How is the semester organized?

Internship semester abroad

The duration can vary widely depending on the degree program and field. All the details can usually be found in the respective study regulations. They also specify exactly which focus areas the internship semester should cover. Often the university or university of applied sciences (FH) requires a minimum number of working hours. In some cases, you even need a pre-internship beforehand just to get into a university of applied sciences or university. The examinations office must also recognize the internship semester abroad.

In many cases, you'll also have an internship supervisor at your side. This is usually someone from the faculty and from your workplace. You can ask these supervisors important questions at any time. For an internship semester abroad, you first check whether the position meets the relevant requirements. It's also up to the educational institution whether the required internship is approved and accepted. So interested students should stick to the framework conditions.

Internship semester abroad

What to keep in mind when searching for an internship position

In general, an internship semester abroad is possible anywhere in the world. Still, it's important to get enough information beforehand. You should start planning half a year in advance if the internship is to be completed in a particular semester. Good time management is actually not a bad idea. After all, it's not only the job search abroad that matters. You should also take care of international health insurance, accommodation and travel. Classic fields where a semester abroad is an advantage are medicine, law, business administration and engineering. In other social sciences and humanities, it's no longer unusual either.

Certain deadlines also have to be met. There are both free and fee-based placement platforms. Certain documents are often required in English.

Financing and funding

  • Funding programs
  • Pay from the employer
  • Auslands-BAföG (German student aid for studying abroad)

Depending on the destination country, pay during the internship semester is handled differently. In many cases, there is only low pay or even none at all. An internship semester abroad can often be spent with host families. There you usually get a small allowance and have to get by on it. Travel there and back is anything but cheap, either. The same goes for meals. You can also apply for a scholarship. The international office at your home university can provide information on funding programs. You should take care of international and social insurance early on. Then there won't be any problems.