Internship in Germany: answers to questions
Internship in Germany
Gain up to a year of work experience in tourism or hospitality while exploring German culture as you travel across the country.
What level of German do I need to join the program?
Your German level must be at least Upper-Intermediate.
Can I participate if I only speak English?
This is possible if your language level is at least Upper-Intermediate. However, it depends on the internship placement and the employer’s terms.
Will my language level affect the position offered?
Yes! For a professional internship, it’s very important to have sufficient knowledge and skills in German and/or English. Program participants with a good command of German are more likely to get a more interesting internship placement.
Is it hard to pass a language proficiency interview?
One of the steps in applying for the Internship in Germany program is a Skype interview with the program sponsor. The interview is informal and covers general, simple topics — where you’re studying or which university you graduated from, why you want to join the program, your hobbies, and other topics.
How can I pay for the program?
After signing the agreement at IEC, the registration fee of €300 is due within 7 calendar days. The second installment of the program fee is due within 14 calendar days after the sponsor finds an internship placement and the participant confirms it.
Can I travel after the program ends?
As part of the Internship in Germany program, participants are allowed to travel around the country only on weekends. Therefore it’s best to coordinate this with your employer in advance (at least 2 weeks beforehand). Your employer may give you extra days off or arrange a different internship schedule.
What fields can you intern in?
The internship is currently offered in tourism and hospitality.
Do I need to bring extra money?
This is required. Upon arrival in Germany, participants are advised to have at least €900–1,150 on hand. You can expect expenses for food, housing, and public transportation.
When can I fly to Germany?
Your optimal arrival date will be set by the program sponsor 2–4 weeks before departure. Participants should only buy tickets after the sponsor sends the arrival dates.
Where do participants live?
Many employers offer accommodation, but it’s not always free — they may deduct rent from your paycheck.
Housing is arranged before you arrive in Germany. Your sponsor or employer can help you find a place to live. Approximate cost: €250–450 (depending on where the employer is located).
My friend and I are going together. Can we work in the same city?
This option may be available but isn’t guaranteed. When you submit your application, you’ll need to provide the full name of the friend you’ll be traveling with.
Can I choose the city I’d like to work in?
Participants need to be fairly flexible about the location — the internship can be in any city in Germany.
What’s the minimum wage?
Salary is set individually by the employer. Typically, during the first three months participants earn up to €800 per month or slightly less. After three months, pay increases to the minimum rate (about €9.19 per hour) or a bit more.
Can I work for two employers?
All work permits will be issued for a single specific employer, so you won’t be able to intern with two employers.
When do participants get paid?
Salaries are usually paid at the beginning of the month. So participants receive their first paycheck at the start of their second month on the job.
How do participants get paid?
Most employers pay wages to a credit card, but opening a bank account in Germany can be quite difficult for program participants. Don’t worry — the IEC office will provide guidance on the best way to proceed.
What about taxes?
The employer pays taxes on behalf of employees; those taxes are deducted from their salary. You can reclaim them next year.
