Germany : Work experience

Work placements and internships

It is possible to apply for one of the internships (Praktika) which are completed by German students as part of their courses. As these are usually closely linked to the subject of study, UK applicants should do their research carefully in order to show that they have appropriate skills and knowledge, as well as sufficiently strong language skills, for each vacancy.

Useful resources include:

• Deutsche Bildungsserver - for links to the main internship vacancy websites;
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) - supports the international exchange of students. Website includes information on internships;
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit - search for internships on the German federal employment agency website;
• IAESTE (International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) - arranges summer placements for science and engineering students;
• iAGORA - internships in a variety of European countries, including Germany.

Exchange programmes

AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales) provides an international exchange programme for students and recent graduates. They offer voluntary and paid work placements in professional organisations, schools and charities in a range of countries, including Germany.

Your institution may be involved in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme through which vocational training exchanges and work placements are arranged with partner organisations in other countries, including Germany. Contact your institution’s international office or your careers service for more information.

Teaching schemes

The British Council - Language Assistants programme provides the opportunity for undergraduates and graduates of any discipline (as long as they have AS level German or equivalent) to work in Germany as a language assistant.

If your university has a department for foreign languages or equivalent, you may be able to pick up useful advice, guides and contacts on teaching opportunities available in Germany.

The Teaching English Abroad publication includes a directory of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) training courses, contacts for jobs and a list of recruitment organisations, as well as a country guide, for those interested in teaching English in Germany.

Volunteering

The Youth in Action programme is funded by the European Commission and provides young people with a variety of opportunities to experience Europe. The European Voluntary Service (EVS) is part of this programme and offers young people (18-30) the opportunity to volunteer in a range of countries, including Germany, for a period of two to twelve months.

It is also possible to find volunteering opportunities via a range of volunteering websites, for example Volunteer Abroad and WorldWide Volunteering (WWV) . Research any opportunities thoroughly to ensure you are happy with the project and terms and conditions on offer.

Casual work

Typical areas where temporary work is available include tourism, especially in the Alps, the Black Forest and on the North Sea coast. Opportunities for students also exist for seasonal work on farms, in hotels and in vineyards. See Summer Jobs Worldwide for opportunities.

Within Germany, the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (German federal employment agency website) can help you find casual work.

Short-term opportunities

Teaching English is one of the few short-term work opportunities in Germany open to large numbers of UK graduates. Opportunities for teaching business English exist if you have good business knowledge and experience and good German. A formal teaching qualification is not always necessary. All major language school chains have branches in Germany. Further possibilities exist in Volkshochschulen (Adult Education Centres) - see Deutscher Volkshochshulverband (Association of German Adult Education Centres)  for a list of adult education centres and their contact details. Also see Teaching English Abroad for more information.

Gap year opportunities

There are many organisations offering gap years in Germany. To choose a reputable organisation, you should seek advice from your university careers services or check whether the company is registered with Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) or other similar organisations. Some companies will also offer services such as a 24-hour emergency helpline. See Your Gap Year for more information on planning a gap year, including information on jobs, voluntary opportunities and specialist gap year programmes.