Émigré Memorial German Internship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is involved in the application process?

A: Complete our online application by clicking on the “Apply Now” button. After submitting some basic information about yourself, we will email you a password granting access to our online application system. After submitting a completed application and all supporting documents, CDS will pre-select all qualified candidates and schedule a telephone interview. During this telephone interview, we will make an assessment of your abilities, language skills, political knowledge, and career goals and will answer any questions you may have. After a successful interview, you will be formally accepted into the program and we will begin the search for an appropriate internship at a Landtag.

Q: Do I need to speak German?

A: The Émigré Memorial German Internship Program–German State Parliaments is a competitive program, and high-intermediate German skills (oral and written) are required. Candidates must be able and willing to communicate in German and possess a good command of professional vocabulary in their field. A recommendation from a person qualified to comment on the candidate’s German is required. Language skills will also be evaluated during the interview.

Q: How much is the program fee and what does it cover? What additional costs can I expect?

A: The program fee of $450 includes internship placement with a German Landtag, a pre-departure orientation mailing, work authorization and assistance with other bureaucratic matters, support throughout the program in Germany and in the U.S., and a reentry mailing upon completion of the program. The Émigré Memorial German Internship Program–German State Parliaments is a fellowship program each American participant will receive a stipend to ensure a total salary of EUR 500 per month—provided by the CDS International Scholarship Fund and/or the Landtag—to help offset the cost of living during the internship.

Canadian participants may receive a stipend from their respective Landtage, though this cannot be guaranteed. The participant is responsible for airfare, housing, meals, and transportation in the host country.

Q: Are the internships paid?

A: Compensation varies from Landtag to Landtag. Each American participant will receive a stipend to ensure a total salary of EUR 500 per month—provided by the CDS International Scholarship Fund and/or the Landtag—to help offset the cost of living during the internship.

This will cover basic expenses such as housing, local transportation, and food. In some cases free housing is provided, in which case the participant will receive up to EUR 300 per month. Canadian participants may receive stipends and/or housing from the Landtag where they intern, though this cannot be guaranteed.

Q: How does the placement process work?

A: After formal acceptance to the program, we will start looking for a suitable position at a German Landtag. Location preferences will be considered; however, priorities lie in securing the best possible internship, regardless of location. Contact between CDS and our participants is maintained throughout the search until a position is found. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to several months after acceptance into the program. Your personal resume and previous experience coupled with each Landtag’s respective schedule often dictates how quickly a position can be found.

Q: Am I involved in the internship search?

A: CDS International has an established network at the German Landtage and will conduct the internship search on your behalf. When a position is found, we will put you in contact with the potential host Landtag. Some Landtage may choose to contact the participant directly to conduct an interview, most likely in German, before offering that individual an internship position. Participants should always keep CDS informed of all communication! We expect you to be open-minded and consider every offer carefully, as you are competing with hundreds of native Germans for these prestigious internship opportunities. Besides gaining professional experience and learning about the government from inside out, the participants will also experience German culture, and dramatically improve their language skills.

Q: Will I receive a refund if I am not offered an internship?

A: Yes. All fees paid (less the $100 non-refundable administration fee) will be refunded if you are accepted into the program and an internship is not found for you. Almost all applicants accepted to this program are placed in an internship.

Q: What kind of tasks can I expect to be doing at a Landtag?

A: Tasks for interns are as diverse as the placements and the participants. Oftentimes, our fellows rotate between different departments at the Landtag and do research, translate documents, attend various meetings and discussions, and get to know the different parties. Some state offices expect interns to work independently, while others prefer to supervise their work closely. Though it will be the participant’s responsibility to negotiate their direct, everyday work conditions, CDS will try to assist whenever possible.

Q: Do I need a visa?

A: U.S. and Canadian citizens are able to enter and stay in Germany for up to three months with their U.S. or Canadian passport. If participants remain in the country for more than three months, they need to apply for a residency permit at the local Foreigners Office (Auslaenderbehoerde) once in Germany. Further details regarding bureaucratic procedures prior to departure and within Germany will be provided to all participants.

Q: Do I need insurance coverage?

A: All participants must be insured while abroad. Participants enrolled as a student during and after the program can choose to either keep their current insurance or purchase international insurance through CDS International (currently at $45 per month).

Q: What is the duration of the program? Can I extend my internship?

A: The duration of the Émigré Memorial German Internship Program–German State Parliaments ranges between one and three months, depending on the participant’s wishes and schedule. The program runs in the spring, early summer, and fall. It is possible to extend the internship in accordance with your host Landtag, though this cannot be guaranteed.

Q: Where will I live during the program?

A: It is your responsibility to secure your own living arrangement. Finding housing in a foreign country is certainly a challenge; however, it is an important part of the internship experience. Many Landtage will help if you tell them that you need assistance. If the Landtag is unable to assist you, please contact CDS. Together with our partner organization, we will try to help you whenever possible. Popular housing options include shared apartments with other students or interns. You will receive a list of popular websites offering housing opportunities and shared leases from CDS.

Q: Will I have an opportunity to travel while interning abroad?

A: CDS International encourages you to explore as much as possible during your time abroad; however, please keep in mind that you are an employee at a Landtag. Therefore, you are expected to maintain a consistent presence at your internship, as discussed with your employer.

Q: Will I receive school credit for my internship?

A: Credit is given at the discretion of each respective college or university. Be sure to speak with a coordinator at your school before beginning the internship to arrange proper credit. CDS is able to provide a letter certifying participation in the program should the university request it. Contact your program officer for assistance.

Q: Will I need to pay taxes in Germany or the U.S.?

A: Tax deductions from your gross income may amount to approximately 30%, depending on the amount of compensation. Participants may be eligible for a partial refund of taxes paid. Unfortunately, due to legal issues, CDS International cannot offer tax assistance to its participants.