Halle Fellowship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in The Halle Fellowship Program?

The Halle Fellowship Program includes reimbursement of up to US$1,200 for transatlantic airfare; a US$250 voucher for in-country transportation related to the program; a 1-day pre-departure seminar in Atlanta, GA in late April; a 3-day orientation seminar upon arrival in Germany; internship placement with a German host company; work authorization and assistance with other bureaucratic matters; living and housing stipend in Germany (dependent on host company compensation - up to US$975 per month); health insurance; German-American Career Connection Reception in Atlanta, GA; and support throughout the program in Germany and in the U.S.

What is involved in the application process?

Complete an online application by clicking the “Apply Now” button. After submitting some background 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, Cultural Vistas will schedule an interview with select candidates. During this interview, we will make an assessment of your abilities, language skills, 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.

Do I need to speak German?

The language requirement for this program is two years of post-secondary language instruction in German or the equivalent (previous study abroad, etc.). A language assessment during the interview process will determine whether you would benefit from enrollment in intensive German courses prior to your internship.

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

The program fee for The Halle Fellowship Program is US$500. Participants in the program will benefit from a generous scholarship provided by The Halle Foundation. The program fee and stipend cover the following: Internship placement with a German host company, a pre-departure orientation in Atlanta, transatlantic airfare and travel in Germany, an orientation seminar, including two nights of accommodation, upon arrival in Germany in late-May (meals not included), living and housing allowance, health and accident insurance, work authorization and assistance with other bureaucratic matters, support throughout the program in Germany and in the U.S., and the German-American Reception in Atlanta upon completion of the program. The participant is responsible for any expenses exceeding the grant.

What kind of companies offer internships?

Internships are available with all types of companies: small family-owned businesses, medium sized companies, multinational holdings, research institutions, and non-profit or government organizations. Here are a few examples of companies where we have had participants in the past: BMW, KHS, Bundesministerium fuer Gesundheit und Soziales, Robert-Koch-Institut, Siemens, Fleishman-Hillard Germany GmbH, Lufthansa Technik AG, Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut, SolarWorld Innovations GmbH, The European Business Seminar, and TIO - Treff- und Informationsort fuer tuerkische Frauen. This list is by no means complete, but should give you a good idea of the types of companies Cultural Vistas works with. To request a more complete list of previous host companies, please contact your program officer. Please note that Cultural Vistas cannot guarantee that you will intern at any of the companies listed here. We will do our best to locate the best possible internship for you, based on your previous work experience, language skills, educational background, and interests.

Are the internships paid?

The monthly stipend provided by a generous grant from The Halle Foundation varies depending on host company compensation. Each participant in the program is guaranteed a minimum of US$975 per month.

How does the placement process work?

After reviewing your resume and conducting a telephone interview with you, we will have a solid understanding of your strengths and professional interests. Based on this information, we will begin contacting suitable, potential host companies throughout Germany. Location preferences will be considered; however, the priority in the placement process lies in securing the best possible internship, regardless of location. Contact between Cultural Vistas and our participants is maintained throughout the search until a host company 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 employer’s respective schedule often dictates how quickly a position can be found.

Am I involved in the internship search?

Cultural Vistas will work diligently to find a placement for you; however, proactive participation from your end is strongly encouraged, though not required. You may approach potential host companies independently or offer contact information to us throughout the search; however, it is essential that you inform your program officer of all outside contact.

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

Yes. All fees paid will be refunded in the unlikely event that an internship is not found for you. Cultural Vistas and its partner organization will work with each participant to see that they receive an internship most suited to their interests and capabilities. Previous work experience coupled with the chosen field of work will influence the availability and ease of finding a position.

Do I need a visa?

U.S. citizens are able to enter and stay in Germany for up to three months with their U.S. 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. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for any visa required by the German Government. Cultural Vistas will provide non-U.S. citizens who need a visa for Germany with supporting documents, verifying their participation in the program. Further details regarding bureaucratic procedures prior to departure and within Germany will be provided to all participants. Cultural Vistas will assist wherever possible.

Do I need insurance coverage?

All participants in The Halle Fellowship Program will automatically be enrolled in health and accident insurance for the duration of the program.

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

The Halle Fellowship Program in Germany runs from late-May to mid-August. The tentative dates are May 30 to June 2 for the orientation in Germany, the tentative internship start dates are June 6 or July 4 for those that will complete a language course. The tentative internship end date is August 19 in order to allow you some time before the start of classes in the Fall. Internship extensions are possible, but limited given the structure of the program.

Where will I live during the program?

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. Most companies will help if you tell them that you need assistance. If the company is unable to assist you, please contact Cultural Vistas. 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 Cultural Vistas.

Will I have an opportunity to travel while interning abroad?

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

Will I receive school credit for my internship?

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. Cultural Vistas is able to provide a letter certifying participation in the program should the university request it. Contact us for assistance.

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

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, Cultural Vistas cannot offer tax assistance to its participants.

Does The Halle Fellowship Program stipend come with any obligations?

During the program, participants will be expected to research a specific topic related to Germany and their internship and complete a report to be submitted to Cultural Vistas within 30 days of completion of the program. Following participation in the program and return to Georgia, participants will be expected to conduct a presentation for students at their universities to highlight their experiences while on the program in Germany. Fellows are also required to participate in all program related events, including the pre-departure seminar in Atlanta, the orientation seminar in Germany and the German-American Career Connection Reception following participation in the program.