Independent Work Abroad Program in Germany

Program Details

This page contains detailed information about important topics such as housing, compensation, and health insurance. Make sure to read the program overview, eligibility requirements, and fees section first. We look forward to receiving your application!

Duration

Your internship can be 3 to 12 months long. Most participants and companies prefer an internship of 6 to 12 months. You will negotiate the duration of your program with your host company.

Compensation

It is your responsibility to negotiate the compensation with your host company. For a modest student lifestyle, you will need approximately EUR 400–800 per month. Participants are responsible for all taxes. 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.

Health Insurance

You must have health insurance during the program. As an enrolled student during and after the program, you may either keep your U.S. insurance, or purchase insurance coverage through a travel agent or CDS (currently at $45/month).

Housing

Most participants know where they will be staying before the program starts. Please note, that it is your ultimate responsibility to secure housing during your internship. Finding housing in a foreign country is certainly a challenge; however, we consider it 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 CDS immediately. Together with our German partner we will try to help you whenever possible. But remember: if you don’t tell us that you are experiencing problems with finding housing, we cannot do anything for you! Please note, however, that a participant might need to confirm housing arrangements personally or sign a contract. CDS and/or its partner organization cannot be responsible for housing arrangements that fall through due to a participant’s failure to follow through.

Travel

Participants must bear all travel costs. All travel arrangements and expenses within Germany are the responsibility of the participant. While we understand that you want to see as much as possible during your time in Europe, please note that this is not a work/ travel program. Participants are expected to spend the entire duration of their program completing their internship. Weekend trips to learn more about Germany and the German culture are of course encouraged.

Obtaining Work Authorization and a Residency Permit in Germany

Participants will receive a Freistellung von der Arbeitserlaubnis (exemption from the work permit), for up to 12 months, through the program. All participants receive their residency permit from the local authorities in their German host community. The residency permit is based on the work authorization and will be issued upon personal application. Detailed information will be provided to you prior to your departure in the pre-departure information package.

Other Costs

Participants are responsible for all costs incurred in-country, including costs related to securing housing, taxes, residency permit fees (vary depending on city), etc. Non-U.S. citizens are also responsible for any visa fees incurred in the U.S.

Feel free to contact us with all questions you might have while completing your application, as it might save you (and us!) time and work.