Summer Internship Program in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is involved in the application process?

A: 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, CDS will schedule a telephone interview with all qualified candidates. During this telephone 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.

Q: Do I need to speak German?

A: 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. Participants are responsible for the costs of any language courses. A limited number of language course stipends are available, if you qualify.

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

A: The program fee of $725 includes internship placement with a German host company, a pre-departure orientation mailing, an orientation seminar, including one night of accommodation, upon arrival in Germany in late-May (meals not included), 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 participant is responsible for airfare, housing, meals, and transportation in the host country. Additional costs for insurance and a language course may apply; insurance can be purchased through CDS currently at $45 per month, and 4-week language courses including accommodation and breakfast are available at a cost of about $1,900 (varies based on the current exchange rate).

Q: Does CDS offer scholarships?

A: Scholarships are available through the CDS International Scholarship Fund to those who have already been accepted to the program. A scholarship application will be sent via email to all eligible participants. Scholarships are available to U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents of the U.S. (Green Card holders). Priority will be given to need-based participants and those with unpaid internships.

Q: What kind of companies offer internships?

A: 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, TUI, Invest in Germany, BASF, IEP – Institut fuer Europaeische Politik 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 CDS works with. To request a more complete list of previous host companies, please contact your program officer. Please note that CDS 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.

Q: Are the internships paid?

A: Most internships are paid, although each situation is unique and it is ultimately the company you intern with that will make this decision. Compensation varies by industry and will either be approximately EUR 400-600 per month, or approximately EUR 200-400 per month plus free housing. Internships in business and technical fields are generally paid, while internships with a liberal arts background tend to be unpaid, much like in the U.S. A limited number of scholarships are available through the CDS International Scholarship Fund, if you qualify.

Q: How does the placement process work?

A: 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 CDS 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.

Q: Am I involved in the internship search?

A: CDS International 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.

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. CDS International 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.

Q: Do I need a visa?

A: 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. CDS 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. CDS will assist wherever possible.

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 U.S. insurance or purchase international insurance through CDS International.

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

A: The duration of the Summer Internship Program in Germany ranges between two and three months, depending on the participant’s wishes, schedule and language skills. Typically, the program consists either of a two- to three-month internship or a one-month language course plus a two-month internship. The program runs from late-May to August. It is possible to extend the internship in accordance with your host company. The waiver from the work permit can be extended to a maximum of twelve months in total and is only valid for the internship for which it has been issued.

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. Most companies will help if you tell them that you need assistance. If the company 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 company. 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 us 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.