Fellowships Abroad

Émigré Memorial German Internship Program

Program Details

Placement Process

Once an applicant has been accepted to the program, CDS will search for the right internship position for that individual with a German state parliament or a state ministry. While some placements are found quickly, the placement process may take a few months. The different German office culture with more vacation time, more sick leave, and complicated hierarchies may lead to an extensive decision-making process. Participants can help by being proactive. They should update their materials as required, follow up with suggested contacts immediately, and always keep CDS informed on everything internship-related.

Information

Participants will receive regular email updates on German issues, as well as updates on the internship placement process. It is crucial for the success of the placement process that participants check their email frequently and respond to emails as soon as possible. Participants must inform CDS immediately of any changes in their contact information or travel dates.

Orientation

Several weeks prior to the start of the program, participants will receive a pre-departure orientation mailing covering details related to the program. Topics will include important program dates, what to bring, travel tips, an introduction to the German workplace and many other important topics related to the participant’s stay in Germany.

Internship Positions

Tasks for interns are as diverse as the placements and the participants. 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. The participant’s Lebenslauf will be sent to several placement possibilities at various Landtage. Some 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 participants to be open-minded and consider every offer carefully, as they 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.

Start Date and Duration

EMGIP is an individualized program. The start date and duration of the program will depend on the session periods of the state parliaments, which differ slightly state-by-state, office preferences and the participant’s schedule. Internships will range from one to three months.

Compensation

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/month. Canadian participants may receive stipends and/ or housing from the Landtag where they intern, though this cannot be guaranteed. The participant should be able to provide additional funds for travel expenses, emergencies, and incidentals.

Health Insurance

Participants must have health insurance during the program. They may either opt to keep their student insurance or purchase insurance coverage through a travel agent or CDS (currently at $45/month). Proof of a participant’s insured status is required prior to the program start.

Housing

Most participants know where they will be staying before the program starts. Please note, however, 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 Landtage will help if you tell them that you need assistance. If the Landtag is unable to assist you, please contact CDS immediately. 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 that you 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.

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.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have while completing your application. It may save you (and us!) time and work.