Description

In today's globalized world, international experience and intercultural skills are a necessary asset for a complete education and a successful, fulfilling career. The Academy for International Education (AIB) arranges for internship possibilities designed for undergrad-, grad- and postgraduate students who are interested in building networks with people of another culture while improving their educational experience through practical work assignments. All internships are conducted in the prospering Cologne/Bonn region located in Western Germany in the heart of Europe. Internship placements are available in a variety of fields, including, but not limited to business, finance, tourism, film & media, sustainability, the nonprofit sector, and international relations.

Internship Field
The Cologne/Bonn region is home to some of Germany's largest corporate players (e.g. DHL, Deutsche Telekom), Europe's hub for non-governmental insitutions, and a center of international cooperation and politics (United Nations). In the past AIB has arranged for internships with all size companies in all three sectors (public, non-profit, for-profit) and areas as diverse as:

* Administration, Government Administration
* Advertising, Marketing, Sales, Public Relations
* Architecture
* Business, Management
* Hospitality, Travel, Tourism
* Education
* Engineering
* Science
* Sustainable Development
* Media, Film, and Theatre

The average work load for all internships is 30 hours a week. AIB encourages all host companies to compensate their interns. Please acknowledge: Placements are dependent on prevailing economic conditions, opportunities available at the time of placement, language skills and the previous experience and qualifications of each applicant.

Highlights

Prior to your internship, the AIB offers 5-8 weeks of language training. However, if you can prove that you have sufficient knowledge of the German language and you do not need the language training, make sure to attach an official verification as it is needed for the International Job Center. The goals of the language training is to achieve the highest level of proficiency in communication skills possible and to introduce you to various aspects of the German culture. In order to get the most out of the training for each student, we offer various levels (advanced, intermediate or beginners) depending on the student's needs. In addition, a German Culture class will be offered. Each course covers 45 hours which are worth 3 units of credit.

During your internship you will participate in a course called International Professional Career Development. The course is taught online by a recognized international education professor. A major part of this course is the relevant International Internship. Through direct application and deep immersion, this course will help students to further enhance their learning experiences from the previous intensive courses in language and cultural studies. At the same time, students will gain valuable, broadening work experience in an area of their career interest. In addition, this course will include one on one on-line, international career development instruction and information resource support. Course grading will include quality of internship performance, as determined in consultation with the internship site supervisor, as well as individual readings and comprehensive writing.

Usually IPD students have a one week break after the language training. During that time the AIB offers an excursion (eg. Berlin and Prague). This excursion is optional and it depends upon your intership schedule if you are able to participate.

The internship itself consists of 30 hours per week working in an organization. In order to make this a valuable experience for you we require a two months minimum stay. This will make sure that you will be able to meet the required hours easily. If you are planning to stay longer than two months, you are welcome to do so. In fact, many companies even require a three months stay.

Part of the internship is also a written final internship report from your side that will discuss your experiences and impressions about the company or organization. The internship supervisor and the provider will also write a report. We cannot guarantee that the internship organization will pay for the internship, and most internship positions in Germany are unpaid. However, we will try to get some kind of renumeration for you.

The AIB provides an onsite-coordinator who supervises the internship and helps with all kinds of logistics and details. Students are encouraged to consult their major academic department beforehand to ensure that appropriate academic credit will be received from participation in the IPD program.

Normally your application is due three months prior to the beginning of the internship.

Qualifications

Successful candidates meet the following eligibility requirements:

* Undergrad and graduate students affiliated with one of AIB's partner institutions. Postgraduate students are also eligible as so long as their internships begin within one year of graduation
* 200 level German or equivalent German language proficiency (extra language training is available before start of internship)
* Grade Point Average above 2.5*
* At least two years of university level studies related to the desired internship area
* Practical experience in target internship field does not need to be extensive, but is preferred. The more experience you have, the more desirable you are to a potential host company.
* Students with grade point average below 2.5 are also encouraged to apply as as many non-academic factors are also taken into consideration.

Intern Types

Languages

• English
• German

Cost in US$:

USD1460 + additonal Services if desired

Program Fees Include:

The internship package consists of:
* International Professional Career Development Course:
* Reviewing and optimizing your application documents together before setting up a contact to possible employers
* Support of your Internship placement in your target field
* Supervision of work progress by an on-site internship coordinator
* Regular Meetings to enhance practical work experience through reflection and analysis of the German work environment and improvement of German Business language
* Internship certificate for your resume (Accreditation possible)

AIB-Services:
* Work authorization services such as registration with the local authorities, visa and work permit
* Insurances (health, accident, liability insurance)
* Pick-up service from Bonn train station/ airport upon arrival
* Orientation-Day after Arrival
* Handbook, covering all practical information needed for your stay
* Public transportation pass for the Bonn area
* Organization of leisure and cultural activities

AIB coordinates an optional comprehensive academic program in addition to the hands-on experience that combines intensive German language instructions with seminars and training aimed to enhance students' global career competencies. Academic package can be customized according to your needs and consists of:
* Intensive language instruction (worth up to 3 credits)
* German and European Cultural Studies Class (worth up to 3 credits)

Salary/Pay

depends on internship institution

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

American, Australian and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

download application

Academy for International Education (AIB)'s Mission Statement

No matter the subject of study, today all students need a greater understanding of the world to help them formulate the role they will play and learn in what they do can impact the rest of the world. Studying abroad has subsequently become a fundamental element of contemporary education. We at the AIB make it our mission to educate students and advance their skills to become independent, self-confident professionals ready to deal with this world's idiosyncracies old and new. We assist in developing individual talent and skills through creating a special framework that encourages artisctic, social and cultural diversity. Our programs bring challenging academic, professional and cultural components together with European perspectives. The result is a truly international setting for learning and personal experience. 3Only through merging academic, professional and cultural elements can we provide this unique learning experience that educates the student as a whole, evoking the importance of intercultural awareness. Our programs can be the first step to becoming a responsible citizen of the world - we consider this to be our contribution to world unity and peace.

Year Founded

1993