There aren’t many countries better-suited for international internships than Germany. A world leader in many industries and the fourth-largest economy in the world, there are internships in Germany for international students in nearly every career field!
Plus, internships in Germany for international students will be downright picturesque.
Internships in Germany for international students are extremely popular because the country is diverse and welcomes students from around the world with open arms. Germany’s work culture is proficient and modern, ensuring you’ll gain valuable professional experience.
While you intern in Germany, there’s no doubt you’ll want to have a beer and bratwurst, but Germany has so much more to offer. Across the country, there are museums, festivals, living history, and nature to experience!
Interning in Germany also means you’ll easily be able to explore other countries and fulfill your wanderlust. Germany is right in the middle of Europe, making it easy to spend your weekends exploring neighboring countries.
Over the course of the country’s long history, Germany has grown into one of the most influential countries in all of Europe. There are thriving cities throughout the country, each with unique economies, opportunities, and cultures.
Germany internships are guaranteed to be a rewarding experience, no matter what city you end up interning in.
9 best cities for internships abroad in Germany
1. Berlin
Berlin is a common choice for internships in Germany — and for good reason!
The capital of Germany is unlike any other city in Europe. Primarily known for its unique history, Berlin also offers a unique work environment. The low cost of living in Berlin has caused a unique startup scene to grow and thrive in the last ten years. There are Germany internships in nearly any career field you can imagine.
The city also attracts expats from around the world, making it one of the most diverse workforces for internships in Germany for international students. To go along with the wonderful work environment, Berlin also has plenty of culture and a legendary nightlife to explore!
Recommended Programs:
- IES Internships - Berlin Summer Internship
- iXperience Berlin – Learn + Intern Abroad
- View ALL internships in Berlin
2. Munich
Munich is on nearly every world traveler’s bucket list, and it's not just because of Oktoberfest. The city has the largest economy and the lowest unemployment rate in all of Germany. While you intern in Germany, you’ll also have plenty of opportunity to explore the rest of Europe.
Travel from Munich is easy as the city is literally smack dab in the middle of Europe. Businesses thrive in Munich, and so do Germany internships! And if you enjoy a beer or two during your time off, we won’t tell.
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- Camp Europe - Intern as an Outdoor Programs Specialist
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX)
- View ALL internships in Munich
3. Hamburg
Can you please find out for us if there are good hamburgers in Hamburg?
Internships in Germany are where innovation meets opportunity, especially in Hamburg. Germany’s second-largest city is booming with business and internship opportunities. Internships in Hamburg are mostly in the technology, engineering, and innovative science industries that Germany is famed for.
Internships in Germany and Hamburg don’t just stop in those few sectors; there are plenty of opportunities in border industries that provide an excellent professional experience. Plus, your social life being an intern in Germany will feature some of the trendiest scenes in all of Europe.
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4. Frankfurt
With its modern skyscrapers and shining skyline, Frankfurt sets itself apart from all other German cities. While interning in Germany, you’ll discover why Frankfurt is often referred to as Mainhattan.
The city is home to the European central bank and one of the largest stock markets in the entire world. This German business hub also attracts some of the world’s most important trade shows.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to grow as a professional and build an international network with a Frankfurt internship in Germany.
Recommended Programs:
- Dairy Farm Internship - Germany
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX)
- View ALL internships in Frankfurt
5. Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a fun, lively choice for internships in Germany for international students.
Stuttgart is one of the fastest-growing cities and economies in all of Germany. Located in Southern Germany, Stuttgart’s booming economy is supported by a thriving tech scene. The city is also known for being the headquarters of Mercedes Benz and Porsche.
Internships in Germany will allow you to have plenty of opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Stuttgart. This city is bordered by the Rhine River and the Black Forest. Stuttgart is the perfect location for any young professional looking for experience, all while experiencing a new culture.
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6. Cologne
Found right along the border with Belgium and Netherlands, Cologne is one of Germany’s most visited cities. Cologne is an important cultural center with over 30 museums and hundreds of galleries scattered throughout the city.
The world-famous Cologne Cathedral hosts around 20,000 tourists a day. Cologne is home to many of Germany’s largest media agencies, and the headquarters for many major car manufacturers. Spend your weeks interning in Cologne and your weekends exploring the neighboring countries.
Recommended Programs:
- Get a TEFL Internship Abroad with an i-to-i TEFL Course
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- View ALL internships in Cologne
7. Dortmund
Get your internship with a side of history in Dortmund.
Dortmund dates all the way back to the year 882, and during World War II it was hit with more bombs than any other city. However, the city reinvented and rebuilt into a cultural hotbed. For centuries Dortmund was known for its beer and steel industries, but today focuses more on robotics, engineering, and tourism.
Along with all the great internship opportunities, there is also plenty of shopping to be done in Dortmund. Westenhellweg is a popular shopping district that gets nearly 13,000 visitors an hour. An internship in Dortmund is sure to give you professional experience and more than a few souvenirs to pack into your suitcase.
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8. Leipzig
Not far away from Berlin sits Germany’s tenth-largest city, Leipzig. Due to the city’s urban aesthetics, gastronomy, and shopping opportunities, Leipzig has a reputation for being one of Germany’s most livable cities. While Frankfurt has a modern skyline, Leipzig is full of distinctive Renaissance-style buildings, including the opera house Oper Leipzig.
Just because Leipzig is full of old buildings doesn’t mean the city is trapped in the past. Leipzig is a booming city with some of the best future prospects in all of Germany only behind Munich.
Studies even show Leipzig is one of the least stressful cities in the entire world. The city is also home to Europe’s largest train station, the Hauptbahnhof. Leipzig makes it easy to stay relaxed while interning abroad in Germany.
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9. Essen
Never heard of Essen? Wise up — it’s a great location to intern in Germany.
Amongst Germans, Essen has a reputation for being one of the country’s greatest cities. It’s not just because some of Germany’s largest energy companies call the city home either. Essen stands out for being one of the greenest cities in the country. Essen has plenty of forest coverage and park space. The city was even voted as the European Green Capital for 2017!
Essen has a long history dating all the way back to 845. The city has gone through numerous changes, including the focus of the economy. Essen was originally a coal city, but as that industry declined, so did the size of the city.
In recent decades, Essen has recovered and now focuses on other forms of energy. The former coal mine complex has been a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Recommended Programs:
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program
- Dairy Farm Internship - Germany
- View ALL internships in Essen
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You’re ready to intern abroad in Germany!
As an intern in Germany, you’ll only benefit from finding the perfect location for you and your goals!
Without a doubt interning abroad gives you a professional experience that makes your resume stand out. However, interning abroad is about so much more than just the professional experience. An international internship is just as much about experiencing a new culture and new way of life.
Interning abroad in Germany allows you to experience a new culture as more than just a tourist. Being an intern lets you experience the culture in-depth and really become a part of Germany.
Every day you’ll be surrounded by new opportunities and experiences. You’ll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible. All the experiences and lessons learned go beyond what you’ll put on your résumé.
Now that you know where you can intern in Germany, the only thing left to do is pick which city is right for you! You could end up interning in the bustling capital of Berlin, the modern skyline of Frankfurt, the natural beauty of Stuttgart, or anywhere in-between.
So pack your bags and say guten tag to interning abroad in Germany!
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