Going abroad for a shorter period of time is quite possible within the framework of an internship, a language course, a summer school or foreign language assistance. Take a look at the DAAD pages to see what other students have experienced abroad:
Summer or winter schools are ideal if you would like to further your education in a specific field, get a taste of what it's like to work in a particular area, or get involved in social projects. You can integrate this into your study schedule during the semester break, for example. The courses usually last between one and six weeks. Participation fees may vary and in most cases have to be financed by yourself - however, for some selected programs there is support.
Foreign course recognition / transferring credits
If you are able to earn course credits as part of a Summer/Winter School, ask the relevant person in your program whether it is possible to transfer these credits to EUF (i.e., to have them recognized).
Foreign languages skills are not only important for personal development, but also for professional qualification. At the Europa-Universität Flensburg Language Center, you will find a variety of free language courses.
Of course, you can also attend language courses where the language is actually spoken in everyday life: many universities abroad or private language schools offer language courses. This way you can get to know another country and immerse yourself in a foreign culture.
When choosing a language course, make sure that the course level, size and content meet your expectations. Many language schools also offer a discount for early booking.
Internships abroad
Practical experience abroad is a matter of course for many companies, schools, and international organizations. Sensitization to other cultures, experience in other countries, and language skills are plus points that make it easier to start your professional life.
Internships abroad can take numerous forms:
- Voluntary/compulsory internship
- Unpaid/paid
- Self-organized/arranged
- Internships for students/graduates
Why is an internship abroad worth doing? You'll find plenty to inspire you on the DAAD website! The site also offers tips about how to organize an internship abroad, from planning and preparing to scheduling, applying, etc. Further tips and first-hand accounts can be found on Studieren weltweit - erlebe es.
One site that lists current internship opportunities is ErasmusIntern. And on the DAAD website, you'll also find comprehensive information (in German) on internship placement.
Once you've found an internship, you can apply for scholarship and grant funding. Some internships have specific funding programs.
For more information about funding, please go to:
- Funding internships abroad (e.g. Erasmus+ for students and recent graduates, PROMOS, AuslandsBaföG)
- Specific internship programs (in German only)
Student teaching internships for Educational Studies students
If you're studying to get your teaching degree, we recommend that you do the teaching internship semester which is done during master's studies at a school abroad. The ZfL internship office can inform you about prerequisites, requirements and application procedures. You can also do a graduate internship abroad - that is, a specialized internship during or after your bachelor's degree, or after you finish your master's degree.
Feel free to check out the pages of the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (German Pedagogical Exchange Service) for more opportunities to go abroad.
The following funding options are available to you:
- DAAD Lehramt International (international teaching program for undergraduate and graduate students)
- Erasmus+ and other funding options (e.g. Erasmus+ for students and recent graduates, PROMOS, AuslandsBaföG)
Run by the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (German Pedagogical Exchange Service), this program offers the chance to do a longer practical stay abroad. By working as a foreign language assistant, participants expand their knowledge of the language and culture of the destination country and gain insight into the foreign education system and its teaching methods.
Key facts:
- Teaching takes place at a host school, usually at the secondary level
- Instruction is in the native language
- Participating countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Switzerland, USA, United Kingdom
- Duration of the assistantship: six to eleven months
- Start of assignment: August/September/October (in Australia/New Zealand: January/February)
- Teaching hours: approx. 12 hours per week
- Subsistence allowance, staggered by destination country to cover living expenses
Target group:
- The program is aimed primarily at student teachers of English, French, Spanish, and Italian as foreign language subjects. For some destination countries, student teachers of other subjects and non-teaching students with appropriate language skills may also apply.
Application and Application Procedures:
- Application deadline (normally; please refer to the Pedgogical Exchange Service website for exact application deadlines; information is in German only): USA: November, other countries: January
- Online application form
- Personal applicant interviews take place from January to March
SCHULWÄRTS! arranges and provides funding for the placement of student teachers at Goethe-Institut partner schools abroad. Student and (prospective) teachers of any school type and subject combination are eligible for placement.
For further information about the program, visit the Goethe-Institut website.