Internships abroad

Stays abroad, particularly if work-related, can mean that you gain additional benefits for your CV. In addition, you will have the chance to improve your language skills and gain intercultural and professional experience. By completing an internship in another country, you will get an opportunity to gain professional experience abroad during your studies and to use the knowledge gained for your future career path.
 
Even though the actual organisation of an internship abroad only takes about 4 to 6 months, it is a good idea to start working on the project about a year in advance. You should ask yourself what goals you want to pursue by completing the internship and how you can get the project underway. This also includes asking for detailed information about the destination country and its cultural aspects prior to your stay. The intercultural training offered by Career Services can help you prepare yourself whilst still in Germany.
 
In addition to personal advice from your respective department (see contact person), the information in Moodle under "FB 1 - Internship Info" in the "Foreign internship” folder may also be helpful.

Financing your foreign internship

Scholarship programs such as ERASMUS+ and PROMOS can be applied for directly via HWR Berlin.

Funding opportunities

Country-specific information:

Internship Agencies

A variety of institutions provide internships worldwide or for specific countries. The links listed here are not recommendations, but are for information and guidance.

Different countries:

Country-specific:

ERASMUS+ promoted internships in other European countries

In addition to studying abroad, the Erasmus+ program also promotes (full-time) internships in other European countries. In addition to the EU Member States, these include: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Norway and Turkey. The scholarship is there to provide additional support to help secure your living costs during the internship.

Here are the key points:

  • Maximum duration of funding per study cycle (bachelor/master) is twelve months in total (Erasmus funding already used will be credited)
  • Funding is possible from 2 months (60 days)

You will also find further information on the terms of payment in the forms to be filled in for the application.
Funding is not awarded for internships at

Selection Criteria for ERASMUS+ internships

  • Completeness of the application documents
  • Summary of current grades
  • Motivational letter
  • Linguistic proficiency
  • Job description

All documents should be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the start of the internship to the office responsible for your area of expertise (see contact person).

Before you apply for ERASMUS+ funding, you should definitely read the student’s charter.

  • The guide to the Erasmus internship, including our checklist, provides helpful tips on the documents that needs to be submitted and helps you ensure have provided all documentation.

Documents that need to be submitted before the internship

  1. Motivational letter
  2. Tabular CV
  3. Transcript
  4. Language certificate
  5. Online language test, more information in the guide
  6. LA1 Learning Agreement Part 1
  7. Internship contract
  8. Annex to the internship contract
  9. Job description
  10. Insurance cover must be proven (specification in Grant Agreement*)

In any case, sufficient health, accident and liability insurance must be taken out by the student beforehand.
*this will be sent to you after examination of all documents

Only in case of changes: Documents to be submitted during the internship
Only in case of a change (change of duration / internship) the document "Section to be completed during mobility", LA2 - Learning Agreement Part 2 must be submitted during the internship.


Documents that need to be submitted after the internship
The following documents must be presented four weeks after completion of the internship.

  1. LA3 - Learning Agreement Part 3 (Section to be completed after the Mobility), further information in the guide
  2. A completed final report (report and questionnaire) requested by ERASMUS+ via email
  3.  Online language test, more information in the guide

Internships are generally self-organised. You will find potential offers posted in the internships area and in Moodle. In addition, both the DAAD and erasmusintern.org websites provide information about possible internship providers and helpful hints and tips for your project. Information material such as the "Paths to an internship abroad" brochure can be obtained from internship counselling of FB1 at Schöneberg Campus and in the International Office at Lichtenberg Campus.

Students who are eligible for BAföG may also take advantage of a stay abroad through Erasmus+ BAföG. The BAföG regulation, which has been in force since 2011, means that (EU) grants remain free of charge up to a maximum of € 300 per month. Grants over € 300 per month are credited on top of BAföG benefits.