German American
Exchange

Are the dates of the program fixed?
Yes, the program dates are set each year, and interns are expected to complete the three-month internship in
its entirety. If you are aware of any scheduling conflicts regarding your arrival in/departure from Germany,
please notify GAE Germany as soon as possible.

Are there mandatory events that students must attend?
Yes, there is one mandatory event for interns: the Welcome Ceremony in May. Further information will be
provided to interns by GAE Germany and participating firms closer to the event.
Students are expected to arrive in Germany no later than the Welcome Ceremony. Should interns wish to
arrive early in preparation for their stay abroad, they are welcome, too. However, all students must be present
at the Welcome Ceremony and prepared to start their internships shortly thereafter.

Will I have a say in my placement?
Students have the option to state on their applications in what general field they would prefer to work.
However, we cannot ensure that all students will (a) receive a placement, and (b) receive a placement exactly
where they wish.

Partnering companies will review candidates’ profiles – including résumé, statement of purpose and application
– and then invite candidates for interviews on a case-by- case basis. Students may decline an offer should they
choose; however, it is not guaranteed that another placement will be available.

Will GAE cover my transportation costs?
Students are responsible to organize their flights as well as cover the transportation cost to Germany and back.
Students should plan to budget approximately USD 1,000-1,400 for roundtrip air travel to Germany. Fares will
vary based upon the flight path, time the flight was booked, airline provider, etc.

Will my mentor help with my housing process?
Certain companies may provide interns with housing, or assist in finding housing. However, most interns should
plan on locating housing on their own and cover the cost. Mentors may be able to provide suggestions
regarding where best to find housing in your local area, but ultimately this is the interns’ responsibility.
We recommend that interns remain in contact with their mentor during the housing search. The process can be
difficult, and often stressful; however, all interns have found housing in previous years. Should you encounter
any significant problems, speak with GAE Germany and they will be able to assist you further.

Will I be expected to work full-time?
Yes, the internship is considered a full-time position. Daily and/or weekly schedules will be organized between
you and your mentor, but you should plan on committing to a full-time (i.e. 40 hours per week) schedule.

Will I work with other interns?
Some companies have multiple interns from the US-German Internship Program, but it is not universal. In many
cases, you will have the opportunity to work alongside other interns at your respective company who are
unaffiliated with the internship program. This can be a great opportunity to get to know individuals in your
community, as well as learn from other students.

Do I receive any vacation time?
According to German employment laws, companies are not required to grant interns vacation days for short
term internships. Therefore, GAE cannot guarantee that all interns will receive vacation time. However, some
companies grant vacation time to interns according to their company policy. If vacation is granted the amount
typically ranges between 3-4 days of paid vacation for the three month period.

Are there any fees involved with the Program?
Every student is required to pay an initial application fee of USD 50. Once a student has been selected by a host
company, the student also must pay an additional processing fee of USD 100. For more details, please get in
touch with your university contact for the program.

Do I get a refund if I am not selected by a host company?
No. There is no placement guarantee, therefore you will not be able to claim a refund.

Do I need a visa?
Due to the Visa Waiver Program and Schengen Agreement (USA-Germany), citizens of the United States are
permitted to stay in countries of the European Union for up to 90 days without a visa. The internship program
runs formally within this 90 day period. However, should you choose to arrive early and/or stay longer than the
official dates of the internship program, you will need to evaluate your options for a visa.
For non-US citizens studying in the United States, please consult the website of the German Federal Foreign
Office (www.auswaertigesamt.de) to determine your visa eligibility for your stay in Germany.
As a general notice for all applicants, GAE cannot assist with the visa acquisition process. Students who require
a visa for a longer stay in Germany should remain in contact with the appropriate government offices in
Germany. GAE Germany does not have the ability to process visa requests.

Do I need a work permit?
Yes, in order to legally pursue an internship in Germany, you must have a valid work permit, or
Arbeitserlaubnis. GAE Germany will mail each intern their respective work permit prior to their departure from
the US. Students must present their credentials at the airport’s Immigration and Customs upon arriving in
Germany.

Will I receive a work contract?
Interns should make sure to address this topic with their employers prior to, or at the start of, their internships.
GAE Germany is not responsible for individual contracts between students and employers. Should you have
questions regarding this before starting your internship, please contact your company mentor directly.

What do I need to do once I get to Germany?
We recommend that all interns open a German bank account in order to be paid electronically by their
employer(s). Opening an account is generally fairly simple and provides students with the flexibility of having a
German bank card. Students must remember to cancel their bank account before leaving Germany.
Since your stay in Germany is not longer than 90 days, you are not obliged to register in Germany.