German American Exchange Inc. (nonprofit organization registered with the State of Georgia) enables American students to complete an internship and to spend time in Germany during the career planning phase of their early lives.
Especially for young Americans it is important to get an insight and a clearer understanding of Germany's economic and business role within the European Union.
TARGET GROUP
Students after having completed
at least four semesters of university
OPPORTUNITY
Three-month internship with a host company in different fields of the economy
We aim to offer internships that help the participants to become aware of and understand the growing importance of the economic relationships between Europe and the USA. Mutual trust is reinforced, mental hurdles are surmounted and prejudices are broken down.
We believe that internships for American students are one of the best ways to develop young ambassadors who will bring a new and focused dynamic to the world around them after returning to the United States. The internship program offers students the opportunity to become familiar with German culture through a three-month internship with a host company in different fields of the economy.
As students will be working in a business environment, daily interactions with leading international firms will enable students to gain a better insight into the German economy, sharpen and improve their German language skills and engage with cross-cultural challenges helping to cultivate a better transatlantic repertoire between the United States and Germany.
The program is designed to ensure that all students returning to the United States from Germany have an expanded self-confidence and will provide them with an incredible professional opportunity to accompany their undergraduate studies.
Through daily interactions with their host company, students will become true ambassadors for the rapidly globalizing world around us in a time where a larger international perspective is necessary for both personal and cultural progression, as well as creating a better transatlantic relationship between the United States and Germany.
German American Exchange provides students with ample opportunities to gain insight into the world’s economy, improve their German language skills, and enjoy cultural challenges
What we offer:
Procurement of work permits
Internships at top-tier globally renowned companies
Interesting accompanying activities as excursions to Munich and Berlin
- Auburn University, Alabama
- Colgate University, Hamilton, New York
- Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Piedmont College, Demorest, Georgia
- Syracuse University, New York
- University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Georgia
- University of North Florida, Jacksonville, Florida
- Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
- Wake Forest University, Wisconsin-Salem, North Carolina
- Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia
The universities are mainly organized through an advisory council.
Chair: Tobias Huning, University of North Florida (e-mail: t.huning@unf.edu)
Through the German American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., New York (GACC N.Y.), several universities from New England participate in the program, as well.
Partner Universities in the US Februar 24th, 2021gae
Christoph Rückel, former Chair of the Emory Advisory Council (German Department), is the founder of the US-German internship program in cooperation with the American Chamber of Commerce Germany e.V. He restructured with Rückel & Collegen (Munich – Düsseldorf) and Sebastian Meis from Baker Donelson the internship program under the roof of German American Exchange.
Christoph Rückel is one of the founding partners of the law firm BridgehouseLaw and today senior partner with Rückel & Collegen (Atlanta – Munich – Düsseldorf). He practiced for over 20 years mainly in Atlanta (Georgia), but also in Munich (Germany) advising clients in corporate matters, investment and tax related issues. He has a broad experience in advising companies doing international business. Today is practicing in Munich (Germany).
BOARD OF DIRECTORS September 26th, 2017gae
Sebastian Meis
MEMBER OF THE BOARD
Sebastian Meis is a shareholder and cross-border transactional corporate attorney in the Atlanta office of Baker Donelson. He is a member of the Firm’s Global Business Team. As an attorney licensed in Germany and the U.S., Mr. Meis advises companies in corporate matters, particularly in the formation and restructuring of corporations and partnerships both in Germany and the U.S.
Mr. Meis has represented German investment funds in corporate, tax and bank regulatory matters in connection with real estate, as well as oil and gas investments in the U.S. In addition, he has advised investors on the acquisition of businesses and restructuring of investments. He has extensive experience in advising companies, as well as individuals, in the U.S. and Germany on complex visa issues and related international tax matters.
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.
Student Testimonials:
"The GAE internship was a transformative and differentiating experience. My two summers in Germany broadened my perspective, developed my professional skill set, and introduced me to a great community. Participating in the internship was the best decision I made during my college years." – Josh Guggenheim, 2010-2011
“Through the GAE I was given the opportunity to intern with PIA Pontis Institutional Advisors in Munich for the summer of 2019. I was able to make valuable global connections and do meaningful work that helped the company, all while drastically improving my language skills. The GAE allowed me to immerse myself in the everyday life of a working German citizen, and provided an insight of what a career in Germany might be like.” – James Schacht, 2019
“I had the pleasure of working at the Rueckel & Collegen Law Firm in Munich German during the summer of 2018. I was able to do meaningful work, learned a lot, gained meaningful experience and became a trusted member of the team. I assisted in paralegal work, doing research for case preparation and created case documents. Based on my experiences I gained in Munich, I will be applying to law schools to begin my career in the legal field.” – Sophie al Mutawaly, 2018
“My time at Gerhard Schubert was a wonderful experience that allowed me to follow my passion in Robotics in a very friendly environment while still giving me an interesting challenge. Thanks to this experience, I was also able to meet many important people, such as the owner of the company and the Ministerpräsident of Baden Württemberg. This was all thanks to the German American Exchange program and I cannot wait to return to Germany next year to continue working for Gerhard Schubert.” – Mason Reynolds, 2019
“I would say that GAE has helped me get my foot in the door with a company that I'll be working with in the United States and everyone from the GAE program itself has been so helpful along the way with arranging interviews, etc.. It was a great experience being able to use both of my majors in Germany and found it to be a great growing experience personally and professionally. Being able to meet with the other GAE interns in Munich and Berlin was also an awesome part of the program and I've been able to keep up with a few of them.” – Nick Mazzella, 2019
2019
William McKay
Wake Forest University - ELvation Medical GmbH
"The internship exceeded my expectations. I learned so much during my time working for ELvation Medical. I received experience in various departments of the company and worked closely with the CEO on many projects. I not only improved my German, but also learned what it was like to work in an office setting and be part of an international company."
"I both gained valuable work experience and really enjoyed my time in Germany. I had the opportunity to
design and develop an application, coordinate with stakeholders, and present the application to potential customers as well as at a company event, which will be great experience for my career. I also got to work with German people and meet people from all over the world, as my company hires a lot of international interns. Furthermore, I had a great time exploring Munich and experiencing the culture. Thanks so much to TNG and GAE for a fantastic summer!"
Michelle Griffin
University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Bannert Manlik Consultants
"The internship met my expectations in all ways. It provided me the opportunity to learn more about a field I was curious to explore while also allowing me to develop as a young professional. From my internship, I gained more experience in technical skills (i.e Excel and other programs). I also gained insight about how a smaller firm runs and the way it has to organize itself to operate. I was able to learn more about professional conduct and being a part of client meetings helped tremendously with that. I also made developments in my soft skills which I have to thank my mentors for helping me with."
2018
Robert Boone
Wake Forest University - PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH, Frankfurt
"Thank you so much for all the incredible opportunities and events you created for me this summer. The internship at PwC was amazing and I could not have asked for a better match with a company.
Furthermore, thank you for organising such great events like the Frankfurt welcome party, Fourth of July Party and Berlin Conference. The weekend in Berlin was one of the highlights of my summer.
I will never forget my internship in Frankfurt and the lessons I learned will perpetuate me into starting a great career. My internship with PwC has really helped me to learn and grow as both a person and professional and I am very grateful."
Brayton Hall
Washington & Lee University - Ernst & Young GmbH, Eschborn
"As a German and accounting double major, my internship with Ernst & Young in Frankfurt expanded my knowledge in both my subjects of interest. My work with Ernst & Young educated me on tax accounting, grew my abilities in translating the German language to English, and taught me new skills in working with tax software and Microsoft Excel. However, my most significant growth stemmed from experiencing life in a foreign country for the first time."
Lu Han
Emory University - ARAG SE
"Overall, the internship was an exceptional experience! I had a great time with colleagues and learned much more than I thought. They guided me through the transitioning process from a student to an intern. I was able to learn different tasks that each department does, and I had a chance to learn the company culture by participating in workshops. My supervisor also helped me develop my presentation skill by asking me to conduct an individual research. In addition to work, my colleagues also invited me to dinners and showed me around in the city. I think the relationship between us will last longer than I thought in the future."
Kevin Lister
Georgia State University - Rueckel & Collegen
"All of my expectations of life in Germany were exceeded during my short stay in Munich.
I learned how to maneuver through law firm office setting by keeping myself busy with research projects and basic office tasks to keep the firm working efficiently.
Among a few key hard skills that I learned through Rueckel & Collegen, I had the chance to learn many "soft skills" such as finding a way to improvise plans when traveling, how to solve problems with no clear solution, and learning the simple habits of professionals in the workplace.
Most importantly for myself, my work experience has given me the certainty to pursue the field of law as a future career. "
2017
Manuel Parra-Chavez - Columbus State University - Software AG, Darmstadt
2016
Xiqiao Huang
Emory University - Cisco Systems, Inc., Hallbergmoos
“I really like this internship, and it fulfills all my expectations. I work as a financial controlling intern in the company, so I am able to apply my academic knowledge of finance and accounting into my daily work routine. By participating in various projects, I am able to not only learn business related knowledge and German business culture, but also develop practical skills (such as data analytical skills, communication skills and presentation skills). I am truly grateful of Cisco and AmCham for giving me such great opportunities and unforgettable experiences.“
Polina Kyriushko
Washington and Lee University - DZ BANK AG, Frankfurt
“Working in DZ Bank I improved my knowledge of finance and developed my analytical and problem-solving skills. I started feeling more comfortable using different computer programs and learned some new finance software. Apart from that, I got the experience of working in a team and learned to effectively use feedback in order to improve my performance. I was very lucky to work in a department with people who were always willing to teach me something new and at the same time to listen to my own suggestions and ideas. I greatly appreciated the atmosphere of cooperation in our team and always felt inspired and motivated.”
Claire Lingenfelter
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - DuPont de Nemours (Deutschland) GmbH, Neu-Isenburg
“All-in-all, my internship with DuPont was an excellent experience. I became friends with a fantastic, international team of people, who constantly and kindly invited me to hang out with them outside of work. I learned about an industry I never knew existed and was pleased to find that after a few months I could speak industrial jargon and follow most conversations about this training and that process, et cetera. I honed my visual design and PowerPoint skills and learned how to use several programs for storing and processing data, to which I would have never otherwise been exposed. […] It was a great summer!”
Lindsay Owings
University of Georgia - ARAG SE, Düsseldorf
“The AmCham program gave me an opportunity that would have been hard to find anywhere else. [… ] I especially loved being fully immersed in the German culture, in both the personal world and business world. […] I think the most important thing that I gained was an international perspective on things. […] Here not only was I abroad, but I worked in an international department, so I got to deal with even more countries. This definitely prepares me to work internationally in the future and gave me lots of experience in dealing with other cultures in a professional manner. I also learned a lot about the insurance industry and the interworking of how it operates. All of this I think is so valuable to my future and my career and I am very thankful to have been given this opportunity.”
Burke Ugarte
Washington & Lee University - Ernst & Young GmbH, Eschborn
“The entire experience was wholly rewarding. I was able to combine very practical work experience, language acquisition, and cultural awareness in one summer. And was paid to do it! […] [T]he corporate experience I received was wholly rewarding as well and leaves me well informed for the work environments I will pursue in the future. The friends and experiences gained abroad will be held forever fondly as one of the more formative experiences in my life.”
2015
Kathleen Donovan
Emory University - Roland Berger Strategy Consultants GmbH, München
"I certainly learned a lot about marketing, since I knew practically nothing about it before. If I pursue a career in any area of marketing, what I learned this summer (marketing strategy, design, writing/editing (publishing)..) would definitely be useful. I also gained valuable knowledge about all the complex external AND internal interactions that affect a business, and about all the pieces and parts (so many different departments and jobs that I had never even thought of) that go into a company... This was my first internship, so the workings of large firms was a complete mystery to me. I feel this knowledge will be useful, no matter what career I pursue. If anything, I understand now why upper-level corporate decision making is so incredibly difficult and inherently uncertain... I understand now why management consultants exist!"
Dominic Hochberger
Kennessaw State University - Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt
"This internship was one of the best opportunities I have had to increase my knowledge of German business culture. I was very satisfied with my work place and the skills I picked up there. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in international studies or German culture."
Katharina Miles
Emory University - Amgen GmbH, München
"I very much enjoyed my internship at Amgen GmbH. I am pre-med at Emory and had already taken a lot of Chemistry and Biology classes prior to my internship. This background knowledge allowed me to take full advantage of my work and set a basis on which I was able to expand my knowledge. I always had interesting and exciting work to do and enjoyed my co-workers. Amgen was always very helpful and sought to it that I learned a lot in my short time as an intern. Living in Munich was also a wonderful experience and the city was an exciting place to be during the world cup."
Nicole Porter
Washington and Lee University - Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH, Bensheim
"I am walking away from this with real work experience, due to the immense trust that my mentor and my bosses put in me. They gave me more work than I thought I could ever handle, but their trust in my abilities motivated me to go beyond what I thought I could do. Looking back, I am so grateful that my co-workers treated me like a real employee, rather than simply an intern. I have the skills to evaluate offers from suppliers, create bidding overviews, and conduct professional conversations in person and in emails. I talked on the phone with suppliers in German and presented projects in large sourcing meetings. The skills that I acquired from presenting to computer skills to critical thinking will be helpful in any future job. Overall, this internship has given me assurance and confidence that I am able to enjoy living in a country that isn’t my own and that I can begin to feel comfortable there. I am walking away with even more respect and appreciation for the culture and the language, as well as great experiences, and great friends and connections that will last for years. Thank you for your efforts and your support!"
Zach Rachuba
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - United Parcel Service Deutschland Inc. & Co., Neuss
"It was hard for me to have very exact expectations before I started the internship, but I think my experience roughly matched what I had imagined. Nothing in life is perfect, but I think the internship was a very rewarding opportunity. Speaking German in everyday life and at work certainly helped improve my language skills. I also gained an introduction to the business world, learning good work habits and gaining insight about the German business culture. Working in Procurement helped me learn about the process in which firms purchase what they need to operate." Keller Street
Piedmont College - Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Bad Homburg
"I was surprised at how much my team allowed me to do and what work they gave me. It was great! I also really appreciated the chance to partake in the FRANC conference. I learned about the German language, German culture, and general office/business life. As well as the generic language, culture, and lifestyle, I learned a lot about biology and my field of study through my close work on training presentations here as well as the previously mentioned FRANC conference. I have learned how to conduct myself in an office environment as well as a professional environment. There are a lot of things that you can’t learn in a classroom and this internship was a great way to get out of the class and learn first-hand." Loren Tamas
Georgia State University - Smith Legal LLP, Weinstadt
"I didn’t quite know what to expect from the internship as I have not completed one before and believe, in any case, that it could vary widely depending on industry and office. That being said, I did enjoy my experience. I was able to learn a little of the intricacies in managing an international business and having to deal with the quirks different cultures have. Although some knowledge I gained was very specific to litigation, it was still an interesting educational experience reading through cases and seeing international processes of law. It has made me more aware of what aspects to focus on when conducting international business, which I believe I can apply to my future goals."
2014
James Cochran
Kennessaw State University - Commerzbank AG, Frankfurt
“I was looking for a professional experience in a foreign country and that is exactly what this summer has been. I gained valuable experience that will help me with my career goals.“
Jasmine Jackson-Irwin
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, Frankfurt
“Spending a casual evening with my fellow interns reflecting on all that we have learned was a great way to slowly conclude my internship. The mixture of beautiful summer weather and the pervasive sense of history in Berlin was truly magical.“
Pamela Pedersen
University of North Carolina at Charlotte - State of Indiana, Berlin
“I worked as an associate at the representation of the State of Indiana in Berlin, Germany, for three months in the summer of 2013. During my time here at the office, I was able to learn and experience how a German business functions compared to Americans as well as get an insight into the consulting business. This opportunity was a great experience because I not only got to learn more about consulting and international relations, I also got to work with a great team and enjoyed the work environment.“
Charles Sides
Georgia Institute of Technology - Arthur D. Little GmbH, Frankfurt
“My summer working for a large consulting company through the US-German Internship Program has been one of the most challenging and exciting experiences of my life. From the engaging work and frequent opportunities for travel to incredible friends I made, I had an incredible opportunity for learning, adventure and growth.“
2013
Courtney Benson
Piedmont College - Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Berlin
“The internship this summer more than met my expectations. I gained a better knowledge and understanding not only of US-German business relations, but also of business relations within Europe. Learning so much about German culture allowed me to obtain a better understanding of my own culture. This was an incredible experience and because of this program I hope to pursue a career with a global company.“
Tyler Faust
Georgia State University - American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, Frankfurt
“The whole trip helped combine a better understanding of German culture and politics with an amazing city, Berlin.“
Soleil Robichaud
University of Georgia - Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, München
“The US-German Internship Program was such a great opportunity to not only get real world experience in an actual business setting, but also to do it in a completely different country. This internship has definitely changed me.“
2012
Alina Bikineyeva
Emory University - Wells Germany GmbH, München
“This internship exposed me to German culture in a way I never thought possible. I learned about German business culture, both formal and informal. Conversations with German colleagues covered topics from the next business meeting to politics in the US. Overall, the internship provided me with a more global view of the business world, and I really appreciated this opportunity. After I graduated from Emory I found my first job in Munich, Germany!“
Erin Garcia
Georgia Institute of Technology - United Parcel Service Deutschland Inc. & Co., Köln
“Working in Germany has been an immensely rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. I looked forward to going to work every day because of the friendly environment in my office. I was also able to see the positive impact my project had before the end of my term.“
Traditionally, our internship program offers 3rd-year college students in the U.S. the opportunity to gain international business experience while improving their German language skills and getting to know a foreign country´s customs and traditions as well as its people. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GAE has modified the internship program for 2021 offering U.S. students internships with German companies in the US. GAE only accepts students to its pool of applicants that have taken German as a subject in college and have been recommended by their professors.
GAE aims to cultivate a positive view of Germany among future leaders of the United States. Through new experiences and relationships, we hope to provide interns with the foundation to serve as the next generation of ambassadors of the German-American friendship. Several companies that participated in past GAE internship programs have offered permanent employment opportunities to their former GAE interns and, thus, found reliable employees. If your company is interested in participating in our program, please see the following information.
Unser Praktikantenprogramm bietet amerikanischen Studenten im 3. Studienjahr (College) die Möglichkeit, mit einem knapp 3-monatigen Aufenthalt in Deutschland internationale Erfahrungen in der Wirtschaft zu sammeln, ihre Deutschkenntnisse zu verbessern und Land und Leute kennenzulernen.
Ziel des Programms ist die Zusammenführung von amerikanischen Studenten und deutschen Firmen bzw. deren Mitarbeitern und somit die Förderung der deutsch-amerikanischen Beziehungen. Diese stehen gerade in jüngster Zeit auf einem besonderen Prüfstand und bedürfen der intensiven Förderung.
Künftigen Führungskräften soll ein positives Deutschlandbild vermittelt werden. Firmen und feste Mitarbeiter profitieren von den interkulturellen Erfahrungen und Freundschaften eines solchen Austauschs. Nicht wenige der teilnehmenden Firmen haben ihren ehemaligen Praktikanten eine Festanstellung angeboten und somit zuverlässige Arbeitskräfte gefunden.
Sind Sie interessiert, mit Ihrem Unternehmen teilzunehmen? In unserer Broschüre (pdf zum download rechts) finden Sie die wichtigsten Informationen.
