Many programs of study provide for a mandatory internship, which you must complete during your studies. A mandatory internship thus always needs to be included in your personal degree planning. Depending on its duration, the mandatory internship can be completed during the semester break or during an academic leave of absence. Since most companies only offer internships of three months or more, longer internships are also recognized as mandatory internships. And of course, the longer the internship lasts, the more experience you will gain. In addition to the mandatory internship, you should also plan further internships or, for example, a working student position in order to gather additional practical experience during your studies.
Write your internship report. Please observe the formatting rules and content requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has to complete a mandatory internship?
The mandatory internship must be completed by all students of the bachelor’s programs in Culture and Economy, Romance Languages, Literatures and Media as well as in most other bachelor's programs at the School of Humanities. There is no mandatory internship in the bachelor’s program in English and American Studies CELLS.
When does the mandatory internship have to be completed?
When does the mandatory internship have to be recognized?
How long does the mandatory internship have to last?
The mandatory internship must last at least six weeks (full-time at least 35 hours/
week or part-time with a total of at least 210 hours).
The bachelor’s program in Romance Languages, Literatures and Media is an exception. In this program, the mandatory duration of the internship is ten weeks full-time (full-time at least 35 hours/week or part-time with a total of at least 350 hours). Can I also do the internship abroad?
Of course, you can also complete your internship abroad.
Click here for further information on internships abroad.
How do I find a suitable internship?
You will always find interesting internship advertisements in the internship and job database of the School of Humanities. You can also search in internship and job databases on the Internet. It is also worth taking a look at the career pages of companies and institutions that are of interest to you. Personal initiative, intensive research, and perseverance are required to find an internship that matches your preferences.
Do I have to inform the School that I am going to do an internship before the start of the internship?
No. If you are not sure whether the internship you have found is suitable, you are welcome to contact the program managers for advice.
How can I have my internship recognized?
First write the internship report. Then submit the report via ILIAS. After your documents have been checked, the Student Services will be informed and your ECTS will be registered.
Do I have to complete the internship in my major, minor or combination major?
The internship should be related to your program of study. However, it does not necessarily have to be oriented towards individual subjects. The primary purpose of the internship is to offer you the opportunity to “get a taste” of a potential future field of work that might be interesting for you and to gain some initial professional experience.
My internship will last longer. How long may I be absent at the beginning of the lecture period in order to complete my internship?
What is the difference between mandatory and voluntary internships?
Where can I get a confirmation of a mandatory internship for the employer?
You can request the confirmation of a mandatory internship for the employer directly via our online form. Please read the explanations on the confirmation of a mandatory internship for the employer in advance.
Minimum wage: Does this also apply to my internship?
The statutory minimum wage has been in force in Germany since 1 January 2015. It currently amounts to EUR 12 per hour. The minimum wage is also applicable to internships. Exceptions to this rule are the following cases:
- An internship is completed in accordance with the provisions of school or higher education law, training regulations, or within the framework of vocational training at a university of cooperative education (Berufsakademie). Such internships are mandatory. This also applies to the mandatory internship that you will be required to complete as part of your studies.
- An internship of up to three months is completed for orientation purposes in order to prepare for a vocational training or program of study. Such internships are voluntary and last for a maximum of three months.
- An internship of up to three months is completed in parallel with a vocational or university education, unless such an internship relationship has previously existed with the same trainer. Such internships are voluntary and last for a maximum of three months.
