Work and Internships

Taking advantage of work or internship opportunities offers a unique view into the German working-world. The Academic Director helps students to find internships according to their strengths and academic interests. Internships are usually unpaid but provide an insight into a specialized field of work. Student jobs, however, are always paid, but the student visa only allows for 90 full-days or 180 half-days of work and a monthly income of up to 520€. Students can decide if they would like to work part-time or full-time during the semester break. Because most employers expect a high level of proficiency in German, it is recommended that students begin their internships in the second half of their stay.

Internships are subject to the availability and not only the student’s desires. Nonetheless, one of the many benefits of Bremen is that it hosts various international companies, like Airbus, Mercedes-Benz, Mondelez, Jacobs Coffee, and Beck’s Beer (Anheuser-Busch InBev). Other well-known firms, such as Siemens (including Siemens Windpower) and Commerzbank, have branches in Bremen.

Recently, students have interned at the Bremen Information Center for Human Rights and Development (BIZME), the Center for Clinical Psychology and Rehabilitation (Uni Bremen), Bremen City Theatre, Adult Education Center, and the Institute for Intercultural and International Studies (InIIS).

In addition to the scholarships and financial aid available for the semester or year abroad in Bremen, there are a few scholarships specifically for internships and research. The Müller-Petersen-Hach Scholarship, for example, is designated for students interning in the field of human rights, environmental protection, or human services at a non-profit or governmental organization in a German-speaking country.

Students may choose to register their internships through Dickinson’s internship “Transcript Notation Program,” which allows for internships to appear on students’ transcripts. However, due to the different academic calendar, this may be somewhat complicated and should be discussed with the Academic Director. For deadlines and more information, click here.