Berlin, Germany

Summer - Internship

Full-Time Internship

Length:

Summer

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Summer 2026: May 19 - July 18

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$7,030

Housing:

Apartment

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None; German knowledge preferred for select placements

About the Internship

Gain professional experience in the political and cultural capital of Germany while immersing yourself in the excitement of one of the largest cities in Europe. As soon as you set foot in Berlin, you’ll feel the city’s energy.

Our program guarantees an internship placement to help you develop professional skills that will jump-start your career and make you more attractive to employers in today’s competitive job market. Before you depart, we work with you to fine-tune your résumé, and hone your networking and interviewing skills, as well as prepare you for working in a new cultural environment. You’ll be an intern at a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at least 25 hours per week.

Personalized Placements

We'll will work with you to find a placement in the field of your choice.

Academic Seminar

Enroll in a 3- or 6-credit internship seminar with other IES interns.

German-Language Instruction

You have the option to enroll in a 3-credit German language course.

Field Trips

Join IES Abroad-organized cultural events and field trips.

Internship Program Advisor

Garrett Sander

Once you’ve applied for an internship, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From field placements to housing and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare for your internship. Once you’re accepted to your internship, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ internships@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Summer 2026: May 19 - July 18

Credits:

3 or 6 per Summer

Estimated Cost:

$7,030

Housing:

Apartment

Primary Spoken Language(s):

English

Language Prerequisites:

None; German knowledge preferred for select placements

About the Destination

Why Berlin?

Experience Berlin—the political and cultural center of Germany. This capital city also boasts a thriving startup and creative industries scene, scores of museums and galleries and some of the world’s most spectacular architecture. When you intern in Berlin, you’ll be able to walk, bike, or take a bus, tram, or train to work. Over lunch, stroll through one of Berlin’s countless parks and gardens. At night, enjoy live music or theater in one of Europe's most exciting cultural centers. Interning in Berlin will boost both your résumé credentials and your cultural competence.

Learn More About Berlin

Get to Know Your New City

Relax in Parks & Green Space

Stroll, cycle, swim, or picnic in one of Berlin's 2,500 parks.

Visit Neighborhoods

The city's neighborhoods give Berlin its unique character.

Observe the Architecture

See restored buildings juxtaposed against modern structures.

Check Out the East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall is now an outdoor art exhibition.

The Student Experience

Siena Cohen

Siena Cohen, May 16, 2026

Goodbye to Berlin

Coming home and missing my temporary home that really felt like home

Re-Entry

Recommendation Roundup

Biking in Berlin

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Summer 2026

Program Dates:

May 19 - July 18

Application Deadline:

Feb 12, 2026

Academics

Placement Examples

Business

student in Freiburg forest environment sustainability with magnifying glass

Climate Change

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Communications

Computer Science

Technology

a student plays rock, paper, scissors with children in Cape Town

Welfare

Courses

While working in Berlin, you’ll enroll in a required 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns.

Topics include understanding business culture, improving communication in the workplace, strengthening work attitude and aptitude, resolving conflicts, and navigating issues, challenges, and opportunities so you can succeed on the job in Berlin and when you return home.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (2)

German Language (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
GR 101 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad I	Summer	German	3
GR 301 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I	Summer	German	3
GR 401 - German Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I	Summer	English	3

Internship Seminar (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IN 395 - Internship Seminar on Global Workplace Cultures	Summer	English	3
IN 395 - Internship Seminar on Global Workplace Cultures	Summer	English	6

Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
At least sophomore standing prior to application; rising junior status at time of program departure. (Students who have completed one year of undergraduate study may apply and will be considered on a case-by-base basis.)
Students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program (solid academic credentials related to studies or experience in desired field of placement required); or graduate students enrolled in a full-time degree program may apply and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-U.S. citizens must refer to their local consulate to learn about visa requirements and determine eligibility; IES Internships cannot advise on visa regulations for non-U.S. citizens.
Non-U.S. citizens attending school outside the U.S.: Native English fluency or IELTS score of 6.0 or above, taken within the last two years.
- Visit the IELTS website to find a test location near you. IES Abroad reserves the right, in its sole discretion, not to accept students who it believes do not have the necessary English language competency to succeed in an Internship Program, irrespective of the applicant's score on a language proficiency exam

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad or academic advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization. If you will not be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, or will graduate prior to the IES Summer Internship start date, this form is not required.
Academic Credit Acknowledgement Form — This form allows you to select whether you plan to enroll in the internship program for credit. Consult with your advisor on campus to understand your school's requirements for earning credit for your internship.
Placement Interest Form — This form will ask you about your goals and objectives for the internship placement, as well as information about how to best contact you throughout the placement process. Our internship staff will use this as a starting point for matching you with a host employer.
Transcript(s)  — Submit transcripts for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Curriculum Vitae (Résumé) — This should detail relevant work or volunteer experience. IES Internships will provide assistance, suggestions and advice for your CV if it is submitted by the deadline. Your application is not considered complete until a correctly formatted CV is submitted.
Cover Letter (Optional) — This letter should not be addressed to IES Internships. Instead, it should be targeted toward prospective internship hosts in the field in which you would like to work. Your letter will allow potential host organizations to better understand your interest, skills, and background experience.
Professional Letter of Reference (Optional) — Submit a letter of reference from a previous employer or supervisor.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.5, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation Letter — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Internships gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Internships program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Germany does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.

Once you arrive in Germany, you'll need to obtain a German Residence Permit.  Learn more about the process to get your residence permit.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

IES Abroad Berlin Staff

Barbara Finke

IES Abroad Berlin Center Director

Read Full Bio

Sophia Brauner

Student Success Coordinator

Maren Wiegmann

Customized Programs Coordinator

Sascha Heller

Head of Operations & Special Programs

Saskia Kyas

Special Programs Manager

Tyler Richmond

Internships Manager

Rolf Staudt

Senior Accountant

Britta Tonak

Head of Student Affairs

Alina Vaisfeld

Associate Academics Dean

Alina Weiermüller

Academics Coordinator

Rachel Gilman

Health & Student Life Manager

Housing

Apartment

Small Studio Apartment - You will live in a single studio with a private bathroom and either a private or shared kitchenette. Students typically prepare their own meals in their housing or dine in student cafeterias or affordable restaurants. No meals are provided with this housing option. All studios include high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at extra cost.

Shared Apartment - Live with other IES Abroad Berlin students in mixed-gender student apartments with a shared living room, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom. No meals are provided with this housing option. All studios include high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at no extra cost.

Any housing placement in a single room may carry an additional fee.

Living with Locals

We offer you the unique experience of living with local residents throughout the city. You will live in a shared apartment with single adults, single parents, or families. Students typically prepare their own meals in their housing or dine in student cafeterias or affordable restaurants. Meals are not included in the program cost. All apartments include high-speed internet.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Berlin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

1 Day Summer

Potsdam

Visit the capital and crown jewel of the state of Brandenburg, and admire Sanssouci’s fabulous palaces and surrounding gardens.

Internship Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Summer 2026

Tuition

4,647

Housing

2,183

Insurance

200

Total

7,030

Summer 2026

Berlin Summer - Internship (3 or 6 Credits) Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	3 Credits	6 Credits
Tuition	$4,647	$4,917
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$2,183	$2,183
• Option 1: Apartment (no meals provided)	+$0	+$0
• Option 1: Homestay (no meals provided)	+$0	+$0
• Option 1: Studio (no meals provided)	+$0	+$0
Health Insurance	$200	$200
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$7,030-$7,030	$7,300-$7,300

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Hamburg or Munich (2 nights)	$125
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$50
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Apartment (no meals provided)	$910
• Option 1: Homestay (no meals provided)	$910
• Option 1: Studio (no meals provided)	$910
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$150
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$130 per month
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$1,200
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

May 19 - July 18

Application Deadline:

Feb 12, 2026

Estimated Cost:

7,030

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 75 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that internships are “guaranteed”?

IES Internships guarantees you a placement in your field of choice, as indicated on your internship application. If we are unable to offer you an internship placement in the expressed field of choice at least two weeks before the program start date, despite your participation in the process and satisfaction of all program requirements, then you have the option to receive a refund of the full amount that you paid IES Internships or the chance to transfer to an IES Abroad program of comparable length and value in the same location (subject to satisfying applicable visa requirements and IES Internships’ academic program requirements).

The IES International Internship Waiver will include:

More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.

What does the program fee cover? Where can I find a breakdown of the costs?

The program fee covers: your tuition, housing, and health insurance, in addition to access to an incomparable amount of predeparture support and resources, direct on-site guidance and assistance while you’re abroad, and networking opportunities and reunions with other alumni once they return from abroad. You can find a breakdown of costs by clicking on the program page they are interested in, clicking on the “cost” tab at the top of the page, and then clicking on the total price.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

Full-Time Summer Internship Program students can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline – even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies. Please note, Full-Time Fall and Spring Semester Internship students are not eligible for IES financial aid.

Are all internships abroad unpaid? Will I get credit?

Yes, all of our internship placements are unpaid. In many countries, it is illegal to pay interns without obtaining the proper visa/work authorization. All of our internship students will be enrolled in an internship seminar while abroad, which you can earn credit for based on your home universities polices. We at IES believe our internships help give students the opportunity to build their resumes, earn a higher salary, gain cross cultural skills and intercultural confidence, secure a job faster, get into their grad school of choice, and become a global leader.

What type of internship will I have?

We have numerous types of internships in a variety of fields and disciplines. For a list of placement examples, check out our internships by field page. Please keep in mind that while these are past placements, they are not necessarily available every year. Our team works to find students customized internships based on interests, qualifications, and the needs of the internship hosts.

I was accepted into the internship program, what are the next steps?

What does it mean that internships are “guaranteed”?

The IES International Internship Waiver will include:

More clear expectations around students’ required “active participation” and responsiveness during the pre-departure and placement process (rather than our previously stated “good faith participation”)
IES’ ability to rescind a student’s admission (no later than 2 weeks prior to the start of a program to avoid uncoverable costs) due to their inactivity/unresponsiveness that jeopardizes the student’s ability to secure a timely internship placement or required visa
And the student’s liability for any other associated costs/losses in the event that a student’s admission is rescinded (e.g. visa fees, airfare, home school fees, etc.