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IES: Berlin Internship Program (Summer) (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Renata Horvatek Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2.5 - Second Semester Sophomore Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, German Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: Yes
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: German, Internship
Program Description:
Due to COVID-19 regulations, all education abroad programs have been cancelled through spring of 2021. Though the University has hopes to resume programming and travel for summer 2021, future travel is subject to University approval, dates are subject to change, and programming may be altered or cancelled due to changing circumstances.

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Second Semester Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

An IES internship in Berlin develops your professional skills and your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.

You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid placement at a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at least 25 hours per week. Placements will be conducted in German. You’ll also enroll in a 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace.

Before you depart, IES will work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter and hone your communication and interview skills to prepare you for working in a new cultural environment.

Dates

Summer: late May - late July

Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Experience Berlin—the economic and political center of Germany. This capital city also boasts a thriving arts scene (with more than 175 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 this Kulturhaupstadt (cultural capital) of Germany. Interning in Berlin will boost both your résumé credentials and your cultural competence.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

These are some examples of sectors where students have interned in the past, but there are internships available in other sectors and disciplines as well:
  • 3-D manufacturing company creating vehicles, machines and other industrial products; Scalable blockchain database company creating a “big data” blockchain database;
  • Art gallery and studio; University’s infectious disease and pulmonology research lab specializing in diagnosing and treating rare and complex infections and diseases;
  • National German history museum;
  • Supply-chain management company focusing on US-EU logistics for technology companies;
  • Multimedia platform offering accessible national and international news to migrant communities;
  • Empowerment organization working to prevent violence among women and girls’ and help them resolve conflicts non-violently, counteract discrimination, and promote equal rights;
  • Research lab looking at new resources to advance ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care;
  • Environmental studies research center developing solutions for water, air, and soil without chemicals;
  • Support center for refugees and homeless populations;
  • Local police department (Source: IESabroad.org) 

Internship course


To find courses at IES Abroad Berlin Internship follow the instructions on the host program page.

Students should meet with their academic adviser in their college to receive approval to earn internship credit on this program. The Education Abroad Office cannot approve your internship, we only facilitate the course equivalency process explained below.

Course Selection

As part of the program, you are required to take the 3-credit internship seminar. With the option of making the seminar 6 credit and/or adding a German language course for 9 credits.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 3 credits and a maximum number of 6 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

All internships require a course equivalency request because each placement is unique. Please include the following information in your course equivalency request for your internship in Melbourne (you may not have this information until you arrive):
  • Please upload with your request one document that includes the following information:
    • The program/provider syllabus (if available)
    • Final Project/Paper 
    • Special tasks and projects
    • Daily duties
    • Language in which a majority of the work was completed
    • Number of hours worked
    • Location of the internship
    • A detailed summary of the work you did on the internship
Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
 A A
 A- A-
 B+ B+
 B B
 B- B-
 C+ C+
 C C
 D D
 F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
 3 Credits  3 Credits
  

Housing and Meals

Housing

Housing is guaranteed and included in the program. Students will live with other IES Interns in shared student apartments with fully equipped kitchens. 

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

Meals are not included in the program and will be organized by the student.
 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline.

Summer Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

 

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

IES Abroad Country-Specific Diversity and Access Resources: Germany

Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. IES Abroad offers students comprehensive resources specific to their host city and country. Please visit the IES Abroad Germany - Diversity Resources website for valuable information on the following:Day-to-Day Life in Germany
  • Dietary Concerns
  • Diverse Racial, Ethnic, & National Identity
  • Gender Identity, Gender Expression, & Sexual Orientation
  • Religion & Spirituality
  • Disability Resources & Mental Health Support

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2020 01/20/2020
01/29/2020 05/18/2020 07/18/2020
Summer 2021 01/20/2021
01/29/2021 TBA TBA

Indicates that deadline has passed