It is modeled after the MIT Japan program established in 1981, now the largest program of applied Japanese studies in the United States. In order to qualify for an internship, a student must have completed two years of college-level German and had one course in German culture and history.
Candidates submit a written proposal to a company.
If accepted, the company pays a salary plus round-trip air fare to the intern and helps him or her find housing. In some cases, a housing stipend is included in the salary. We've had more students apply than we ever expected. Professor Widdig believes the program eventually will be expanded to include other European countries. In addition, he hopes Germany and Europe become more visible at MIT as a result of the program.