Working closely with a UWGB German faculty member and a field supervisor, interns will gain hands on experience either teaching German or using their German in a business setting. Students register for the internship and receive academic credit, which appears on their transcript. Teaching interns are assigned their own small classes of children ages 6-9 years old, which they teach every week, but they are also responsible for attending a school orientation and instructional meetings with the a German professor on campus throughout the semester where they learn some of the basics about lesson design and classroom management, have the opportunity to exchange teaching experiences, and be involved in the development of German teaching materials. Although interns are not given monetary compensation for this learning experience, they often comment on how the program allowed them the opportunity to put their knowledge of German to good use and gave them a chance to make a difference in the community by enriching the education of local school children. Generally, students are paid for their work and are assisted in finding housing.
All additional expenses are, however, at the cost of the student.
Typical internship placements have been in marketing or internal controlling, but the final decision is made by the host company. Students will apply through the German Program in conjunction with the Carl Duisberg Gesellschaft, a nonprofit German governmental organization which, for a fee, will arrange for a work permit. In consultation with the UWGB German faculty, students who are combining a major or minor in German with a major or minor in Business may apply for these internships for 1-12 credits. As all activities are conducted in German, an excellent command of German is required. Moreover, the companies have set as a prerequisite a strong background in business practices as well.