Internships in Berlin - FAQ
Questions? Anne: +49 30 780089-15 | anne.foertsch@gls-berlin.de
Will I earn a salary during my internship?
Our internship placements in Berlin are unpaid. Think of them as a launchpad for your career - the real value comes from gaining international work experience, building a global network, and immersing yourself in German workplace culture. Some host companies may occasionally offer a small bonus or stipend in recognition of outstanding work.
How do you find host companies?
We work closely with a long-established network in the local business community. We source internships through three main channels:
- Our long-standing network of Berlin partner companies.
- Direct HR contacts from our in-house corporate language training programs.
- Our active memberships in local professional networks like the Berlin Marketing Club.
Do you guarantee an internship placement for me?
Yes, provided you meet the program requirements. We guarantee a placement within your chosen field, although we cannot guarantee placement with a specific company.
What about requirements?
To apply for our Berlin internship program, you'll need:
- Age: 18 or older
- Intermediate German (B1)
A completed high school diploma or secondary education. (Note: Creative fields like TV, media, or radio require at least two years of university study).
Can I do an English-speaking internship in Berlin?
While Berlin is an international city, German remains the primary language of business in most local workplaces. To participate in our internship program, you will need at least an intermediate (B1) level of German.
If you're a beginner, don't worry! It typically takes around 5–6 months of intensive study at GLS to reach the language level needed for a professional office environment.
Will I have a selection of companies to choose from?
Rather than asking you to apply to multiple companies yourself, our team handles the matching process for you. We take your profile, skills, and career goals into account to find a suitable host company and arrange an interview.
Our team invests significant time and effort in finding the right match for you. For this reason, we ask participants to commit to the placement offered. If you have concerns about a placement, please discuss them with us. Please note that declining a placement without a valid reason may result in the loss of the placement fee.
Can I do my German course and internship at the same time?
You’ll complete them one after the other. Berlin companies expect interns to be fully available during their placement. For this reason, you’ll finish your intensive German course first and then transition directly into your internship.
Do I have to take a German course if I already speak well?
Yes, a 4-week German course is a mandatory part of the program. Even if your German is already strong, the course also serves as a cultural onboarding experience to help you navigate German workplace expectations. It also helps our team get to know you better, which supports a stronger company match for your profile.
Can I get a refund if I leave my internship early?
No, we are unable to offer refunds for early departures. Once you accept a placement, the host company commits resources to your role and relies on your participation to complete planned projects.
Do you have any further questions? We're happy to help.
Anne: +49 30 780089-15 | anne.foertsch@gls-berlin.de
Interested in joining the Internship Program?