Dresden Internship Program

Students who have advanced German language skills may participate in the program, which combines study and coursework with a professional internship. The program is ideal for those students who want insight into the German culture outside the academic world. On all our Dresden Programs, students study at the Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Germany.

Program Curriculum

Week 1–Week 8 (Core Phase)

Students enroll in an intensive German language and cultural immersion course during the first part of the program. The class meets for four hours, four days a week and on the fifth day of each week, students take a field trip.

Week 9–Week 24 (Internship Phase)

Students begin their internships during week nine and work for an average of 30 hours a week. They also enroll in two or more courses at Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) and attend three to four faculty-directed sessions on the academic component of their internship. During the final week of the program, students attend a capstone seminar in which they deliver the final presentations on their academic internship projects.

Note: Syllabi are for course approval and reference only. Students will receive up-to-date syllabi when their courses begin.

Required Course

All students take this course:

CAS DR 300: Intensive German Language and Culture (4)

Students will be placed in intermediate (Level I) or advanced German (Level II) depending on their language proficiency. The class meets for four hours, four days a week, to enable rapid development of communication skills (speaking, writing, reading, and listening). It also trains students in strategies for functioning in German culture in social, practical, and academic contexts. On the fifth day of each week, students take a field trip designed to engage them directly with the life and institutions of German society. Fimmel. Syllabus

Internship Areas

Health & Human Services

Past internship providers have included The University Clinic of TU Dresden, The Salvation Army, Occupational Therapist’s Practice Maike Dietz

International Organizations/NGOs

Work in social activist organizations, environmental organizations, human rights organizations and associated government departments. Past internships have included Saxonian Office for Environmental Protection, Foreigner’s Council, and The Salvation Army.

Politics & International Relations

Study the issues and institutions of German political culture and work in a political setting, including Parliament, party organizations, lobbying groups, or political public relations agencies. Past internship placements have included The Saxonian State Chancellory, Saxonian Parliament, and Saxonian State Ministries.

Pre-law

Study the history and practice of the law in both the United States and Germany and participate in the daily life of a German law firm or commercial legal department. Past internship placements have included the Law Firm Lothar Hermes (Immigrant Law).

Television

Study communications and society in Germany and work for one of Dresden’s television stations. Past internship placements have included ZDF Dresden Studios and Dresden TV.

Theater Studies

Study the various aspects of the theater industry in one of the most vibrant theater scenes in the world. Students have the unique opportunity to combine coursework with hands-on experience in a full-time field placement in the visual and performing arts. Past internship placements have included Office of Competizione dell´Opera, Theater der Jungen Generation, Staatskapelle Dresden.

Internship Courses

The course number will depend on the area of specialization in which the student completes his or her internship. Placements are contingent upon students’ past experiences, language abilities, professional interests, and available opportunities in any given semester, so flexibility is essential.

CAS PO 401 Internship in Politics/International Relations
CAS PO 403 Internship in Comparative Law
CAS PO 405/IR 455 Internship in International Organizations
CAS PS 495 Internship in Health and Human Services
COM FT 493/494 Internship in Film/Radio/Television
CAS HU 425 Practicum in the Visual/Performing Arts

Internship Components

The internship itself (evaluated by supervisor)
Faculty directed meetings, which require students to complete academic coursework, write an internship portfolio and give oral presentations (evaluated by course instructors)

Program Details

Requirements	Minimum of four semesters of college-level German Language screening interviews may be required Admissions requirements for all programs
Program Dates	Fall semester: August 18 to December 21, 2013 Spring semester: early February to late July Depart U.S.: February 10, 2013 Program Arrival: February 11, 2013 Depart Germany: July 21, 2013
Cost	2013/2014 Tuition and Fees: $28,795 Cost includes tuition, housing, board, airfare from designated U.S. cities, field trips, overseas medical insurance, and emergency travel assistance coverage. The cost for 2014/2015 has not yet been announced and will be subject to approval by the Board of Trustees at Boston University. Download an estimated program budget, including cost of living expenses. Financial aid is available.
Credits	Upon successful completion of the program, students earn sixteen to twenty Boston University credits. Students must enroll for a minimum of sixteen credits.
Housing	Program participants live in the university dormitories. Students receive room and board stipends, which may be used to buy food at students’ cafeterias, or students can shop at grocery stores or markets in Dresden and prepare their meals in the dormitory kitchens.
Application Deadlines	Fall semester: March 15 Spring semester: October 1

Download a description of the Dresden Internship Program.

Program Faculty & Staff

The Boston University Dresden Programs are administered by staff in both our Boston and Dresden offices. In Boston, a program manager facilitates the admissions and pre-departure procedures, and maintains contact with students prior to their arrival in Dresden. The Boston office also houses administrative personnel who are responsible for everyday operations. In Dresden, the staff comprises a resident director and administrative, academic, and housing personnel.

Faculty & Staff Profiles

Alissa Kramer, Program Manager

Overseas Staff

Silke Fimmel, Director

Faculty

tuition, housing, internship placement, board, airfare from designated U.S. cities, and emergency travel assistance coverage.