We invite students of history and political science to apply for a research-oriented internship, in which they support research projects, help with academic publications, and assist in the preparation and hosting of conferences. They also have the chance to engage with digital projects and create content for the institute’s academic blogs. In assigning tasks at the institute, the GHI will try to accommodate its interns’ interests. We also invite students of public relations to apply for an internship at the GHI. At the institute, public relations interns support the communications and press team. They assist in writing communication materials and are involved in planning public events. Finally, we invite students in the fields of public administration or public management from Germany to apply for an internship in the institute’s administration. Administration interns will have the chance to gain experience in different fields, such as finance and auditing as well as human resources (including related legal issues).
Internships usually run 3 months. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For applicants interested in coming to Washington, DC in the 2021/22 academic year, however, we recommend they submit their applications by June 1, 2021. Preference is given to applicants who have completed a BA degree or equivalent qualification. Applicants who require a visa must be enrolled at a university at the time of their internship. Candidates who have already completed an internship at the Max Weber Foundation or one of its institutes are not eligible for an internship at the GHI Washington.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, all internships scheduled for 2021 will be pursued virtually. On-site internships may resume starting January 2022, but all depends on the evolution of the pandemic, guidelines proposed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the accessibility and duration of the visa application process. In order to evaluate the situation and the safety of its employees, the institute continues to work closely with local authorities and the German Embassy.
In case on-site work becomes possible in 2022, German students applying for a GHI Washington internship are strongly advised to familiarize themselves with American visa requirements well in advance. Information about US visas is available on the website of the American Embassy in Berlin. The GHI cooperates with an organization authorized by the State Department to issue relevant papers for obtaining a visa. Applicants accepted into the internship program will receive an acceptance letter that contains information on visa procedures.
Applications should include a cover letter, a CV, a letter of recommendation from a professor or academic advisor, and copies of university degrees/transcripts. Applicants may write in either English or German; we recommend that they use the language in which they are most proficient. Please send applications electronically in one (1) PDF file via email to internships@ghi-dc.org. The letter of recommendation should be sent directly by your academic advisor or professor. For further information please contact Melanie Smaney at the GHI Washington (smaney@ghi-dc.org).
The GHI Washington provides interns who participate in its virtual internship program with a monthly stipend of €300. On-site interns receive a monthly stipend of €450. The institute also covers the cost of applying for a J-1 visa. On-site interns who are registered students at a German university can also apply for an additional grant from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Please note that only on-site internships are eligible for this grant. For more information on the DAAD special program "Max Weber Stiftung," please contact Referat 514 (Internationaler Praktikantenaustausch), DAAD Bonn, Tel. +49 (0) 228 882 255, or visit their website at:
DAAD Praktika im Ausland: https://www.daad.de/de/im-ausland-studieren-forschen-lehren/praktika-im-ausland/
DAAD Kurzstipendien für Praktika: https://www2.daad.de/ausland/studieren/stipendium/de/70-stipendien-finden-und-bewerben/?detail=57085132