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Faculty of Arts and HumanitiesDepartment of Social and Cultural Anthropology

International Internships

Practice meets new perspectives – Internships abroad for Anthropology students

An international experience doesn't always have to mean studying abroad – internships abroad also offer valuable opportunities to gain global experience. For students of anthropology, these internships are a great way to connect theory and practice, whether in NGOs, museums, cultural institutions, international organisations, or local research projects.

An internship abroad not only enhances your academic and professional skills, but also provides insight into career fields related to anthropology. At the same time, you'll strengthen your intercultural awareness, improve your language skills, and develop important soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and personal initiative – all of which are highly valued in today's job market.

Since internships abroad are often unpaid and may involve additional costs, it's worth looking into funding opportunities early on. A range of public and private institutions offer financial support – such as Erasmus+, DAAD scholarships, or subject-specific funding programmes.

Good to know: Application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts vary by programme. Careful and early planning is therefore essential.

As part of the Erasmus+ programme, students can receive funding for internships in companies, institutions, and organisations across Europe. These stays are supported in all Erasmus+ programme countries.

The goal is to enable students to gain professional experience in an international work environment and to become familiar with the demands of the EU-wide labour market. In addition, students can develop key competencies such as communication and teamwork skills, openness, and knowledge of cultures and markets.

Students can receive funding for both compulsory and voluntary internships lasting between two and twelve months.

Benefits of an Erasmus+ Internship Abroad

  • EU internship agreement between the university, the host organisation, and the student
  • Academic recognition of the internship
  • Supervision by a contact person at both the home university and the host organisation
  • Financial support for additional costs incurred abroad (monthly mobility grant)
  • Support in preparation (cultural, linguistic, and organisational)
  • Special grants for students with disabilities (from a degree of disability of 20) and/or chronic illnesses, as well as students with children

Requirements for an Erasmus+ Internship Abroad

  • Regular enrolment at a German university
  • Internships at EU institutions and other EU bodies, including specialised agencies, or organisations managing EU programmes are not eligible for funding

Contact: International Office – Dept. 93 International Mobility

Contact: Annika Schwarz, M.A.

 More information on application and selection criteria

The PROMOS scholarship program by the DAAD, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), offers German and equivalent-status students the opportunity to receive funding for study-related stays around the world – beyond established exchange programs.

The program supports internships, language courses, and study stays, with a focus on individual international experiences outside standard mobility schemes.

What is funded?
Internships outside of Europe

Internships between a Bachelor's and a Master's degree, provided that preliminary admission to a Master's program is available

Important: Doctoral candidates are not eligible for funding.
Exception: Medical students who pursue a doctorate during their degree program.

Duration
Minimum 1 month, maximum 6 months

Funding
One-time travel allowance, depending on the destination country

Travel advisories
Funding is only possible for countries without a travel warning issued by the German Federal Foreign Office.
If a warning is issued during your stay, you are required to leave the country, and funding will be discontinued.

Note
Before applying, please check whether a specific DAAD internship program applies to you – these programs take priority over PROMOS.

Contact: International Office – Department 93 International Mobility

Contact person: Helen van Ravenstein, M.A.

More information on application and eligibility requirements (only available in German)

Please note: Subject-specific advising for internships worldwide is provided by the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology. You can find the relevant contact details here:

Internship Advisor at the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology: