For the third time AmCham Germany and BridgehouseLaw organize the US-German Internship Program in 2012, affording 25 students from renowned universities in the Southeastern region of the United States the opportunity to complete three-month summer internships with 20 top international companies. The students will leave the U.S. to go to Germany on May 21, 2012.

In October/fall 2012 we will celebrate and welcome back our interns in connection with our 4th Annual AmCham Business Day in Atlanta.

The program offers participants the chance to gain insight into the German economy, hone their German language skills and engage with the kinds of cross-cultural challenges that arise in daily business interactions. To support students throughout the duration of the program, AmCham Germany administers the matchmaking process between companies and applicants, as well as travel preparations, including flight booking and applying for working permits. Students are also greeted in Germany with a welcome ceremony upon their arrival to meet other participants and company representatives before being escorted to their final working destinations throughout the country. Additionally, students meet up halfway through the program to exchange stories and share their newly-gained intercultural knowledge. AmCham Germany aims to continue to connect American students and German companies in the interest of mediating a positive view of Germany to the future leaders of the United States. Each young American who returns to the US will serve as an ambassador of German-American friendship.

Established in 2010, the US-German Internship Program was organized and implemented together with BridgehouseLaw Atlanta, Emory University, Columbus State University, Georgia State University, Georgia Tech University, Kennesaw University, Morehouse College, North Georgia, College & State University, UNC Charlotte, University of Georgia and Piedmont College.

How does the US-German Internship work?

Basic Information for Companies and Interns

Hosting an Intern
Students should get to know your company’s procedures and actively work in the context of day-to-day operations.

Costs
Participating companies are obliged to pay a fair monthly allowance of €670 for the students’ services. This amount is required by the Agency of Employees’ and Students’ Affairs (ZAV) at the German Federal Agency for Employment. Travel associated with the program should also be covered by the company. This includes transportation between Frankfurt and the company‘s location at the start and end of the program. A get-together will be arranged at the halfway point of the internship. Companies are also asked to provide transportation and one to two nights‘ basic accommodation for the interns‘ participation in this event hosted by AmCham Germany.

Mentor
Participating companies are expected to provide a mentor for the intern. The mentor’s responsibilities include introducing the student to the field of operation in which he or she will be working and answering technical questions. Since the interns will need to gather experience in everyday life in Germany – an integral part of the program – the mentor is expected to play an important role here as well. An example might be acquainting the intern with the public transportation system. Participating companies may decide to even include the intern in social activities after work hours, such as visiting a restaurant, going to the movies, etc.

Housing
Ideally, participating companies provide an apartment for the student for the duration of the internship. If, however, this is not possible, the company should assist the student in searching for suitable living quarters. An alternative could be an employee offering to house the student for the three month duration in his or her own living quarters and thus integrate the intern into the family. Another option would be to house the student in a joint residence or perhaps you might be aware of a lessor seeking an interim tenant. We are very grateful for cooperation in arranging accommodations for the student, as it is not always easy for the intern to organize accommodations from overseas.

Visas
AmCham Germany will take care of visa formalities in advance in cooperation with the German Consulate General in Atlanta, GA.

Match-Making Process
The Match-Making Process between companies and interns begins in December of each year. Companies that return the letter of intent receive a password from AmCham Germany to enter the website and view the interns’ résumés. Thus, participating companies are able to personally decide if the student meets their criteria for eligibility, e.g. university background, language skills, qualifications, etc. Companies will be able to view each student’s profile and make a selection that suits the company best. This will take place on a first come, first serve basis, i.e. companies who decide early to join the program will have more choice in selecting an intern. Upon making a decision, companies are to contact AmCham Germany directly with their choice and not the student to avoid any overlap. AmCham Germany will introduce the company and student to each other. After establishing initial contact, an exchange regarding further details and procedures will take place between the company and the student.

Sponsoring Opportunities
Companies and individuals who are interested in supporting the program, but are unable to host an intern, may offer financial support for the students. Money collected is distributed to interns who demonstrate additional financial need in order to complete their internship. It is also used to support all interns during various activities, such as the mid-program get-together.

Benefits for Your Company
Your company’s commitment to support young professionals will be rewarded through extensive media coverage through AmCham Germany’s newsletter, website and magazine. These broadcast your company‘s accomplishments in furthering transatlantic cross cultural exchange. All participating companies are also represented on the official US-German Internship Program website.

How to Participate
Donations to the program are investments in our future. If you would like to support the program, please contact AmCham Germany.

For more information please visit our website or contact:

Dr. Christoph Rückel
Senior Advisor, AmCham Germany
South East USA

BridgehouseLaw Rueckel & Bolthausen, LLC
c/o AmCham
Rechtsanwalt · Foreign Law Consultant
1170 Peachtree Street, N.E. · Suite 1750 The Proscenium
Atlanta, Georgia 30309 · U.S.A.

Kathleen Darmstadt

T : + 1 404 885 5221
F : + 1 404 885 5329
Efax: +1 404 393 9333
E: kathleen.darmstadt@bridgehouselaw.us

or

American Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V.
Katrin Utzinger
Manager, Business Services
Börsenplatz 7-11, 60313 Frankfurt am Main
T +49 69 929104-50
F +49 69 929104-11
E kutzinger@amcham.de