ECTS-eligible courses of the Career Service Frame your career - Preparation Course for International Students

Participants will:

• develop an understanding of the legal framework and learn about the fundamental legal requirements for internships and employment in Germany, including regulations on residence permits and work authorizations.
• understand the application process in Germany.
• clarify your career goals and determine the types of internships and companies that align with your individual career objectives.
• acquire effective research skills and learn how to apply various research methods to identify suitable internship opportunities.
• gain an understanding of German work and corporate culture, enabling them to apply this knowledge during applications and in your  professional lives.
• create a tailored, professional resume that reflects your personal experiences and matches specific job postings.
• write a convincing, effective, and targeted cover letter that effectively demonstrates your motivation and qualifications.
• gain practical knowledge and techniques for interviews, including effective communication and self-presentation through role-play.
• learn to analyze job postings effectively to tailor application materials to the specific requirements of a position.
• gain confidence and poise when interviewed and learn how to persuasively present your strengths and experience.

Part 1 - Information Session: “International Students: Legal Aspects of Internships & Starting a Career in Germany”

This lecture provides international students, graduates, and PhD candidates with a concise overview of the legal requirements for internships and jobs in Germany. Topics such as residence permits, work authorizations, and relevant deadlines are explained in a practical manner. Valuable tips for the application process in Germany are also provided.

Part 2 - “International Students: Internship Search & Work Culture in Germany”

This workshop, an integral part of the Internship Preparation Course, is designed to help students gain practical experience during their studies. Participants will develop an understanding of which internships and companies match their career goals, learn effective research strategies to identify suitable vacancies, and gain valuable insights into German business and work culture.

Part 3 - “International Students: Application Training for the German Job Market”

This three-part workshop, a core element of the Internship Preparation Program, targets students aiming to successfully apply for internships in German companies. Based on a selected job advert, participants develop an individual resume, learn the key principles of a compelling cover letter, and prepare specifically job interviews.

Accompanying German courses: 

1. Preparatory German course – German for internships and career entry (level B1)

The aim of this compact course is to prepare international students linguistically for an internship in a German company or institution in Germany. The course trains both written and oral language skills that are useful for successfully completing an internship: relevant text types such as cover letters, CVs, professional email correspondence, as well as phrases for conversations in a business and professional context. The language skills acquired in the first part of the course are practised in the second part of the course in realistic scenarios and role-plays for interviews and job applications.

2. Semester course accompanying studies - German for work (Level B1)

This course, which runs alongside your studies, teaches job-related language skills and is aimed at international students who want to prepare for a career in a German-speaking country or who would like to do an internship in Germany during their studies.

To receive a certificate of participation:

• at least 80% attendance must be documented on the attendance list.
• all asynchronous teaching and learning components must be completed successfully. The course instructor will inform participants whether completed assignments need to be handed in. 

ECTS Credit Modalities

• the heiSKILLS Career Service will issue a certificate of participation upon successful course completion, which will be sent via email.
• the certificate will indicate the workload corresponding to ECTS credits, which can be credited to the ÜK area after individual agreement with your department.
• if individual needs or impairments make the course particularly challenging, please inform the course instructor in advance or at the start of the course. We are happy to discuss ways to facilitate barrier-free participation and the completion of coursework.
• For inquiries about inclusive teaching, exam accommodations, or support options at Heidelberg University, please contact Susanne Kemmer and Julia Heyne (academic advisors) or Christoph Schlomach (representative for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses) at: Email: 

  inklusiv.studieren@uni-heidelberg.de