Preparation for an Internship Abroad

Abroad (especially in non-European countries), a visa and possibly a work permit are usually required. Students are responsible for organizing their own visa.

Initial information on entry requirements and visas can be obtained from the  Federal Foreign Office or the embassy/consulate of your host country. You must apply for the visa yourself, but the staff at the International Office will gladly assist you wherever possible.

Students are obliged to apply properly for their visa (if required) and not to enter the respective country without a valid visa.

• Check the visa regulations for your destination country.
• Apply for the required visa in good time.
• Check any residence permits or work permits.

Students must have a sufficient insurance coverage during their internship abroad (health, accident, and liability insurance abroad). Osnabrück University does not provide students with insurance cover during their semester abroad.

Obtain information about suitable health insurance abroad and check whether your existing health insurance offers coverage abroad. Research the necessary vaccinations and medical care in the destination country.

As a participant in the Erasmus program, you are obliged to have adequate health, accident, and liability insurance cover for the duration of your stay. As part of the European Social Security Agreement, you are generally covered by health insurance in other European countries, but it may be advisable to take out additional insurance, since not all insurance cases are covered. You should also check whether your (possibly already existing) accident and liability insurance cover is valid abroad and, if necessary, take out additional insurance. Participants in the Erasmus program, for example, have the option of taking out the  DAAD Group Insurance (health/accident/liability insurance cover) at their own expense.

An internship abroad is often associated with additional or higher costs, for instance due to travel expenses or higher accommodation and/or costs of living in other countries.

Students have access a number of financial support options for their stay abroad in the form of scholarships or the Foreign Federal Training Assistance Act (Auslands-BAföG).

For further information, see  Financing an internship abroad.

Students are responsible for organizing their own accommodation abroad.

Research various accommodation options (shared flat, student residence, host family, own apartment) at an early stage and check the rental conditions in advance.

As a rule, the host institution can provide initial support with regard to accommodation – usually in the form of information about the local housing market or other support (e.g. accommodation in the company’s own accommodation, help in finding a host family, etc.). There are also Internet portals abroad that can be useful for finding a room or apartment. If you wish to temporarily sublet your own room during your stay abroad, the International Office can refer you to incoming students.

In your own interest, you should be sufficiently proficient in the language of the host country by the time you depart to absolve the internship in the required working language. Anyone interested in improving or refreshing their language skills before a stay abroad can attend a course at the   Osnabrück University Language Center, at the Osnabrück Adult Education Center (VHS) or at a private language school. If you require a language certificate for your application (or an application for a scholarship program), you can take language examinations at the Language Center of Osnabrück University. Please be sure to check in advance whether you need a specific language certificate (e.g. for a visa application).

If you are planning to live and work abroad for a longer period of time, you should acknowledge the special features of your own and other cultures. A profound understanding of cultural contexts and intercultural competence are prerequisites for a successful stay abroad. Intercultural skills often make life easier. Every country has its own traditions, values, and everyday routines. Knowing or being aware of these can spare you from many a faux pas or misunderstandings. You should therefore familiarize yourself with the culture and customs of the host country to ensure that you are fully prepared for your stay.

An  Application for leave of absence should be submitted to Osnabrück University for the duration of your stay abroad. However, if the stay abroad is planned for a full year or if it is subsequently extended, the usual re-registration or a new application for leave of absence must be submitted to Osnabrück University for the following semester.

Please obtain further information from the  Admissions Office.

Before and during your stay abroad, it is recommended to regularly check the  Website of the Federal Foreign Office or the  Travel app of the Federal Foreign Office for information on the current security situation. German citizens can also register on the  "ELEFAND" crisis preparedness list.

Please note that the Federal Foreign Office regularly publishes travel advice, safety advice, and travel warnings.

Travel advice

Travel advisories contain information about a country’s entry requirements, medical advice, and criminal or customs law. They are regularly reviewed and updated.

Safety instructions

Safety instructions draw attention to special risks for travelers and Germans living abroad. They may contain recommendations to avoid or restrict travel. If necessary, it is advised to refrain from non-essential or all journeys. The safety instructions are regularly reviewed and updated.

Travel warnings

Travel warnings contain an urgent appeal from the Federal Foreign Office to refrain from traveling to a country or region of a country. They are only issued if there is an acute danger to life that requires a warning against traveling to a country or a specific region of a country. A travel warning is rarely issued. Germans living in this country may be asked to leave the country.