We have created the office of the Internship Coordinator who offers regular consulting hours and can help you in Getting Started with planning and pursuing your internship. The Internship Coordinator also offers Internship Workshops for American Studies students.
Whether during consulting hours or during the workshops, the Internship Coordinator can advise you on Internship Opportunities and Funding Options. American Studies students can sign up for an update service moreover when new funding and internship opportunities are posted to the dedicated web page for internship services.
On the dedicated web page you will find a section called The Scoop. This is a service by students for students where feedback from earlier internships is provided to help students in their planning for an upcoming internship. The feedback ranges from overall impressions and advice to practical tips on do’s-and-don’ts.
Areas of Internship Support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an internship mandatory for my studies?
No, an internship at American Studies Leipzig is not mandatory. However, we highly encourage you to pursue an internship during your studies so that you gain valuable working experience. Even though an internship is not required for your studies, you can still gain credits for it. Please find more information here on how to get credits.
Is the ASL internship support team organizing an internship for me?
No. ASL does not organize an internship for you. Each students needs to find his or her own internship. However, we provide you with valuable sources where to look for a position that meets your interest and will brainstorm possible internship sectors. For a first start, you can consult our list of useful online internship databases.
How can I get credits for an internship as a BA student?
You can receive credits for an internship as part of the SQM Module (10 credit points). As a BA student you may do an internship in any field of your interest. There are three requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to receive credits for an internship. First, you need to write an internship proposal in which you outline why the internship has been sought, and how it relates to your (intellectual) interest. Second, you need to undertake an internship of approximately 240 hours and your supervisor needs to confirm the duration of the internship. Third, you write an internship report of approximately 8-10 pages. For more information on the content of the report, please see here.
How can I get credits for an internship as an MA student?
As an MA student you can get credit for an internship as part of the Professional Development Module/Professional Internship Module (SQM). There are three requirements that need to be fulfilled in order to receive credits for an internship. First, the internship needs to have a clear connection to your future career plan and your intellectual interest. While students at the BA level can pursue an internship according to their broader personal interest, MA students should have developed a clear career plan at this stage of their studies. The professional interest of the student should thus be reflected in the student’s choice for an internship. During the internship the student should acquire skills that are specific and necessary to the professional field the student plans his/her career in. You need to outline your internship plans in the internship proposal before the internship starts. Second, you complete an internship of approximately 240 hours and your supervisor needs to confirm the duration of the internship. Third, you write an internship report of approximately 10 pages. For more information on the content of the report, please see here.
Does a student job also count as an internship?
No, a permanent student job does not count as an internship. To receive credit for an internship, an internship must clearly be identified as one and needs to be a learning experience.
Where can I find necessary documents (guidelines for internship report, etc.)?
You find all necessary documents on the ASL internship support website in the section “Getting Started”. Please follow this link to get to the documents.
Is it possible to do an internship during the semester break and not during the actual semester and still receive credits for it or?
Yes. For shorter internships it is recommended that you do your internship during the semester break. If you plan to do a longer internship or even an internship abroad, you may want to take a leave of absence (“Urlaubssemester”). For BA and MA students, two semesters of leave of absence are possible during your studies. Please refer to the university’s website to read more about the Urlaubssemster. In both cases (internship in the semester break or as an Urlaubssemester) you receive credits if you meet the requirements.
If I do two internships, can I get credits for both of the internships?
No, it is not possible to receive credits for one internships.
Can I get credit for both an internship and a study abroad period (both modules)?
No, earning credit for for an internship and a study abroad period are mutually exclusive. However, in any case, you can get the credits earned during your study abroad period transferred and recognized for your program of study at ASL.
Is there a specific document/form that needs to be filled out and handed in at ASL for receiving credits?
No, there is no specific form that needs to be filled out. Please read the instructions for your American studies program (BA or MA) to find out what is required to receive credits.
