They used to be a plus, but today they are a must: Without previous work experience, it is difficult to make initial contacts with companies. An internship is also a great opportunity for international students: They learn about everyday working life in Germany, gain experience and establish contacts with potential employers.

There are five criteria in particular that distinguish a good internship. If you want to avoid unpleasant disappointments, you should clarify in advance to what extent they apply to the specific internship position:

• Challenging tasks: The tasks should be complex and challenging so that you can learn something, ideally in your own project. While monotonous and repetitive tasks are also part of the job, you shouldn't be maintaining files or making coffee all the time.
• Independent work: After a period of instruction, you should be able to work on your project independently and on your own responsibility, albeit with occasional assistance, of course. If you manage to perform the tasks assigned to you with confidence, you will be able to convince the company of your abilities.
• Appropriate duration: An internship should be long enough to cover complex tasks. Two to three months are usually sufficient for this. Unpaid internships lasting more than six months should be scrutinized very critically.
• Fixed contact person: For your internship period, you should have a fixed contact person in the company with whom you regularly exchange information.
• Fair payment: In some companies interns get 800 euros per month, in others nothing. Many companies pay 300 to 500 euros. If the benefits of the practical experience outweigh the money you could earn, you should opt for the internship.

There are different types of internships. Voluntary internships can be done according to one's own interests. They are subject to the same regulations under labor law as part-time student jobs. Compulsory internships, on the other hand, are an obligatory part of many fields of study. In contrast to voluntary internships, the regulations of § 16 AufenthG do not apply to mandatory internships. In other words, foreign students are allowed to carry out compulsory internships in Germany without additional approval.