EPA - Internships in Germany

Once I heard that I would be the only student studying abroad with EPA in Bonn, Germany, I was very nervous. When I think about those initial feelings of fear, I realize I never could have imagined the amount of growth I would experience in my 3 months in Bonn. The first week was an orientation and mini German brush up course. The first week was extremely memorable because of my experiences with Hartwig, the program director. He taught me some differences in culture between the U.S. and Germany that proved to be extremely valuable. My classes were some of the most valuable in my college career. I had one on one classes with my professors that were not only thorough but fun as well. I went on excursions to neighboring Belgium and The Netherlands, as well as a two week long trip in Berlin. My internship was with the German Ministry of Health in which I worked with two different departments. I learned practical work experience in the realm of Public Health Policy, and this helped me decide my future career goals. I did a home-stay, and developed a life changing relationship with my host mother. I grew up, grew independent and expanded my love for German and Germany.

I absolutely adored my three months in Berlin. This was my second internship with EPA (Madrid 2015) and, I can easily say, a much better experience. I must admit that I am biased to love Germany, though, because my mother is German and raised me bilingually, so there were essentially no language barriers for me.
Hartwig, the program director, is an absolute darling. He really cares about making the experience valuable and enjoyable. For instance, during orientation in Bonn, he arranged to have me join American students there for a few Carnival activities and movie nights so that I wouldn't feel lonely as the only person in my program. The orientation period is not strictly educational but also a lot of fun. Hartwig was also very helpful in getting me situated in my apartment and checked in with me almost every day of my first week in Berlin. I always knew that I could turn to him with any questions or concerns.
I was extremely nervous before starting the program because I knew that I would be living alone and receiving one-on-one lessons. However, being the only student to Mr. Guido Mathes proved to be to my advantage, as it allowed us lots of flexibility in scheduling our weekly meetings. He was very gracious in accommodating my internship and social schedule. I also had no difficulty making friends, thanks to Facebook group for Bundestag interns, which organized weekly dinners (Stammtisch). Stammtisch made it easy to make contacts and form WhatsApp groups with other interns to coordinate weekend excursions, so I could really experience the social scene in the city.

Teaching in Bonn, Germany during the summer of 2002, was the greatest thing I could have ever done. With the help of Hartwig, the program director in Germany, I was able to find a perfect internship in Bonn, and he found an amazing Apartment for me just outside of the city. The staff at the EPA were more than helpful and caring and helped the transition to be a smooth and easy one. I never would have dreamed to be interning in Germany, let alone teaching there. I am looking to eventually move my family to Germany, when the time is right, because of the experience I had working and living in Germany. I was placed in a school that was very welcoming and they even offered me a starting position there, but I had to turn it down, because I was not yet ready. I would definitely recommend anyone to intern abroad, because it is a life changing opportunity that you would only regret if you didn't do it.

EPA Abroad provides you with excellent academic and internship opportunities. I received an internship placement that has provided me a greater understanding of my chosen career field, and the classes I have taken in German have honed my language skills and made me more confident in my learning abilities.

Socially, this program leaves much to be desired. I was under the impression from the description that I would be living with other students, but in fact I am in an apartment alone. I have contact with other interns, but as German is their first language I haven't made any lasting connections. The most fun I have had is travelling to other cities with students from other programs that I knew from home. I would advise any student considering this program to personally weigh the social and educational aspects before applying.