Internships in Los Angeles
USA
The Goethe-Institut Los Angeles offers internships to undergraduate students (junior/senior year), graduate students, or recently graduated students. Interns receive insight into the work of an organization such as the Goethe-Institut, participate in the planning and implementation of cultural programs, and take on tasks in the Language Department, Administration, Educational Outreach, and Communications.
Find out more about the requirements, internship programs, and application dates below.
Find out more about the requirements, internship programs, and application dates below.
Requirements
The following are required in order to qualify for consideration for an internship at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles:- German citizenship and/or excellent German language skills (native speaker or equivalent)
- Excellent English language skills
- completed (or on track to complete) university degree in the humanities, linguistics, arts, social sciences, or related degree field at the Bachelor's or Master's level
- in at least the fifth semester of college
- valid visa or US work permit (see information about visas)
Learn more about Internships in Los Angeles
The Goethe-Institut Los Angeles offers internships in the departments of Cultural Programming and Administration.
As a facilitator of cultural cooperation and exchange, the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles facilitates dialog, encounters and exchange between artists and scholars from Germany and the USA on developments and trends of major importance. The cultural programs organized by the Goethe-Institut and its partners, as well as informal encounters with artists and intellectuals in the country, serve this purpose. The focus of our cultural programs is on film, contemporary art and culture from Germany.
Internships in the Cultural Programming department are awarded on a quarterly basis, i.e. every three months.
As a part of our Cultural Programming work, we offer interns the following:
As a facilitator of cultural cooperation and exchange, the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles facilitates dialog, encounters and exchange between artists and scholars from Germany and the USA on developments and trends of major importance. The cultural programs organized by the Goethe-Institut and its partners, as well as informal encounters with artists and intellectuals in the country, serve this purpose. The focus of our cultural programs is on film, contemporary art and culture from Germany.
Internships in the Cultural Programming department are awarded on a quarterly basis, i.e. every three months.
As a part of our Cultural Programming work, we offer interns the following:
- Insight into the conception and realization of German-American cultural cooperation
- Participation in the organization, preparation, and execution of cultural programs in various disciplines such as literature, exhibitions, film & media, music, dance & theatre
- Where possible, delegation of individual tasks for largely independent completion
- Participation in cultural programming coordination, ex. editing of press releases, programs, preparation and execution of events
- Preparation of Information and materials for programs (ex. monthly programs)
- Support artists, speakers and guests during their visit
- Public Relations
- Telephone and Mail tasks
What we expect from our interns: - good understanding of the German culture scene
- very good English language skills
- Ready to complete routine work/tasks
- Ability to work flexibile hours
- Media and computer literacy
The Goethe-Institut Los Angeles offers four internship positions per year, each for the duration of three months.
Please note:
All internship positions at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles for 2025 have been filled. We are gladly accepting applications for 2026.
- January-March
- April-June/mid July
- August-October*
- October*-December
Please note:
All internship positions at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles for 2025 have been filled. We are gladly accepting applications for 2026.
In order to be able to make decisions for an internship quickly and smoothly, we would like to ask you to complete the online application in German.
Please attach your resume/CV and cover letter to your application. Please note that decisions on filling the internship position are made up to a year in advance; applications on short notice can seldom be considered.
Please attach your resume/CV and cover letter to your application. Please note that decisions on filling the internship position are made up to a year in advance; applications on short notice can seldom be considered.
Almost all international flights from Germany arrive at LAX “Los Angeles World Airports” (Bradley Terminal). An overview of Los Angeles International Airport, local connections such as buses, cabs and shuttles and a list of airlines can be found on the website of the:
Los Angeles World Airports
The “Smart Traveler Tips” are also useful there, which will familiarize you with the rather rigid security measures, among other things.
All car rental companies have shuttle buses that take you to the respective depots. Cabs, local shuttles and buses also stop outside the terminal.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
You can find more information and a more detailed map here:
Contact und Opening Hours
Travel Allowance through DAAD
For internships of at least two months, the German Academic Exchange Service grants a travel allowance under certain conditions. We will send you a confirmation of the internship period after you have confirmed your appointment. You must enclose this with your application to the DAAD.
DAAD
Los Angeles World Airports
The “Smart Traveler Tips” are also useful there, which will familiarize you with the rather rigid security measures, among other things.
All car rental companies have shuttle buses that take you to the respective depots. Cabs, local shuttles and buses also stop outside the terminal.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
You can find more information and a more detailed map here:
Contact und Opening Hours
Travel Allowance through DAAD
For internships of at least two months, the German Academic Exchange Service grants a travel allowance under certain conditions. We will send you a confirmation of the internship period after you have confirmed your appointment. You must enclose this with your application to the DAAD.
DAAD
Book tip
The book Ferienjobs und Praktika USA by Georg Beckmannn (Verlag Interconnections, 1997, ISBN: 3-86040-000-2) has also proved to be extremely helpful. In addition to practical tips on applying and entering the country, it also offers a comprehensive catalog of addresses and experience reports.
Leisure activities
The range of leisure activities found in Los Angeles is simply overwhelming. For visitors, we recommend the official website of the city of Los Angeles with many further links such as the L.A. Tourist Office, museum guides, transport connections, etc.
Stadt Los Angeles
The L.A. Weekly is a free, very comprehensive city newspaper with a calendar of events.
L.A Weekly
The “Calendar section” of the LA Times is just as helpful for selecting and searching for individual events.
LA Times Calendar Live
"Tripadvisor” provides an overview of the most popular attractions.
Tripadvisor
Spending
Of course, the total cost of the internship depend on the trainee's desire to go out and be adventurous.
During your first few days in the USA, get the corresponding “Membership Cards” from the American supermarkets. These are free of charge in the respective stores. Please remember to opt out of any advertising material or coupons, as this would lead to full mailboxes from subsequent tenants or homeowners for weeks after your departure. The cards can sometimes save many dollars, as American supermarkets offer generous discounts.
Student ID:
Many cinemas and most museums give student discounts. This is why the international student card is very worthwhile. Applications are usually available at the universities or can be collected from the student union.
Internationaler Studentenausweis (ISIC)
Banks and credit cards
As American banks generally do not accept German EC cards, it can sometimes be difficult to withdraw money in the USA.
A credit card is therefore definitely worthwhile and is even essential in certain cases (e.g. when renting a car, etc.). The American Citibank, which also has many branches in Germany, offers the service that German customers can withdraw money in the USA free of charge and call up their German account balance at any branch in the USA.
As there are also favorable conditions for credit cards (VISA) for students, it is worth considering opening an account with this bank before the internship.
Rental car
It can be very expensive and difficult for under 25s to rent a car for a longer period of time. Call 1800 RENT A CAR to find out where the nearest Inter Rent office is located, which also offers affordable rental options for under 25s.
Buying a car for a three-month stay can often pay for itself financially, but you should definitely give preference to cheap rental options. (Consider possible repairs, insurance, reliability, etc.)
If the US dollar is strong, it may be worth renting a car from Germany.
Avis Mietwagen
Budget Deutschland
Enterprise
Buses and trains
If you are traveling on L.A.'s public transit buses and trains, you must purchase “TAP Cards” at MTA customer service centers.
All fares can be prepaid by loading a pass or cash onto a TAP card and charging it each time you board. On the buses you can also pay for a single ride with cash ($1.75) by paying the exact fare, bus drivers do not carry change and cannot give change.
TAP cards cost $2 at TAP vending machines, onboard buses and at over 400 vendor locations. Discounted fares (Senior, Disabled/Medicare, College/Vocational and Student K-12) on Metro Rail are only valid when loaded onto a special TAP card. One must have this special TAP card to receive a discounted fare. One card per rider is required. Cards are not transferable.
If you travel daily by bus or train, it may even be worth buying a weekly or monthly pass.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Although in L.A. you really are largely lost without a car and the public transport network in no way stands up to comparison with major European cities, the public transport network in L.A. has improved dramatically in recent years. The subways and rapid transit buses in particular offer a fast, reliable service and you can also get around by bike in most parts of the city. The most enduring challenge in Los Angeles is simply the vastness of the metropolis and the distances involved.
Los Angeles also has a very robust ride-share infrastructure. An Uber and Lyft opportunity is usually only minutes away and Waymo offers fully autonomous rides from Santa Monica to downtown LA.
The book Ferienjobs und Praktika USA by Georg Beckmannn (Verlag Interconnections, 1997, ISBN: 3-86040-000-2) has also proved to be extremely helpful. In addition to practical tips on applying and entering the country, it also offers a comprehensive catalog of addresses and experience reports.
Leisure activities
The range of leisure activities found in Los Angeles is simply overwhelming. For visitors, we recommend the official website of the city of Los Angeles with many further links such as the L.A. Tourist Office, museum guides, transport connections, etc.
Stadt Los Angeles
The L.A. Weekly is a free, very comprehensive city newspaper with a calendar of events.
L.A Weekly
The “Calendar section” of the LA Times is just as helpful for selecting and searching for individual events.
LA Times Calendar Live
"Tripadvisor” provides an overview of the most popular attractions.
Tripadvisor
Spending
Of course, the total cost of the internship depend on the trainee's desire to go out and be adventurous.
During your first few days in the USA, get the corresponding “Membership Cards” from the American supermarkets. These are free of charge in the respective stores. Please remember to opt out of any advertising material or coupons, as this would lead to full mailboxes from subsequent tenants or homeowners for weeks after your departure. The cards can sometimes save many dollars, as American supermarkets offer generous discounts.
Student ID:
Many cinemas and most museums give student discounts. This is why the international student card is very worthwhile. Applications are usually available at the universities or can be collected from the student union.
Internationaler Studentenausweis (ISIC)
Banks and credit cards
As American banks generally do not accept German EC cards, it can sometimes be difficult to withdraw money in the USA.
A credit card is therefore definitely worthwhile and is even essential in certain cases (e.g. when renting a car, etc.). The American Citibank, which also has many branches in Germany, offers the service that German customers can withdraw money in the USA free of charge and call up their German account balance at any branch in the USA.
As there are also favorable conditions for credit cards (VISA) for students, it is worth considering opening an account with this bank before the internship.
Rental car
It can be very expensive and difficult for under 25s to rent a car for a longer period of time. Call 1800 RENT A CAR to find out where the nearest Inter Rent office is located, which also offers affordable rental options for under 25s.
Buying a car for a three-month stay can often pay for itself financially, but you should definitely give preference to cheap rental options. (Consider possible repairs, insurance, reliability, etc.)
If the US dollar is strong, it may be worth renting a car from Germany.
Avis Mietwagen
Budget Deutschland
Enterprise
Buses and trains
If you are traveling on L.A.'s public transit buses and trains, you must purchase “TAP Cards” at MTA customer service centers.
All fares can be prepaid by loading a pass or cash onto a TAP card and charging it each time you board. On the buses you can also pay for a single ride with cash ($1.75) by paying the exact fare, bus drivers do not carry change and cannot give change.
TAP cards cost $2 at TAP vending machines, onboard buses and at over 400 vendor locations. Discounted fares (Senior, Disabled/Medicare, College/Vocational and Student K-12) on Metro Rail are only valid when loaded onto a special TAP card. One must have this special TAP card to receive a discounted fare. One card per rider is required. Cards are not transferable.
If you travel daily by bus or train, it may even be worth buying a weekly or monthly pass.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
Although in L.A. you really are largely lost without a car and the public transport network in no way stands up to comparison with major European cities, the public transport network in L.A. has improved dramatically in recent years. The subways and rapid transit buses in particular offer a fast, reliable service and you can also get around by bike in most parts of the city. The most enduring challenge in Los Angeles is simply the vastness of the metropolis and the distances involved.
Los Angeles also has a very robust ride-share infrastructure. An Uber and Lyft opportunity is usually only minutes away and Waymo offers fully autonomous rides from Santa Monica to downtown LA.
Contact
-
Goethe-Institut Los Angeles
1901 W. 7th Str., Suite A/B
Los Angeles, CA 90057
USA