Internship in Australia

The internship in the German Language Department offers comprehensive insights into the diverse tasks related to German as a foreign language at the Goethe-Institut Australia. The department brings together activities in school-based educational cooperation and language course programs, working closely with schools, partner institutions, and the German-learning community across Australia.

What We Do
We promote the German language in Australia - in schools, in our language courses, and through a wide range of projects and events. Our work includes:

• Collaboration with schools, teachers, and educational stakeholders
• Planning and delivering professional development, events, and projects
• Providing advice on courses, exams, and teaching materials
• Designing learning opportunities for course participants
• Contributing to language policy, committee work, and international cooperation
• Developing teaching, informational, and promotional materials
• Organising examinations, cultural programs, and public information sessions

What Interns Can Expect
During the internship, interns will have the opportunity to:

• Develop an understanding of the Australian school and education system
• Help shape school-related activities and events
• Gain insights into the organisation of language courses and support daily operations
• Acquire experience in lesson preparation
• Plan and run activities for language course participants
• Contribute to projects, training courses, and conferences
• Create teaching and promotional materials
• Support school class visits and information sessions

What We Are Looking For
We are seeking interns who:

• Are studying linguistics, education, or teaching with a focus on German as a Foreign Language (DaF), or who have relevant experience
• Are interested in educational policy and pedagogical topics
• Enjoy working with students, teachers, and course participants
• Work independently and reliably
• Do not shy away from routine administrative tasks
• Are confident using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva
• Are flexible, collaborative, and team-oriented
• Bring a proactive mindset and a “can-do attitude”
• Hold a valid Working With Children Check and can provide a National Police Check

In cultural cooperation, the Goethe-Institut mediates dialogue, encounter and exchange between artists and scholars from Germany and Australia on developments and trends of essential importance. The cultural programs organized by the Goethe-Institut with its partners serve this purpose above all, but also informal encounters with artists and intellectuals from the country. The focus of our cultural programs is on contemporary culture from Germany.  

Within the framework of the cultural program we offer interns

• Insight into the conception and realization of German-Australian cultural cooperation
• assistance in the organizational preparation and implementation of the cultural program in the areas of word/literature, exhibitions, film & media, music, dance & theater
• If possible, delegation of individual tasks to be carried out largely independently

Participation in

• Establishing contacts with German and Australian companies regarding possible sponsorship contracts
• Cooperation in program coordination, e.g. editing of press releases, program brochures, writing of event texts
• Preparation and implementation of events
• Preparing and compiling materials and information for programs (e.g. monthly programs)
• Supervision of artists and speakers
• Public relations
• Information for the program area
• Updating of address cards
• Technical and organizational support before and after tours and events
• Translation work German-English
• General office work/telephone service (reception duties)

We expect from our interns

• Good knowledge of the German cultural scene
• Practical experience in the field of event organization, conception
• Confidence in using Word/Excel/word processing programs
• Willingness to do routine work
• Willingness to work flexible hours
• Interdepartmental commitment
• proactive team player with can-do attitude

At our locations in Melbourne and Sydney, you can currently apply for the following positions:
 

Location	Melbourne	Sydney
Cultural Program	no vacancies	no vacancies
Language Department	18.05.2026 – 14.08.2026	02.11.2026 – 12.02.2027
Administration	16.08.2027 - 12.11.2027	17.05.2027 - 13.08.2027 15.11.2027 - 11.02.2028 (includes 2 weeks Christmas holidays from 20.12.2027-03.01.2028)

Please note: Unsolicited applications and applications by email will not be considered. Please use the online form.

In order to complete an internship at the Goethe-Institut Australia, the following conditions must be met:

• German citizenship and/or very good German language skills (native speaker level)
• very good written and spoken English
• started/completed university studies in cultural studies, humanities, economics, administration or information sciences, in the field of German as a foreign language or law
• At least three semesters of study
• Current enrollment during the internship

In order to be able to make decisions for an internship quickly and smoothly, we would like to ask you to fill out the adjacent online form in German.

Please note that due to the large number of applicants, only complete applications can be considered. In addition to the online application form, this includes the following documents as uploaded files:

• curriculum vitae in table form
• Certificate of enrollment, transcript of records or diploma from the university
• informative letter of evaluation (e.g. reference letter from a lecturer, certificate from previous internship)
• 'erweitertes Führungszeugnis' from Germany, not older than 3 months (can also be submitted later)

We recommend that you choose a department that is most relevant to your studies and professional development. You can find more information about the contents of the individual departments in the section "Areas and Activities".

Complete applications are automatically accepted into the application process without written confirmation from us. Please understand that processing may take a few weeks. If you are interested, we will contact you; we do not send out rejections.

As of January 1, 2017, the Goethe-Institut Australia will pay an expense allowance in the form of a travel allowance of 450€ per completed internship month. The money will be transferred to you as a one-time payment after completion of the internship.

If you receive additional support from another source (e.g. a scholarship), you are responsible for declaring the allowance paid by us there.

If you are entitled to a candidate's salary from an employment relationship with a German authority, the expense allowance does not apply.

Please clarify your health insurance coverage with your health insurance company in Germany before you start your internship. Please also check your accident insurance for the duration of your stay abroad.

Once you have received a commitment from us and confirmed the appointment, the next thing you need is a visa.

You will need to apply for any necessary visas, residence and work permits yourself and comply with visa regulations. The Goethe-Institut does not assist with the visa and entry process.
The easiest option is to apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) online; this is usually quick and hassle-free. The prerequisite is that you are not older than 30 years. The visa can only be applied for once.

You can find more information about the visa at:

• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder
• https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417

Please keep in mind that the housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne are among the most expensive in the world and apartments and rooms are often hard to find. We cannot guarantee accommodation.