Internship

The language work of the Goethe-Institut Singapore focuses on two main areas: our own language courses and educational cooperation.

We offer year-round courses for adults and children, corporate clients, and individuals, as well as regular Goethe-Institut examinations.

In the field of educational cooperation, we support the teaching of German as a foreign language at schools and universities in Singapore — working closely with local partners through projects, training programs, and events.

Interns in the language department are involved in

• Planning, organisation, and implementation of language courses for children, teenagers and adults
• Organisation of activities and events for course participants, visitor groups, and the general public
• Organisation and implementation of projects for German learners
• Planning and realisation of seminars and trainings in our German teacher training program
• Promotional events for the German language
• Administrative activities and research tasks
• Marketing activities for the language department

We expect our interns to

• Demonstrate very good German language skills and good to very good English language skills
• Meet the requirements for a work permit in Singapore (for non-Singaporeans), including successful application and issuance by the Ministry of Manpower (see visa application)
• Prove that they are enrolled at a German university to study German as a foreign language or German studies
• Show a strong interest in methodology and didactics for German as a foreign language (DaF/GFL)
• Contribute with a sociable and communicative personality
• Work both independently and collaboratively within a team
• Apply their good computer skills in various tasks
• Ideally commit to an internship duration of 3–6 months (depending on visa)

Through its cultural work, Goethe-Institut Singapore facilitates dialogue, encounters, and exchanges between cultural practitioners and institutions across Germany, Southeast Asia, and Singapore. Presentations and collaborations by the Goethe-Institut and its partners address contemporary culture, practice, and civil society, underscoring the fundamental import of the arts and culture on public discourse. These exchanges are explored through innovative, critical, and experimental engagements across disciplines and fields.

The internship is open to both Singaporean and German applicants.

Interns in the cultural programme are involved in

• Conception and realisation of German-Singaporean cultural exchange
• Various areas and stages of cultural programme and management work, such as research, planning, and implementation of events
• Digital and traditional marketing, such as creating social media content, copywriting marketing or PR content
• Documentation of projects and compiling assets for programme archives
• Supporting communication with cultural practitioners and partners
• Attending arts and culture events in Singapore

We expect our interns to

• Have good knowledge of the contemporary culture and civil society at large, in global and respective local contexts
• Possess social media literacy and experience
• Be willing to carry out routine work
• Be willing to work flexible hours

Requirements for Singaporean applicants

• Have started university studies in the humanities or information sciences leading to a Diploma or Bachelor's, or have completed university studies in this field
• An internship commitment of at least three months and up to six months

Requirements for German applicants

The following conditions apply for an internship at the Goethe-Institut Singapore:

• German citizenship and/or very good German language skills (native speaker level)
• Good to very good knowledge and command of English
• Have started university studies in the humanities or information sciences leading to a Diploma, Magister, Bachelor's, Master's, state examination for secondary school II or a doctorate or have completed university studies in this field
• Fulfillment of the criteria for applying for a work permit and the granting of a work permit by the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore (see obtaining a visa)
• An internship commitment of at least three months and up to six months depending on the visa

Before submitting an application, please check whether you are eligible for the visa:

Work & Holiday Programme
 
The Work & Holiday Programme allows an internship of up to six months.
 
Requirements
You must be between 18 and 25 years old
You must be enrolled at a university or have a university degree
The university must be recognised by the local authorities (You can find a list here. )

• For students: You must have been enrolled as a full-time student at a university for at least three months before applying (no distance learning)
• For graduates: You have obtained your degree full-time at an on-campus university (no distance learning)

 
The following documents must be submitted

• Copy of passport (valid for at least six months)
• Certificate of enrolment or degree certificate (in English)

For up-to-date information, please always check the homepage of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Please allow at least three months to apply for the visa.

*Please note that the Work Holiday Pass issued by the MOM is required for a successful internship application.

Procedure

Once you have successfully applied, you agree on the internship period with the Goethe-Institut and sign the contract. You can then apply for the visa. The Goethe-Institut Singapore will support you in this process as follows:

We will send you the application link via email. You will then need to compile all the required documents (see above and MOM homepage) and submit the application to MOM under your name. The Ministry of Labour will then issue you with a provisional work permit (Principal Approval). The actual visa is then applied for and must be collected from the relevant authority after your arrival in Singapore.

The decision to issue the visa lies solely with the MOM. You are responsible for the correct application for the relevant visa. The Goethe-Institut provides support in accordance with the legal requirements.

In order to be able to make decisions for an internship quickly and smoothly, we would like to ask you to complete the online questionnaire in German and return it directly to our Goethe-Institut. Please plan your internship well in advance!

Your application (electronic) should include the following documents in addition to the online questionnaire: 

• Curriculum vitae
• Proof from the university (in English) that the internship is a necessary part of the degree programme.
• Letter of reference
• (must be written by a university teacher or lecturer, should not exceed one DIN A4 page, should give a personal impression of your performance and briefly explain why you are suitable for an internship abroad) 

The internship is remunerated with an expense allowance of 450 euros per month. Unfortunately, the Goethe-Institut cannot support you in financing your living expenses and accommodation.

Please check your health insurance cover 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. 

For internships of at least two months, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 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.

Singapore has an international airport - Changi International Airport. The journey to the city takes about 20 minutes. The best way to get into the city is by MRT (MassRapidTransport) or taxi (~S$25).

Further information and a detailed city map can be found here:

Nearest MRT Station

Outram Park

As a city state, Singapore undoubtedly has limited living space. It is therefore correspondingly expensive. Some information on the cost of living in Singapore:
Rental prices: A room in a shared flat costs from S$800-1000 per month
Transport costs: Public transport is very well developed and inexpensive. You can find more information on the SMRT website. Taxis are a common means of transport and are also relatively cheap compared to Germany.

• Other/catering: The cost of living is comparable to that in Germany, while luxury goods and imported products (cheese, alcohol, etc.) are relatively expensive or more expensive.

Search for accomodation

We are happy to help you find accommodation, but interns are responsible for finding a room themselves. For students who have already been accepted, the Goethe-Institut can post an advert on the notice board (shortly before the start date).
The German Embassy has compiled the following list: Below you will find a list of websites that our previous interns have found very helpful (the Goethe-Institut accepts no liability for the completeness and accuracy of the information on these websites).