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.