German Course and Work Experience

ActiLingua Academy offers German courses in combination with paid or unpaid work experience. The programme is divided into two parts. First you attend a preparatory German course in Vienna for at least 8 weeks. This is followed by a work placement lasting a minimum of one to two months at a carefully selected Austrian company, e.g. hotel, restaurant, travel agency, import/export company or ski school in Winter time.

Austria: Economic hub in the heart of Europe: Austria is one of the safest and most beautiful countries worldwide. The country serves as a hub connecting Western and Eastern Europe. Due to this and its stability, Austria is an attractive location for internationally active companies. Its capital Vienna offers an exceptional quality of life, is green, safe and multifaceted.

Placement Service Work Experience: 535.- (one-time fee)

Application requirements

• Preferably between 16-30 years old.
• Good command of German (min. B1 level or 12 weeks German course with ActiLingua).
• Good command of English. (min. A2 level).
• Minimum stay in Austria: 2-4 months.
• Health and liability insurance documents (European insurance card or private insurance) necessary on arrival.

German Preparation Course

The German course takes place in Vienna. In 20 or 30 lessons / week you improve your communication skills. Lessons in grammar and conversation help you with syntax and vocabulary building. You practice formal and informal letter writing and work on listening and reading comprehension. Standard- or Intensive course

Cultural/special interest classes:

Every course includes 5 lessons/week of our cultural programme and special interest classes. We organize special talks, discussions and videos on Austrian music, art, literature, history and architecture. Films, tours of the many sights of Vienna, parties and sports all form part of the programme.

Work Experience/Internship

Students may choose from the sectors listed under paid / unpaid experience. We will consider preferences as far as possible. Please note that the position offered is likely to be influenced by the applicant’s previous work experience, education and his/her level of German.
Employment location: Most of the job placements offered by ActiLingua are in Vienna, Salzburg or tourist resorts in the Alps.
Placement at an Austrian company: telephone or personal interview; selection of a company suitable for the applicant. Evaluation and final report by the employer.

Allocation

You can collect your job confirmation from the ActiLingua school office 4 weeks before commencement of employment. It includes precise details of your workplace, starting time and conditions. You will then call or arrange an interview with your employer and sign the job confirmation.

Certificates

After the internship each participant will get a detailed description and evaluation from his employer, regarding the content and success of the traineeship.

For Students from EU AND non-EU member states.

• Industry: Voestalpine Rotec GmbH, Schiebel, Ernst Wittner
• Research: IFA Tulln, Arsenal Research, Austrian Institute of Technology
• IT and Technology: B.O.C., Medani, Siemens, T-Systems
• Law: Zeiner & Zeiner, Forsch & Klein
• Events and Marketing: Amuse Bouche, Event Management
• Art: MAK, Wien Museum, Secession
• Laboratories: BFI, BOKU, WIFI, TU Wien
• Design and Architecture: Akademie der Bildenden Künste, Ret Hot Solutions, Architekturbüro Christoph Karl
• NGO’s: Demokratiezentrum Wien, International Institute for Peace, IOM
• Journalism: Central Europ. News, Standard
• Economics and Finance: Capital Bank, Teletrade
• Green companies: R1solar, Biohof Adamah, ESW Consulting
• Consulting: B.O.C., Aps.Consulting
• Import / Export: Panalpina
• Carpentery: Die Werkstatt, Knapp & Legat
• Vineyard: Weingut Mayer am Pfarrplatz
• Tourism: American Express Reisebüro, Austrian Airlines, Kuoni, Vienna T. Board

Conditions of Employment:

• Extra costs for accommodation/board: EUR 150 – 400.-/week.
• Many employers offer meals at subsidized prices or a free travel pass for public transport.
• Working hours: according to interest approx. 20–40 hours/week.
• Private insurance must be taken out.

For Students from the European Union and Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland

Hotels and Catering: Hotel Neuhaus, Salmbräu
Ski schools: Ski / Snowboard instructor.

Conditions of Employment:

• Working hours: 20–40 hours per week, 1–2 days off per week.
• Tips: EUR 7.- to 15.-/day is possible, depending on your work.
• Insurance is paid by the employer.
• Payment as common for internships of approx. EUR 600.- per month and 40 working hours per week at hotels in the alps helps you to meet your expenses during your stay.
• Accommodation is mostly provided by the employer or financed by a higher salary.
• Payment in restaurants in Vienna: EUR 7.50/hour.

To apply for Work Experience please send us:

• Registration form for the German course.
• Curriculum Vitae (resume) in German or English.
• Letter of motivation (Why do you want to do the job?).
• 1 photo.
• Application form for paid or unpaid work experience.
• Health and liability insurance must be contracted by the students.

Your application papers must have reached ActiLingua a minimum of nine weeks before the start of German & Work Experience. We will confirm the receipt of your application. Our confirmation will also include information on the telephone interview between the student and the ActiLingua Placement Officer. Please call the ActiLingua Placement Officer within 5 days of receiving our confirmation.