WISP

The Baden-Württemberg STIPENDIUM for Vocationally Qualified People "Work Immersion Study Program" (WISP) is a funded, three-month work-study immersion program exclusively for college students in vocational fields to gain practical work experience, improve their German language skills, and experience German culture firsthand. 

The program starts in June with a one-month language course at the Carl Duisberg Centrum, a language school in Radolfzell, Germany, followed with a two-month internship in a business or technical field that concludes in August. Internships are in the German state of Baden-Württemberg and are customized to participants’ career fields.

Program Benefits:

  • Monthly stipend of EUR 300
  • Free accommodations
  • Pre-departure information
  • Pre-departure orientation seminar in New York City
  • International flight between New York & Germany
  • One-month language course
  • Two-month internship in target career field
  • Work authorization
  • Health and accident insurance
  • Various seminars in Germany
  • Support throughout the program in Germany and the United States

Eligibility
Candidates for WISP must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • 18-27 years of age
  • One semester of German instruction by program start in June 2014
  • Enrolled at a US college before and after the program
  • Studying in a vocational field (See list of sample vocational fields. If you are unsure whether your field qualifies, please email wisp@culturalvistas.org)
  • Completed at least four semesters of study by the program start in June 2014
  • Prior experience in target internship field through a summer or part-time job, volunteer position, or prior internship

There is no application fee for this program. Candidates who are accepted will be required to pay a $300 administration fee and a $100 deposit that will be refunded at the end of the program.

Application Deadline
The deadline for the 2014 program is December 1, 2013.