MISTI Germany
Germany offers a world-renowned system of education, policy-driven support of innovation and technology, and a culture of combining theoretical and practical experience. Each year 80-100 MIT students work with our partners in Germany. Projects are hands-on and student contributions can lead to patents, publications, and new technologies.
Program Opportunities
Internships
MISTI’s award-winning international internship program provides a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience for MIT students: the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in leading companies and labs around the world. Best of all, all expenses are paid, including airfare.
MISTI Germany connects students with top research and industry partners in Germany.
- Culture & Language courses
- Mandatory pre-departure training
- Minimum GPA of 4.0
- Relevant experience (completed UROPs, internships, etc.)
- Letter of recommendation (in certain cases)
- Mandatory pre-departure training
- Two semesters or equivalent of German language, four semesters recommended (if unable to fulfill this requirement, please contact the program manager to discuss options)
- Minimum GPA of 4.0
- Relevant experience (completed UROPs, internships, etc.)
- Letter of recommendation (in certain cases)
17.561 European Politics
21G.405 Intermediate German: Intensive Study of Language and Culture
21G.058/21G.418/21A.132[J] Race and Migration in Europe
17.401 History of International Politics in the Modern World
21H.141 Renaissance to Revolution: Europe, 1300-1800
21G.055/CMS.311 Media in Weimar and Nazi Germany
21G.409 Advanced German: Visual Arts, Media, Creative Expression
21G.410 Advanced German: Communication for Professionals
21G.412 Advanced German: Literature and Culture
21G.414 German Culture, Media, and Society
21G.415 Germany and Its European Context
21G.416 20th- and 21st-Century German Literature
21G.417 Intermediate German: Intensive Study of Language and Culture
21G.420 Visual Histories: German Cinema 1945 to Present
STS.042/8.225 Einstein, Oppenheimer, Feynman: Physics in the 20th Century
21G.019 Communicating Across Cultures
21H.143[J] The "Making" of Modern Europe: 1789-Present
21H.133 The Medieval World
17.156 Welfare and Capitalism in Western Europe
17.389 Education, Inequality, and Politics
The following is a general schedule for our program:
- Informational meetings are available year-round. Contact program manager to schedule.
- Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – By December 1, rolling thereafter until March 1
- Schedule official Interview with Country Program Manager – September to March 1 (Schedule interview as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
- Commit to MISTI Germany Program – Latest by March 15
- Internship matching process – September to March 15, rolling thereafter.
- Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Mid-April to Late May
- Complete mandatory final report - September 1
Global Teaching Labs
Learn through teaching. GTL challenges MIT students to synthesize and present what they know, work in a team, and communicate with peers of a different cultural background, all while sharing MIT's unique approach to science and engineering education with high school students around the world. GTLs are often thematic and offered in several country options per IAP.
A unique opportunity for students to teach STEM subjects in German high schools during the January IAP term. This year's program will be from January 7 - 24, 2025. There will be a GTL 2025 info session on September 10th at 5:00 in E25-211. More information can be found here.
All students receive a stipend to cover travel and additional expenses. Most stay with host families connected to their schools, with the exception of students who go to Regensburg and stay in student dorms.
All students are paired, so each school hosts two students, with some cities having multiple schools. Locations are all over Germany, including Bremen, Luebeck, Cologne, Stuttgart, Friedrichshafen, and Regensburg.
All instruction is in English and German is not required. However, placement preference is given to students who have taken or are taking German and are interested in a future internship in Germany.
We plan to place 40 students to Germany over IAP 2025.
Students can expect to teach for 10 hours/week, with more time at the school for class preparation and non-teaching activities.
Students of all STEM courses are encourage to apply, with high demand for chemistry and biology subjects.
We have a special GTL partnership programs with two universities:
- University of Stuttgart: six MIT students are each paired with Uni Stuttgart "buddies," who are young university students in training to be teachers. They are involved in activities both at the schools and the university.
- University of Regensburg: six MIT students are each paired with Uni Regensburg "buddies," who are young university students in training to be teachers, along with university faculty members for teaching chemistry and biology. The university hosts special workshops for the MIT students and their buddies, and is closely involved with the three participating high schools. Many social activities are also included.
- Please note that there are special summer research internships available in Stuttgart and Regensburg -- please inquire if interested!
- Minimum GPA of 4.0
- Teaching experience and strong interest in education
- Interview
- Mandatory pre-departure preparation
- Sept: Student application closes
- Oct: Pre-selected students are invited to interview shortly after application deadline.
- Nov - Dec: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
- Jan: Most GTL programs take place during the last three weeks.
- Feb: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.
Study Abroad
In collaboration with the MIT Global Education Office and German Language Department, MISTI advises students about the best exchange programs based on their interest and skills.
Fellowships
Discover additional opportunities to research and study in Germany. Open to undergrads, grad students, postdocs, faculty, and more.
More Information
Please reach out to the program manager for more information on the 2024-2025 cycle
Meet Your Program Manager
Get in touch with Justin Leahey, Managing Director for MIT-Germany, for more information.
Meet Your Program Coordinator
Get in touch with Abby MacKenzie, Program Coordinator for MIT-Germany, for more information.