Internships and final theses abroad
In addition to studying abroad, there is also the option of completing internships and final theses abroad. Are you still unsure whether studying or doing an internship would be more suitable for you? The DAAD provides a brief overview of the options:
Internships are financially supported by scholarships, e.g. as part of Erasmus+ or PROMOS. You can also apply to the Martin-Schmeißer Foundation for final theses.
Erasmus+ internships briefly explained
The Erasmus+ program supports internships between two and twelve months. Both compulsory and voluntary internships are funded.
Recognition:
Voluntary internships must be recognized by the department in some form in order to be eligible for the Erasmus+ funding. If the recognition is not possible, students can apply via the PROMOS program. Prior to the internship, the Learning Agreement for Traineeships has to be signed by all parties. The form has to be signed by the Dean of Studies (responsible person at the sending institution).
Finding an internship:
An Erasmus+ traineeship does not require an inter-institutional contract between universities but you often have to organize your traineeship yourself. It is often worth talking to the working groups in the Department of Physics to establish suitable contacts with foreign universities and, if necessary, to prepare joint projects or theses. The International Office will also support you in your search for an internship and has set up a Moodle page where you can find current vacancies and lists of institutions where physics students have already completed internships in the past.
Application:
Students only need to apply to the International Office for funding; it is not necessary to apply to the Erasmus Coordination in the department. However, it is advisable to contact the Erasmus Coordination before you apply and inform them about your planned internship. The Erasmus Coordination can then support you with the recognition of the internship. The application deadline at the International Office is two months before the start of the internship.
Final theses
Students at the Department of Physics often do an internship abroad as part of their Master's thesis. Students spend several months carrying out research e.g. at a university with which the working group cooperates. In European countries, the research internship can be funded by Erasmus+. For that, the internship is usually recognized as research internship (PHY911) at TU Dortmund University. The required module examination can also be taken at TU Dortmund University. In addition, internships as part of a final thesis (also in non-European countries) can be funded by the Martin-Schmeißer foundation.