Summer job in Germany for international students

International students can work temporarily in Germany during their semester breaks in a summer job in Germany. For up to 90 days, even students with only limited knowledge of German. You may work in production, restaurants, cleaning, agriculture, or any other industry. In %%currentyear%%, international students will again have the opportunity to work and earn money in Germany during their semester breaks. Summer jobs are fixed-term positions in Germany providing a legal work opportunities for international students from all countries in the world.

Introduction to Summer Jobs in Germany

Every year, Germany opens its doors to foreign students, offering them the opportunity to gain practical experience and earn money during their summer break. These summer jobs are facilitated by a central agency that specializes in foreign and professional placements. The agency operates based on § 14 paragraph 2 of the Employment Regulation (BeschV), which provides the legal foundation for these placements.

The summer job opportunities are available to students and vocational students who are enrolled in educational institutions outside of Germany. The agency plays a crucial role in connecting these students with potential employers in Germany, providing them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the German work environment.

Students from member states of the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, or Switzerland enjoy freedom of movement for workers and do not require any approval from the agency. However, students or vocational students with citizenship outside of these countries need a placement confirmation from the agency for a summer job in Germany. Only when they have this original confirmation can they take up the summer job.

Eligibility and Application Process for Summer Jobs in Germany

The opportunity to work a summer job in Germany is open to students and pupils who are enrolled in a university or vocational school outside of Germany. The duration of the work is limited to a maximum of 90 days within a period of twelve months during the official semester holidays in the home country.

The application process requires candidates to meet certain prerequisites. Good knowledge of German and some professional experience are advantageous. Candidates must be willing to work in Germany for at least two months. The chances of placement increase with the length of availability for employment and the acceptance of a wider range of tasks. Flexibility, mobility, and readiness to work anywhere in Germany are also important, as specific location preferences cannot be accommodated. It is also not possible to be placed with a specific employer.

If the application indicates possession of a driver’s license, candidates should have prior experience driving the respective vehicle (for example, tractor, car). In this case, a copy of the driver’s license should be included in the application documents.

The application process can be initiated through a partner agency of the German employment agency if one exists in the candidate’s country. If there is no partner agency in the candidate’s country, the application forms can be requested directly from the central agency or downloaded from the internet. The application process is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that interested candidates can easily apply for a summer job in Germany.

Job Offer and Acceptance for Summer Jobs in Germany

Upon receiving a job offer, it is crucial for candidates to provide feedback to the central agency, indicating whether they wish to accept the position or not. If a candidate chooses not to accept the offered summer job, they may receive another proposal.

Before traveling to Germany, it is highly recommended for candidates to establish contact with their future employer and clarify all questions regarding the job, payment, accommodation, meals, and arrival. Traveling to Germany without prior contact with the employer is strongly discouraged.

In the event that a candidate, after applying, finds that they cannot travel to Germany, they are advised to inform the central agency as early as possible. This allows other students or vocational students to have a chance at securing a job.

While the central agency strives to provide all students and vocational students with a summer job, there is no guarantee for placement. Candidates can expect a job offer at the earliest from April. It is also important to note that job offers are often reported at short notice. Therefore, candidates are requested to provide a current email address that they check regularly during the semester holidays.

The process of job offer and acceptance is designed to be flexible and considerate of the candidates’ circumstances, ensuring that they have the best chance of securing a summer job in Germany.

Finding an Employer for Summer Jobs in Germany

The German Arbeitsagentur (ZAV) plays a pivotal role in connecting students and vocational students with potential employers in Germany. However, if a candidate already knows an employer in Germany who is willing to offer them a summer job, they can bypass the agency’s placement process. In this case, the employer must submit a job description to the agency for approval. Once the job description is approved, the agency will issue a placement confirmation, which the candidate will need to apply for a visa (if required).

It’s important to note that the agency does not have the capacity to accommodate specific location preferences. Candidates are encouraged to be flexible and open to working anywhere in Germany. This flexibility increases the chances of placement and allows candidates to experience different regions and work environments in Germany.

Important things to know

A step by step guide

Types of Summer Jobs for Students

Summer jobs in Germany span a wide range of industries and roles, offering students and vocational students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a field that interests them. The majority of these jobs are in agriculture, particularly in harvesting and packing fruits and vegetables. Other sectors that commonly offer summer jobs include the hotel and catering industry, and industrial companies.

The working conditions for these jobs are regulated by German labor law. The working hours are usually between 8 and 10 hours per day, with one day off per week. The exact working hours and days off are determined by the employer and are subject to the operational requirements of the job.

It’s important for candidates to be aware that the work can be physically demanding, especially in the agricultural sector. However, these jobs offer a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, earn money, and immerse oneself in the German work environment.

The wide variety of summer jobs available in Germany ensures that there is something to suit every interest and skill set, providing a rewarding and enriching summer work experience.

Here are some examples of potential summer jobs in Germany along with their tasks, employers, and working conditions:

1. Hotel Staff
   • Tasks: Cleaning and preparing rooms, assisting in the kitchen, serving meals, attending to guests’ needs.
   • Employer: Hotels, resorts, and guest houses.
   • Working Conditions: Shift work, including weekends and holidays, customer service skills required, accommodation often provided by the employer.
2. Restaurant Server
   • Tasks: Taking orders, serving food and drinks, clearing tables, providing excellent customer service.
   • Employer: Restaurants, cafes, and bistros.
   • Working Conditions: Evening and weekend work, fast-paced environment, tips often supplement income.
3. Tour Guide
   • Tasks: Leading tours, providing information about sites and landmarks, answering questions, ensuring the safety of the tour group.
   • Employer: Tour companies, museums, historical sites.
   • Working Conditions: Mostly outdoor work, requires good communication skills, variable hours.
4. Fruit and Vegetable Harvester
   • Tasks: Picking fruits and vegetables, sorting and packing produce, maintaining cleanliness of the work area.
   • Employer: Farms and agricultural businesses.
   • Working Conditions: Outdoor work, physically demanding, early morning starts, accommodation often provided on the farm.
5. Factory Worker
   • Tasks: Operating machinery, assembling products, packing goods for shipment, maintaining a clean work area.
   • Employer: Industrial companies and factories.
   • Working Conditions: Indoor work, physically demanding, shift work, safety training provided.
6. Ice Cream Parlor Server
   • Tasks: Serving ice cream, preparing sundaes and other desserts, taking payments, maintaining cleanliness of the serving area.
   • Employer: Ice cream parlors and cafes.
   • Working Conditions: Indoor and potentially outdoor work, customer service skills required, often busy during summer months.
7. Garden and Landscape Maintenance Worker
   • Tasks: Planting, pruning, mowing, watering, general maintenance of gardens and landscapes.
   • Employer: Landscaping companies, public parks departments, private estates.
   • Working Conditions: Outdoor work, physically demanding, knowledge of plants and gardening techniques can be beneficial.
8. Canoe or Bicycle Rental Assistant
   • Tasks: Assisting customers with rentals, maintaining rental equipment, processing payments, providing safety instructions.
   • Employer: Canoe or bicycle rental companies, often located near tourist attractions or outdoor recreation areas.
   • Working Conditions: Mostly outdoor work, customer service skills required, may require some physical strength for handling canoes or bicycles.
9. Gas Station or Kiosk Sales Assistant
   • Tasks: Operating the cash register, stocking shelves, assisting customers, maintaining cleanliness of the store.
   • Employer: Gas stations, kiosks, convenience stores.
   • Working Conditions: Indoor work, may require evening, weekend, or holiday shifts, customer service skills required.

Please note that these are just examples and the actual tasks, employers, and working conditions may vary. It’s also important to remember that the ability to speak German is often required for these jobs.

Preparation for the Journey to Germany

Before embarking on the journey to Germany for a summer job, there are several important considerations and preparations to be made.

Firstly, candidates should ensure that they have all the necessary travel documents. For students from countries outside the European Union, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, or Switzerland, this includes a valid passport and a visa. The visa can be applied for at the German embassy or consulate in the candidate’s home country. The visa application should include the original placement confirmation from the central agency and proof of health insurance coverage in Germany.

Secondly, candidates should clarify all details regarding their job, accommodation, meals, and payment with their future employer. This includes understanding the exact location of the job, the type of accommodation provided, the provision of meals, and the method and frequency of payment.

Thirdly, candidates should consider the costs they will incur during their stay in Germany. This includes the cost of travel to and from Germany, the cost of accommodation and meals, and any other living expenses. Candidates should ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover these costs.

Finally, candidates should consider any health or safety precautions they need to take. This includes getting any necessary vaccinations, ensuring they have adequate health insurance coverage, and understanding the safety requirements of their job.

The preparation for the journey to Germany for a summer job is a crucial step in ensuring a successful and enjoyable work experience. By taking the time to prepare thoroughly, candidates can avoid any unexpected surprises and make the most of their summer job in Germany.