Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto
Your destination for an exciting global experience in the environmental and social innovation sectors!
futurGenerator is an internship program with hubs in the vibrant German capital of Berlin and the beautiful city of Freiburg, located in the heart of the Black Forest. The iPRAKTIKUM team has formed in both cities some very exciting partnerships designed to connect you to a meaningful learning and work opportunity abroad. Meet our partners in Berlin and Freiburg.
Freiburg has earned a reputation as the green capital of Europe. This university town in Germany’s southwest is home to many innovative organizations and businesses in the area of sustainability and the environment as well as the 40-hectare eco-district of Vauban. A model of sustainable urban planning and biophilic design, Vauban incorporates solar power, low-emission and cooperative housing, water reclamation, excellent public transportation and many pedestrian and people-friendly features. The city can also boast of a number of interesting social initiatives geared toward creating community.
Berlin is fast gaining a reputation as a creative hub for sustainable and social businesses internationally. A recent article in the Guardian reported that the creative and culture industries accounted for 20% of the Berlin’s GDP, with an additional 4% generated by research and higher education. “Berlin boasts more than 70 publicly funded foundations along with 40 technology incubators, bringing the brightest and most creative together,” according to the author.
Whether your destination is Freiburg or Berlin, the iPRAKTIKUM team will help you find an opportunity that suits you – whether you are interested in solar architecture, environmental policy and education, hands-on conservation, raising public awareness, eco-tourism, or rewarding work with migrants and local communities. A pre-departure orientation and support during and after your internship are also part of the package. Meet some of our amazing interns here.
Like with our other iPRAKTIKUM experiential learning opportunities, you have a number of options:
futurGenerator internships can be accredited in the form of
- a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) noted on your U of T transcript or
- as a course in conjunction with GER 391H “iPRAKTIKUM Experiential Learning and Internationalization Internship”.
futurGenerator internships can be completed
- during the academic term, or
- in a more concentrated block during the summer
- to fulfil requirements for the Certificate in German Studies (U of T Global Scholars).
How to participate:
Students: To start, browse our current iPRAKTIKUM partners and contact us for a consultation at iPRAKTIKUM@utoronto.ca. Include a brief letter of interest, transcript, and a current CV that indicates your level of German proficiency with your query. Note that at this stage you are not applying directly to one of our partners. After we receive your materials, we’ll help you find a potential host and put your application together. Learn more about our partners here.
Organizations & Companies: If you would like to host an futurGenerator internship, please get in touch with us at iPRAKTIKUM@utoronto.ca.
