Erasmus+ internships: The flexible alternative for a stay abroad during your studies
TUM Global, News |
While Erasmus+ is widely known as a classic exchange program for study semesters, its internship track tends to fly under the radar. Yet it offers just as many benefits—and even more freedom when it comes to planning:
- Choose your destination freely – even beyond Europe
- Intern at companies, universities, or public institutions
- Apply year-round – with just four weeks’ notice
Independent pathway to an internship abroad
The program is designed for students who want to take charge of their own internship abroad. Whether you’re headed to a university, a private company, or a public organization, you’re free to choose your host institution. What matters is that the internship aligns with your field of study and that you’ll have a dedicated supervisor on site.
Isabella, a Sports Science student at the TUM School of Medicine and Health, spent her internship at the Center for Health and Performance at the University of Gothenburg:
“I was looking for a research internship and came across Gothenburg. Reading testimonials and speaking with a former intern helped guide my decision. Since I had never been to Scandinavia before, I was also excited to explore the region and immerse myself in the local culture.”
Once the destination, timeline, and internship plan are set, the administrative side kicks in:
- Approval of the internship plan by the relevant subject area or TUM School
- Coordination of funding through the TUM Global & Alumni Office
Potential additional grants through the Erasmus+ internship program
Funding levels are based on the number of internship days (minimum of 60). On top of the base grant, students can apply for additional support, including:
- First-generation students
- Students with chronic health conditions that lead to extra costs abroad
- Working students earning between €450 and €850 per month
- Students bringing children along for the internship
- Sustainable travel options (Erasmus+ Green Travel Grant)
The exact funding amount is communicated by the TUM Global Office, and the Erasmus+ Internships Program Manager will guide students throughout the entire application and funding process.
Organizing housing, daily essentials, and mobility
Accommodation and daily logistics at the destination are also organized independently. Isabella shares her experience: “Finding a place to live was a bit challenging, but I eventually found something that worked. The overall cost of living was fairly high – especially rent, groceries, and public transport. That’s why I often got around using city bikes. Thanks to the Erasmus+ funding, I was able to afford the experience in the end.”
Closing the loop: Final steps after the internship
The Erasmus+ internship is a great way to gain international experience and broaden your horizons – even outside of the traditional semester abroad. But to receive the full Erasmus+ grant and complete the entire process successfully, there’s one important formality: after the internship, you must submit all required documentation. Only then can the full funding be disbursed.
Take the opportunity to enrich your studies with valuable international experience. And remember: with just a little administrative effort, you can achieve your academic and professional goals – while securing your funding. It’s the final step toward an unforgettable experience abroad!
Isabella conducted data collection for the cohort study TaFMAC (Track and Field Masters Athletics Cohort). Image: Isabella Risse / TUM
"My best experience was being part of the international research team for the TaFMAC study." Image: Isabella Risse / TUM
Gothenburg offers a very high quality of life and work-life balance. Image: Isabella Risse / TUM
On weekends, Isabella often visited the islands of the Gothenburg archipelago. Image: Isabella Risse / TUM
The islands offer breathtaking nature and are partially car-free. Image: Isabella Risse / TUM