Organizer Information
The Goethe-Institut New York is Germany's official cultural institute in New York City, operating since 1969 at its current home at 30 Irving Place in Manhattan. It is part of a worldwide network of 150 Goethe-Institut branches across 99 countries, with a mission to promote German language learning and foster international cultural cooperation. The New York branch presents a broad range of public programming in the arts and humanities — including lectures, exhibitions, artist talks, film screenings, performances, and installations — and maintains a specialized library holding approximately 8,000 volumes focused on contemporary German art, literature, and film history.
The institute's visual arts program has a particular focus on contemporary artists living and working in Germany, as well as the wider global contemporary art scene. In addition to organizing three to four exhibitions annually in its own premises, the Goethe-Institut New York collaborates with local and international cultural partners across New York City. The institute also coordinates the German American Partnership Program (GAPP), the largest bilateral student exchange program between the US and Germany, founded in 1972 and currently connecting over 750 US schools.
Title & Description
Goethe-Institut New York Internship — Visual Arts & Exhibitions Program / Educational Cooperation German (2027)
The Goethe-Institut New York offers structured internship positions to students in higher semesters or recent graduates in two distinct departments: the Visual Arts and Exhibitions Program, and the Educational Cooperation German department. Both tracks provide hands-on professional experience within a leading transatlantic cultural institution based in New York City.
The Visual Arts internship, lasting approximately 90 days and supervised by the Curator of Fine Arts and Programs, offers participants direct involvement in the institute's exhibition program — from conceptual stages through installation and deinstallation — as well as access to New York City's art scene and a nomination as "curatorial assistant" for corresponding exhibitions.
The Educational Cooperation German internship involves working alongside the Bildungskooperation Deutsch (BKD) and the German American Partnership Program (GAPP) teams, contributing to teacher seminars, student exchange coordination, advertising campaigns, and information materials. This track offers insight into both US educational policy and German-American cultural diplomacy.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Curatorial
- Internship
- Educations
- Culture
- Art
- Research
Eligibility
- EU citizenship and/or very good German language skills at native-speaker level
- Very good knowledge of English (excellent written and oral skills required)
- Commenced or completed university studies in the humanities, business administration, or information sciences (diploma, magister, bachelor's, master's, state examination for Gymnasium Stufe II, or doctorate level); minimum 3 completed semesters required
- Graduation must not have occurred more than 12 months before the start of the internship (required for J-1 visa eligibility)
- Valid J-1 visa; obtained through Cultural Vistas, the institute's official visa sponsoring partner
- Visual Arts track: applicants of all backgrounds and educational levels welcomed; varying levels of German proficiency accepted
- Willingness to remain in New York City for the full duration of the internship
Program Benefits & Awards
- Hands-on experience in exhibition installation and deinstallation (Visual Arts track, subject to timing)
- Insight into exhibition operations from conception through implementation
- Nomination as "curatorial assistant" for corresponding exhibitions (Visual Arts track)
- Networking within New York City's art scene
- Participation in the coordination of student exchange programs (Educational Cooperation track)
- Co-planning and implementation of advertising campaigns, including trade fair participation (Educational Cooperation track)
- Experience in designing and conducting teacher seminars (Educational Cooperation track)
- Possibility to apply for a DAAD short-term scholarship (external funding, for internships up to 3 months; application must be submitted at least 2 months before the internship start)
- Eligibility for the German-US Internship Program (DAP) for students in youth welfare, social work, or related fields
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Reference letter from a university professor or lecturer:
- Maximum one DIN A4 page
- Must provide a personal impression of the applicant's academic performance
- Must briefly explain why the applicant is suitable for an internship abroad
The application form must be completed in German via the online portal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline (Visual Arts / Fine Arts — Period Feb–May 2027): 31 July 2026
- Internship Period (Visual Arts): February–May 2027
- Application Deadline (Educational Cooperation German — Period Mar–May 2027): 31 August 2026
- Internship Period (Educational Cooperation German, spring): March–May 2027
- Application Deadline (Educational Cooperation German — Period Oct–Dec 2027): 31 March 2027
- Internship Period (Educational Cooperation German, autumn): October–December 2027
Location
Goethe-Institut New York, 30 Irving Place, New York City, United States
Additional Details
- Applications must be submitted at least six months before the intended start date to increase chances of acceptance; the same lead time is recommended for visa planning.
- The J-1 visa must be applied for in person at US consulates in Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin. Internships undertaken under a tourist visa or Visa Waiver Program are not permitted.
- Cultural Vistas (New York) is the sole authorized visa-sponsoring organization; visa applications through other organizations cannot be processed by the Goethe-Institut.
- Applicants should budget approximately two to three months from initiating their visa application to entry into the US.
- Cultural Vistas also arranges mandatory accident and health insurance for all interns.
- Interns are responsible for sourcing their own accommodation. The institute provides a list of housing options; suggested residences include International House (I-House, ~$1,433–$3,140/month, minimum age 21) and Kolping House New York (~$295/week, maximum 3-month stay).
- Internships typically last 3 months; longer periods are accepted for the Educational Cooperation track. The Visual Arts track is fixed at approximately 90 days.