Volunteer in Southamerica

In South America, we specialize in internships in the fields of medicine, biology, and journalism. We have placed medical students in some of South America's finest hospitals and have found opportunities for future biologists to conduct research in the Amazon Rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Meanwhile, we've placed aspiring journalists in several of the continent's leading publications.

Internship

German-based OLE-Praktikumsbörse offers internships in Shanghai. We provide interns with housing and can also help them find a language course to learn the basics of Mandarin Chinese.

In China, we offer internships in Shanghai, the nation's thriving financial center. We specialize in placing interns in the fields of architecture, accounting, marketing, and sales.

In South America, we specialize in internships in the fields of medicine, biology, and journalism. We have placed medical students in some of South America's finest hospitals and have found opportunities for future biologists to conduct research in the Amazon Rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. Meanwhile, we've placed aspiring journalists in several of the continent's leading publications.

But we are always expanding our offerings, so please contact us if you are interested in offering an internship for a German student and let us know where your interests lay.

Ecuador: Riding through the Andes on the roof of a train

Are you looking for some adventure in the Andes? How about a ride on the roof of a train?

One of Ecuador's most unique experiences is the train ride from Riobamba to Sibambe and back to Alausí. People from all over the world share a sense of adventure as they sit back to back on the roof of this vintage locomotive. Slowly but surely, the train climbs up the Andes until it reaches "Devil's Nose," a vista point from which the mountain looks like a gigantic nose. The train then begins its descent on dramatically switchbacked rails, creating a back and forth bumping motion that allows it to descend safely. No wonder this route is known as the "most difficult train ride in the world."

Those who want to enjoy the ride to the fullest should consider traveling in the opposite direction, starting in Alausí. Since most passengers board in Riobamba, you'll have the roof all to yourself.

Ecuador: The legend of the Panama hat

Given its name, most people assume the Panama hat hails from Panama. Few people realize that the "sombrero fino" is actually made in Ecuador, and that its misleading name can be traced back more than 150 years to European immigrants traveling through South America.

During the California Gold Rush of 1848, soldiers of fortune poured into the Golden State. European adventurers often traveled to San Francisco via Panama, where they used the light-colored hats as sun protection. When they left, they carried the hats to California, where they gained international fame.

The only problem was that the hats were not actually made in Panama. The fine Toquila straw from which they are woven only grows along the Ecuadorian Pacific coast. The Panamanians simply imported the hats, leading customers to dub them "Panama hats." The mistaken belief that the hat is produced in Panama persists today, and as a result hardly anybody knows about the little Ecuadorian town of Montechristi, considered to be the true birthplace of the sombrero fino.

Chile: The Goethe Institute – A great place to study

Have you ever felt a sense of isolation when traveling in a country where you don't speak the language? Traveling is much more fun if you can talk to people and gain some insight into their way of thinking. The best way to pick up a new language is to take a course in a country where that language is spoken. For travelers interested in learning Spanish, OLE recommends the Goethe Institute in Santiago de Chile.

The Goethe Institute was founded in 1951, initially with the goal of training foreigners who wanted to become teachers in Germany. Today there are 128 Goethe Institutes all over the world. Although the Goethe Institute is famous worldwide for its German language classes, few people realize that they also teach other languages. Our participants tell us that the Goethe Institute in Santiago de Chile does an excellent job of teaching Spanish. What better way to delve into a foreign culture and language than with a well-established organization like the Goethe Institute?

OLE offers internships in China and South America

The German agency OLE-praktikumsboerse offers internships in China and South America. We support students and young professionals who want to broaden their horizons and dive into a new culture.

Internships in South America
In South America we offer internships in Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentinia. We offer internships in these countries in various fields such as medicine, social work, cultural education, geography and TV production.

Internships in China
In China we offer internships in Shanghai. If you wish to do an internship in Shanghai we are happy to open the doors to this unforgettable experience. Our strength in Shanghai is internships in the fields of architecture, controlling, marketing and sales.

OLE-Praktikumsboerse package
If you are looking for accommodation and a language course, we can help you find the right fit. Take advantage of our extensive experience - we have spent the last half decade working with young people and arranging internships in South America and China.

Our expertise
We are experts in the field of intercultural exchange. We have lived in all the countries where we offer internships. We know the cultural do's and don't's of each country and we provide you with that information ahead of time . We do the work so that you can enjoy your trip, giving you an important edge over the typical backpacker.

For further information and assistance you can reach us online or by telephone at +49 951 18 90 703.