At the Privathotel Lindtner in Harburg, a group of Irish students recently gathered with teachers and Rotary Club members to celebrate the conclusion of their three-week internship program. This gathering represents a decades-long educational partnership that provides valuable international work experience for young people through the dedicated efforts of the Rotary Club Hamburg-Harburg.
Long-standing exchange program connects Irish students with German businesses
The partnership between the St. Kilian’s German School in Dublin and the Immanuel-Kant-Gymnasium in Sinstorf has been facilitating student exchanges since the 1980s. This educational initiative has become a cornerstone of international cooperation between Ireland and Hamburg’s Harburg district.
Every year, Irish students travel to Germany for a three-week immersion experience that combines cultural exchange with practical work experience. The program has evolved significantly since its inception, maintaining its core mission of fostering international understanding through practical education.
The 2025 exchange brought nine Irish students to Harburg, where they were placed in various local businesses for internships organized by the Rotary Club Hamburg-Harburg. These praktika (internships) provide students with invaluable exposure to German work culture and professional environments.
The benefits of this exchange program include:
- Practical work experience in an international setting
- Immersion in German language and culture
- Development of cross-cultural communication skills
- Building of professional networks at a young age
- Strengthening of educational ties between Ireland and Germany
Harburg firms open doors to international talent development
Local Harburg businesses play a crucial role in the success of this exchange program by providing meaningful internship opportunities. These companies represent various sectors of the local economy, giving students exposure to different professional fields and business practices.
The Rotary Club Hamburg-Harburg serves as the vital connector between these businesses and the educational institutions. Their organizational efforts ensure that students are matched with appropriate placements based on their interests and educational backgrounds.
During the three weeks of praktika in Harburger Firmen, students gain hands-on experience in real workplace environments. They collaborate with German colleagues, navigate professional challenges, and develop practical skills that complement their academic learning.
A breakdown of the program’s participation over recent years shows consistent engagement:
| Year | Number of Irish Students | Number of Participating Firms | Duration (Weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 6 | 3 |
| 2024 | 7 | 5 | 3 |
| 2025 | 9 | 7 | 3 |
Traditional celebration marks program milestone
The 2025 exchange program culminated in a special gathering at the Privathotel Lindtner on Thursday, April 17th. This traditional “Schnitzel-Essen” (schnitzel dinner) celebration has become a cherished ritual marking the completion of the internships.
The event brought together the nine Irish exchange students, teachers from both schools, and members of the Rotary Club Hamburg-Harburg. This gathering provided an opportunity for students to share their experiences and for all participants to celebrate the continued success of the international partnership.
The 2025 celebration was particularly noteworthy as it represented the first post-pandemic exchange to return to full capacity. Students enthusiastically shared their experiences working in various Harburg firms and the cultural insights they gained during their stay.
Building international bridges through educational exchange
The ongoing success of this program highlights the importance of practical international experiences in education. For many participants, these praktika in Harburger Firmen represent their first meaningful exposure to professional environments outside their home country.
The approach taken by the Rotary Club Hamburg-Harburg demonstrates how local business communities can contribute to educational development and international understanding. Their model of connecting schools across borders with practical work experiences offers valuable lessons for similar initiatives elsewhere.
The process for participating in the exchange follows these steps:
- Selection of eligible students at St. Kilian’s German School
- Matching of student interests with available placements
- Preparation sessions for cultural adaptation
- Three-week internship period in Harburg firms
- Final celebration and evaluation of experiences
As this educational partnership approaches four decades of continuous operation, it stands as a testament to the value of international collaboration in preparing young people for an increasingly globalized workforce. The praktika in Harburger Firmen program continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission of bridging cultures through practical education.
The April 2025 gathering at the Privathotel Lindtner not only celebrated another successful exchange but also reinforced the commitment of all participating organizations to sustaining this valuable initiative for future generations of students.
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