Information for Schools
The most important facts about the "practical semester abroad" following the Jena model of teacher training
Main building of Friedrich Schiller University Jena with rainbow flag and Jentower in the background
Building of the Jena Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research
The Centre for Teacher Training and Educational Research (ZLB) is an academic institution of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The staff at the centre support all Jena teacher training students during the practical phases of their degree programmes.
At our university, we train students in two subjects each for the teaching profession at secondary and grammar schools. They complete their studies after nine to ten semesters with the First State Examination. In the third year of the programme, all students have to spend a mandatory five-month internship (one semester) at a school. More than 250 students at the University of Jena have already completed their internship semester at over 100 schools outside Germany, including more than 20 partner schools de. Both the students and the schools have benefited from this.
We are delighted that you, as a member of staff at one of these schools, are accompanying our students on their way into the teaching profession. At your school, they have the opportunity to put the modern teaching methods they learnt at the University of Jena into practice.
Campus of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena with students
As part of the Jena model of teacher training, student teachers have the opportunity to complete their practical semester in the first or second half of the school year. The work placement at a school lasts a whole semester or at least 16 weeks excluding school and public holidays and must be completed at secondary level I and/ or II.
Certain general conditionspdf, 526 kb apply for a practical semester outside Germany. Only if these are fully met the university can recognise all assessed coursework and examinations completed during the internship semester. We therefore ask all internship schools to use the school confirmation form to confirm that an internship at your school will fulfil the university requirements.
We recommend that our students apply to schools worldwide at least one year before the start of their internship. Students then have time until 31 January (for an internship starting in August) or 31 May (for an internship starting in February/March) to submit the Academic Internship Agreementpdf, 163 kb · de to the Jena Internship Office for Teacher Training.
School lessons at tables and under parasols in the schoolyard
If our students successfully apply for an internship at your school, an exciting time begins for everyone. The following overview summarises what support the staff at your school is kindly asked to provide and when.
6-18 months before the internship starts:
- Receive and accept the application
- Sign the Academic Internship Agreementpdf, 163 kb · de
2-6 months before the internship starts:
- Sign the cover sheet of the Learning Agreements for all accompanying modules - you confirm that you will supervise and support the students so that they can fulfil all university coursework in addition to their practical obligations at your school
- Sign scholarship applications (e.g. for German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), Erasmus+)
At the beginning and during the internship:
- Give professional and administrative support for students on site at your school
- Please contact the University of Jena in case of questions or problems.
After completion of the internship:
- Confirm the internship period and any absences
- Have a final talk with the student