My Erasmus internship at the Goethe-Institut Sweden
The Goethe-Institut is the globally active cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. In addition to annually changing focus topics, the tasks of the Goethe-Institut are essentially divided into three areas. In addition to the two pillars of language and information & library, the cultural program, in which I am assisting during my internship, is the third pillar of the institute. This area includes all activities that serve to foster international cultural cooperation. To this end, the Goethe-Institut Stockholm carries out joint projects with German and Swedish cultural professionals and artists and in cooperation with other European cultural institutions and Goethe-Instituts in the Northwest Europe region. The spectrum of these collaborations covers the visual arts, music, film, theater and dance.
During my internship, I gained insight into the conception, planning, implementation and evaluation of cultural program work. I was particularly involved in a number of projects. On the occasion of the 100th birthday of Joseph Beuys, for example, the Goethe-Institut organized a cross-disciplinary focus programme in honour of the artist. I assisted with the programming of a film series in cooperation with the Moderna Museet and researched for a background article on Joseph Beuys' work in the Düsseldorf art scene. Last but not least, I was responsible for independently designing a Beuys-themed week on the Goethe-Institut's Instagram channel.
Together with a Swedish curator, I also had the opportunity to design three musical walks through Stockholm's city center. While the curator looked for suitable musicians for small pop-up concerts during the walks, I researched possible city guides with a special focus on art and culture. Finally, I accompanied and evaluated one of the walks.
In addition to working on many other projects, my routine tasks included writing and translating texts on events for the website, the digital calendar, the newsletter and the social media of the Goethe-Institut Sweden. I regularly created cultural tips for the Goethe-Institut's Instagram channel, wrote book tips and compiled event and film recommendations for the institute's summer podcast. I was also in charge of preparing the opening of a photographer's exhibition in the institute's library and had the opportunity to take part in it.
Improved qualifications and skills
During my internship, I gained an in-depth understanding of the structures, networks and partners of foreign cultural and educational policy and the Goethe-Institut. I gained experience in prioritizing and structuring tasks independently and managing my time autonomously. As I was mainly working from home due to the coronavirus and only worked at the institute one day a week, my work required a high degree of initiative and independence. By attending meetings and being in contact with Swedish and European partners in my everyday work, I was able to deepen my intercultural competence and at the same time strengthen my foreign language skills in Swedish and English. Last but not least, I was able to expand my knowledge of the German and Swedish cultural scene.
Influence of the internship on the course of studies and entry into professional life
Overall, the experience gained during my internship will certainly benefit me in my future career, as I now have a solid foundation of practical experience in international cooperation and it has also contributed a great deal to my personal development. However, the internship also showed me that I feel more comfortable working in the private sector than in a public institution like the Goethe-Institut, as I found the bureaucratic and rather hierarchical processes there to be a hindrance. Nevertheless, I would recommend my internship without reservation. Although the internship took place in hybrid form, good supervision was always guaranteed and my mentor was always available to answer questions. As an intern, I was given a high level of trust and responsibility. I also felt that I and my work results were valued at all times; feedback was given in a constructive manner, but was also requested and taken seriously. All my colleagues were extremely friendly and helpful.
Conclusion
Despite the difficulties and uncertainties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, my stay abroad proved to be incredibly enriching for me, both personally and professionally. I would definitely not want to miss the learning I gained during this time and the many personal impressions and friendships that I will take home with me from Stockholm. I would recommend anyone to seek out an experience like this! Stockholm is especially worth a visit during the long and bright summer days. I fell a little in love with the beautiful city between the bridges - it certainly wasn't my last visit!
