Professional Experience Program New York

PEP in NY offers students from the five Campus OWL universities (Bielefeld University, Paderborn University, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Detmold University of Music) the chance to gain intercultural skills and professional experience in the New York metropolitan area.

PEP runs from late April to late July 2026 and includes a leadership and intercultural skills seminar week in NYC, an internship in a company/organization in the New York metropolitan area (other locations) and a virtual workshop to reflect on the experience.

An intensive 5-day interactive skills seminar will take place in New York City from April 27 – May 1, 2026, and will cover the following key areas:

• Understanding American & German business cultures and navigating differences
• Workplace skills and development with practical exercises
• Exposure to New York City through cultural events and sightseeing

Campus OWL will cover accommodation in a hotel in New York City, a MetroCard & cultural program during the skills seminar week.

The internship will start after the skills seminar, on May 4, 2026, and usually lasts 3 months. Shorter or longer internships are possible according to the host company’s/organization’s and students’ needs.

Enrolled at one of the universities in OWL (Bielefeld University, Paderborn University, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Detmold University of Music) for the summer semester 2026.

• Enrolled at one of the universities in OWL (Bielefeld University, Paderborn University, Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts, OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Detmold University of Music) for the summer semester 2026
• At time of application (summer semester 2025), enrolled in a Master’s program or at least in 3rd semester Bachelor program
• Excellent communications skills (oral, written, interpersonal)
• Very good command of spoken and written English (B2 at a minimum)

• Letter of motivation including how the program helps you to achieve your goals and how it relates to your studies (in English, 1 page). Please refer to the letter of motivation template provided on the website (https://www.campus-owl.org/owl-students/). AI generated letters of motivation will not be accepted.
• Resume including education, work experience, skills, previous scholarships/awards, and other relevant experiences such as volunteer experience (no photo necessary; in English)
• Copy of your transcript of records (providing an overview of your previous academic achievements with grade average; copy of bachelor’s degree, if applicable)
• Letter of recommendation written by a professor/lecturer of your faculty (this recommendation letter can also be used for the internship application and J-1 visa application; preferably in English). Please use the letter of recommendation template provided on the website (www.campus-owl.org/owl-students/).
• Confirmation of enrollment as a student

Outline of Application Process:

1. Students must submit their application in a single PDF file to paulus@campus-owl.org by the deadline on August 31, 2025. Please indicate in the reference line “PEP 2026 application”.
2. Candidates who are considered for the program will be asked in the beginning of September to submit the “Career Field Profile” document by September 21, 2025. You will find the “Career Field Profile” template on the website (https://www.campus-owl.org/owl-students/ ).
3. Candidates will be notified by end of September if they are invited for an interview. The interview
   will be conducted in English only. Interview date is early October 2025 by video call.
4. Shortlisted candidates will apply for internships in October – December 2025.
5. After securing an internship placement, candidates will apply for a J-1 visa in cooperation with the
   German American Chamber of Commerce in New York and the internship provider (January-February).
6. Virtual Info Session (ZOOM) by August 6, 2025, 12pm NYC time (18h OWL time): 
   Join Zoom Meeting
   https://uni-paderborn-de.zoom-x.de/j/65530509277?pwd=8a7ZPAoOh5Ke8umE6Qj8A0AomMMfCH.1 
   Meeting-ID: 655 3050 9277
   Passcode: 759738

• Application process for the J-1 visa including the $900 fee for issuance of the DS-2019 (certificate of eligibility for the J-1 visa)
• Support with internship placement in a company/organization
• During the skills seminar week: hotel in New York City, Metrocard & cultural program

Successful candidates can apply for a DAAD PROMOS scholarship to cover part of their living expenses (450€ x 3 months), total scholarship amount: 1.350€

Participants can also apply for a HAW International Internship (deadline 29.08.2025) and for TH OWL 'Go Global Praxis' scholarship (deadline 01.11.2025) or for other funding tools for travel and stay during the program that will cover parts of the expenses abroad.

Participants will bear the costs for the international health insurance (DAAD Gruppenversicherung, ca.
€40/month) as well as the $220 SEVIS fee and the U.S. Consulate fee of €160 for the J-1 visa at the Consulate in Frankfurt, Munich, or Berlin.

Participants will be responsible to find their accommodation during the internship.

• Download the Call for Applications Professional Experience Program in New York 2026
• Download FAQs
• Download the Letter of motivation template
• Download the letter of recommendation template

If you have any questions on the program, please contact the director of the Campus OWL New York office Michael Paulus paulus@campus-owl.org Phone. +1 212 758 3321.

Campus OWL is a network of five higher education institutions in OstWestfalenLippe (OWL), Germany – Bielefeld University, Paderborn University, Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and Detmold University of Music. The Campus OWL New York Office was founded in 2019 and represents these five higher education institutions in North America. For further information please visit www.campus-owl.org