Entering Germany

For a stay of less than 90 days with an unpaid internship as part of your university requirements, you can enter the country as a tourist with your valid passport. As an American citizen, you do not need any visa.
Please make sure you have the insurance (health and liability) and proof of vaccinations needed for being allowed to work in a school environment (measles, Covid-19) and check with your local coordinator for up-to-date regulations. 

An internship in Germany longer than 90 days has to be registered with the ZAV, an office of the central employment agency, for approval. This process needs to be completed before your arrival. Please cooperate with the COST coordinator in Cologne to make sure you have submitted the appropriate documents at least two months before the start of your placement. When you stay in any European country for more than 90 days, you also need to apply to the local immigration office for a (temporary) residence permit. Please check with your local coordinator for details of the paperwork needed.