Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT
Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnologie IPT
Panorama Aachen Stadtbild mit Dom und Rathaus, Dreiländereck
© Vincent/stock.adobe.com

© Vincent/stock.adobe.com

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

© Fraunhofer IPT

BRAACHEN International Internship

The BRAACHEN international internship program is a result of a long and successful partnership between Brazil's best engineering universities and the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT.

An international internship can cause a huge impact on every student pursuing a career in engineering. With the BRAACHEN program you can apply knowledge from University in real high complex industry research in Germany while learning and living the German culture every single day. Contribute to impressive research projects, learn and practice German, work in a friendly environment, make international friends and also enjoy your internship vacation in Europe to travel and broaden your horizons.

Close cooperation with the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering WZL of the RWTH Aachen University

In our hometown of Aachen, we closely cooperate in all our areas of activity with the Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering WZL of the RWTH Aachen University. Four fully tenured professors from the RWTH Aachen University also make up the Fraunhofer IPT’s Board of Directors. The name of the WZL has for decades been globally synonymous for successful and groundbreaking research as well as innovative ideas in the field of production technology. The WZL conducts basic as well as commercially driven research projects in six departments.

Program understandings

By their good education and previous experience about Germany, Brazilians are already very well-known at the Fraunhofer IPT. This is one of the reasons why since 2002 it is a successful program.

How is the selection process?

Each student is pre-selected by their professor in their home university in Brazil before being accepted for our international internship program. Applications are only considered when sent from the professor of partner universities directly to our contact partner. The second step will be an interview with the program coordinator and/or the research fellow from the Fraunhofer IPT. With a successful interview you will receive a guideline of how to proceed and the documents you will need.

Internship duration

The internship lasts 1 year and 15 days. The start of the contract is every year on 16th January and July.

Internship Testimonials

Want to know more about the benefits of the Brazilian international internship at the Fraunhofer IPT? Check out what former participants have to say about how the program has impacted them in their personal and professional lives!

Daniel Felzemburg, 2015 - 2018:

"Currently I work as a project engineer in southern Germany and my main responsibility includes project management in electric powertrain development. In 2014 I came as a student research assistant in the High-Performance Cutting Department at the Fraunhofer IPT through this cooperation program and worked on exciting projects related to machining optimization on composites. Through this experience I gained valuable technical knowledge, strongly improved my German and intercultural skills and became aware of the master’s degree in production systems engineering at the RWTH Aachen University. Later I did this master’s degree, worked in the same department and also coordinated this program. I recommend the participation in this program to anyone who wants to experience the current state of the art of production technologies, work with very committed employees and gain intercultural experience."

Rodrigo Doetzer, 2016 - 2017:
"I have mainly good memories of the year I have lived, worked and studied in Aachen. During my internship at the Fraunhofer IPT I have had the opportunity to work with a developing technology and not available in most countries: Reinforcement of thermoplastic pipes with carbon fiber prepregs through an online consolidation utilizing laser as an energy source. The Fraunhofer IPT provided all the resources I needed to write my final diploma thesis. After graduated, I was hired as a Process Development Engineer in Germany, mainly focused on the production of prepreg for composite leaf springs. The recommendation of my supervisor was very helpful. That exciting time made me grow not only professionally, but also personally. I have made incredible friends and shared experiences that I will carry for life. I can only recommend the program and to give your best, since it may open many doors for you in the future."

Gerson Santos, 2016 - 2018:

"I am an Application Engineer in the field of Machining and Precision technology. Since 2019, I've been working in the Application Department of a multinational company that produces CNC machines and develops individual solutions for medical prostheses. For 1,5 years I had the honor to work in the Ultra-Precision Machining Department at Fraunhofer IPT, researching ultra-precision grinding and manufacturing mold replicates for optical lenses. The internship in Aachen was the icing on the cake. Because I already had professional and technical training, had nearly finished my degree in Mechanical Engineering and, this opportunity immediately brought me incredible baggage and made me more highly regarded in job applications. I sincerely believe this program can be a professional turning point. Furthermore, I can only advice the incomings students to work hard, learn German and its culture."

Jordana Arruda, 2017 - 2018:

"I am the Customer Success Leader on a technology company. We work with advanced manufacturing, robotic and industry 4.0, where I help our customers to achieve their desired outcomes. I've worked for 1 year in the Laser department at the Fraunhofer IPT, working with Laser Metal Deposition and Laser Hardening, where I performed experiments that allowed a better performance and increased wear resistance of metallic materials. As a material engineer student and an innovation enthusiast, this internship was a game changer event on my career. It wasn’t only a great job, where I learned the best Laser R&D of the world, but also an amazing chance to experience other technologies. Furthermore, the work environment is outstanding, provides network and an immersive cultural experience. With no doubt, this chance will enhance your career and change your professional life."