A compulsory study internship is part of the requirements for completing the degree and must be completed according to the requirements of the degree programme. By contrast, a voluntary internship is not automatically recognized as a study achievement. What matters is whether the higher education institution approves the activity and assigns it to the study programme. A university of applied sciences internship (FH Praktikum) refers in this context to a practical study achievement at a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), with requirements determined by the degree programme and module. A university of teacher education internship (PH Praktikum) is a practical study achievement at a university of teacher education (Pädagogische Hochschule) and may be connected in particular with the intended field of work in education. Before starting, the placement, tasks, supervision and required documents should be clarified with the higher education institution. The form of assessment and the required completion documentation also follow from the study or module requirements. A commitment from the company or institution alone does not guarantee academic recognition. Changes to the tasks, duration or placement should be coordinated with the responsible higher education office if they could affect fulfilment of the study requirements.
Internships as Part of a Degree Programme in Switzerland
An internship can be included in a higher education programme in Switzerland as either a compulsory or elective component. Whether it counts as a practical module, which learning objectives must be achieved and which credits are recognized is determined by the specific study programme. Requirements concerning the placement, duration, supervision and required documentation must therefore be checked with the higher education institution.