Internships for Students in France
Internships in France offer students an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, enhance their resumes, and immerse themselves in the French workplace culture. Whether required by academic programs or voluntarily pursued, internships are an essential step toward career development. Many internships are also paid, particularly if they last beyond a certain duration, making them both professionally and financially rewarding.
Types of Internships in France
Compulsory Internships
In France, many university degree programs include mandatory internships as part of the curriculum. These internships are designed to help students apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings and are essential for graduation in certain fields.
Voluntary Internships
Beyond academic requirements, students often pursue voluntary internships to gain additional experience and improve their employability. These opportunities are especially valuable for exploring career paths and building networks.
Paid Internships
Internships that last longer than two months (or 44 working days) must be paid according to French labor regulations. The minimum monthly allowance is approximately €600. Many companies offer higher compensation depending on the industry and role.
Unpaid Internships
Short-term internships—those under two months—can be unpaid. These are more common in smaller organizations or nonprofits and are typically undertaken to gain brief exposure to a particular field.
Internship Duration and Working Conditions
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Duration: Internships in France can last up to six months per academic year.
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Work Hours: Interns generally work 35 hours per week, consistent with France’s standard workweek.
Where to Find Internships
University Career Services
Most French universities have dedicated career centers that help students find internship opportunities. They often partner with local companies and organizations to offer placements tailored to specific academic programs.
Internship Programs
Several international organizations run structured internship programs in France, such as:
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AIFS Abroad
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CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange)
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Absolute Internship
These programs often include housing, support services, and cultural experiences along with the internship placement.
Company Websites
Researching companies within your field and checking their career or internship pages is a direct and effective method to find opportunities.
Online Job Boards
Websites like GoAbroad, Go Overseas, and other internship-specific platforms list a variety of internships across sectors in France.
Visa Requirements
If you’re planning to intern in France for more than three months, you’ll need a long-stay internship visa (VLS-TS). This visa allows you to live and work in France legally during your internship.
Once the visa expires, you may apply for a temporary internship residency permit if you plan to extend your stay or continue another internship.
Tips for Securing an Internship in France
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Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each internship application, aligning with the job description and company goals.
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Highlight Key Skills: Showcase your most relevant academic and practical experiences to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
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Network Strategically: Leverage your university, LinkedIn, and alumni connections to learn about hidden opportunities.
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Improve Your French: While some internships may be conducted in English, proficiency in French significantly increases your chances of securing a role and integrating into the workplace.
Interning in France is not only a valuable career-building step but also an enriching cultural experience. Whether mandatory or voluntary, paid or unpaid, internships offer students a chance to gain real-world experience and build professional networks. With the right preparation and resources, securing an internship in France can be a rewarding and transformative journey.
