10 of the Best Internship Programs in France in 2019-2020

Just what the doctor ordered: A ready-made France summer internship for YOU

While the thought of sipping on wine and devouring mouth watering cheese has you raring to hop on the plane, you might be stressing about making some important decisions first. Maybe you’ve thought it over long and hard; having finally decided to intern abroad in France. But now what? You need advice on programs, costs, cities, experiences...basically you need to do your homework. That’s where we can help!

While this handy guide on internship programs in France doesn’t have everything you will need to know (although you can find many more travel articles here!), it does give you a birds-eye view of the most loved programs for an internship in France. With so many opportunities out there—whether paid, unpaid, engineering, summer, fashion, n’importe quoi—it’s nice to start your search with some well reviewed programs!

Here’s a snapshot of the top internship programs in France this year to get you started:

The best internship opportunities in France in 2019-2020

Editor’s note: This information on French internships abroad was accurate at the time of publishing. Please refer to each individual program for current data.

1. Global Experiences—9.5 rating

“Where else in the world would you hop onto the metro, cross the river, and have the Notre Dame de Paris and Eiffel Tower as your everyday view? Where else would you be sketching and have the Director of the Musee D'Orsay come along and take an interest in your work? Where else could you buy the best fine arts brushes and paints, the same that Picasso and Matisse shopped for? My two months in Paris opened my eyes to a world of possibilities and challenges, giving me no choice but to adapt to a world culture of cosmopolitan life like no other yet at the same time distinctly, and proudly, French. The City of Love and Lights has a unique experience awaiting for every type of intern living and working in the capital of France, one which is completely yours and will stay with you forever.”—Read more reviews from Global Experiences here

Where? Paris
When? Year-long
Why? We (and fellow travelers) love Global Experiences’ internship programs in France! Not only are you guaranteed an internship, you will be living and breathing the Paris life. Complete with career coaching, social events with fellow interns, and a centrally located homestay experience. Global Experiences is perfect for those looking for the complete Paris package.
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2. IES Abroad—9.57 rating

“I absolutely loved my semester with IES Nantes! This program is great for anyone trying to improve their French because it is so immersive: you live with a host family, all of your classes are in French, and most people doing the program with you have a passion for French! There are copious opportunities to practice your French in Nantes, a vibrant city that I grew to love. This program also has a great staff who really go the extra mile to help you become integrated and happy in France. I had some of the best four months of my life with IES Nantes and I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who has a passion for French or who wants to have an authentic cultural experience!”—Read more reviews from IES Internships here

Where? Nantes
When? Academic Year
Why? This program has been successfully immersing students into the French way of life for over 50 years! Benefiting from a close relationship with the local university, this program will have you speaking French like a pro in no time! Interact with local college students, take college courses, and improve your written and verbal speaking skills with IES Abroad.
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3. The Language House—9.4 rating

“The Language House TEFL in Montpellier is a great course. It's intense and challenging but you leave with all the necessary tools to be a great teacher. I really enjoyed learning about different teaching styles and methods. I'm much more confident in my understanding of how language functions and have also been provided with the practical skills, such as effective lesson planning to make my transition into any work environment as seamless as possible. You won't be disappointed with your choice at The Language House.”—Read more reviews from The Language House here

Where? Montpellier
When? Year Round
Why? Looking to jump into a teaching career through becoming an intern in France? If so, the Language House may be just for you! Specializing in a four week certified TEFL course, this program will allow you to teach english in France and many other parts of the world! After having completed your certificate, The Language House also offers job placement assistance!
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4. Fashion Week Internships—10 rating

“The last 3 months have been full of emotions!!! My internship was in one of the biggest international companies, in the fashion! I had experiences that I will keep forever in mind!! The placement, the team was super amazing!! Everybody always supported me and treated me with respect!! I was so lucky to work at the Paris Fashion week. Amazing!!!!!”—Read more reviews from Fashion Week Internships here

Where? Paris
When? Year Round, start monthly
Why? Fashion Week Internships runs amazing—and incredibly unique—internship programs in France. Where else (but Paris) can provide internships in the fashion industry, least of all with over 2,000 industry-leading brands? Best of all, you can choose the length of your experience, with options ranging from 1 week to a year! No French language skills are required, but you will certainly be able to learn while learning from the best in the fashion world.
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5. ELI Abroad—10 rating

“Traveling is by far, the most amazing thing you can do. Imagine traveling abroad, to explore the country and culture in the deepest way you can; learn about the traditions, music, and way of living. And most important, imagine sharing your time and love while seeing people with smiles because you are with them.”—Read more reviews from ELI Abroad here

Where? Paris
When? Year Round, start monthly
Why? As a non-profit, ELI Abroad assists those interested in international internships in France as well as other international locations. If you’re in search of a program at a lower cost that still offers specialized placements in the local community, ELI Abroad’s opportunity for an internship in France for English speakers is worth checking out! While many companies tend to focus on experiences for the college age crowd, ELI Abroad also focuses on those looking for a career change, in retirement, etc.
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6. CEA Internships—7.0 rating

“I liked my homestay and the small classes as an intern in France—they made for one on one interactions and increased learning. The integration into French society was well managed; by the second week I was shopping and metroing around like a native French person.”—Read more reviews from CEA Internships here

Where? Paris
When? Year Round
Why? With a wide range of internship topics, you’re sure to find a CEA internship that fits your career goals. A France internship with CEA will deliver hands on experience in the heart of the Paris Marais district. Not comfortable with your French language yet? Take courses taught in English at CEA’s Paris Center.
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7. Jobs and Internships Abroad—8.33 rating

“In 2014 I got an internship in France with the aid of Jobs and Internships Abroad. I have a Bachelor Degree in International Trade so Jobs and Internships Abroad contacted me with an start-up with international operations (Boaterfly). From the beginning to the end of my process, Jobs and Internships Abroad helped me in each step in order to get the best option for me. I was in a nice working environment doing things that I liked and I met people from around the world in the housing option that Jobs and Internships Abroad got for me. I highly recommend using the Jobs and Internships Abroad services, thank you for everything!”—Read more reviews from Jobs and Internships Abroad here

Where? Montpellier, Nice, Paris
When? Year Round
Why? If you're looking for an internship in France for 2-6 months, Jobs and Internships Abroad might be just the place to start. Offering orientation, placements based on your skills and objectives, excursions, and social events, this program provider might have what you’re looking for. Plus, internships are available in Montpellier and Nice, for those looking for a calmer experience than Paris.
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8. Forum-Nexus Study Abroad—10.0 rating

“I was an intern for Forum-Nexus Study Abroad, and initially, I wasn't sure what to expect from their internships in Paris, France. I have heard of other people's experiences from studying abroad and all of them were positive, but I wasn't sure how I would handle being that far away from home. After spending a month in Europe with this program, I consider everyone involved part of my family. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I have Forum-Nexus to thank for that. This program is one of a kind. Forum-Nexus' uniqueness is what makes it incomparable to other study abroad experiences. I highly recommend anyone who is considering studying abroad to apply to FN. You will not regret it!”—Read more reviews from Forum-Nexus here

Where? Chamonix, Paris
When? Year Round
Why? Specializing in marketing, communication, hospitality management, photography and videography, and management, Forum-Nexus has internships with global companies around Europe! Network with professionals while traveling to some of Europe’s best cities! A month long sample itinerary might include traveling to: Barcelona, Paris, Geneva, Chamonix, Lugano, Lake Como, Milan, Rome, and Rhodes. Sound exciting? How about also earning up to nine credits? Yeah, we adore their internship programs in France, too!
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9. World Endeavors—9.67 rating

“My program with World Endeavors, so far, has been very easy going. The team has provided me with much information to help me prepare, arrive, and adjust to France.”—Read more reviews from World Endeavors here

Where? Nice, Paris
When? Year Round
Why? For those with intermediate level French language skills, World Endeavors is the perfect chance to get a head start into your chosen industry. Each placement is customized and tailored to your specific skills and desires. With an english speaking coordinator and French language instruction, you won’t have any trouble getting a France internship with World Endeavors.
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10. ESMOD Paris—9.5 rating

“ISEM is very rewarding training: balance between the marketing aspect and the fashion aspect. The formation is comprehensive and diverse with a lot of interesting workshops. More, ISEM brings you a real professional network because a lot of fashion professionnels did ISEM.”—Read more reviews from ESMOD Paris here

Where? Bordeaux, Lyon, Paris, Roubaix
When? September to June
Why? Dedicated to business fashion, this is an undergraduate program for students interested in the fashion industry. Whether you are excited to pursue a fashion career in communications, marketing, distribution, or merchandising, you will be required to obtain an internship in the industry each year. The program even gloats that past graduates have gone on to work at Carven, Dior and Chanel!
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[Browse ALL Internships in France]

You’re ready to rock your internship abroad in France!

Launch a fabulous international career when you intern in France!

While researching the programs listed above is a great start, it is just the beginning! Call the provider you are interested in ask questions. Tell them what you are looking for. Can they meet your expectations? Think of your France internship provider as someone you get to interview as well. That way, you and your internship will both find your perfect match! Your resume will merci.

A France internship is just the key to setting you apart from the crowd. Whether you are into the bustle and city glam of Paris or are looking to improve your language skills, an international internship in France is a step in the right direction.

Still feeling a bit confused on which of the intern abroad programs in France is right for you?

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10 of the Best Internship Programs in France

Kaila Forster