Internships in France

While making the most of your time abroad, why not set some goals to really refine what you’d like to gain from your internship? Here are a few basics to start with:

Decide what part of the field you like the most while working on any specific skill set—hard or soft skills, or otherwise—and push yourself to gain ground in those areas. Examples could be time management, a specific skill within the field, or empathy toward peers.
Examine the small and large picture of this internship and where you’d like to generally head in your career. See what small-picture opportunities presently can feed into the larger ones.
Outside of working hours, think about what you’d like to gain personally from your time abroad! International travel can lead to huge strides in an individual's mindset.
Learning or broadening your French language skills to further your opportunities.

Understand the benefits

Having international internship experience is a big plus when it comes to professional and personal development. Here are a few highlights.

Professional growth. As an international market and hub, there are plenty of great opportunities and companies to learn about and work with while expanding your network and refining your skills.
Paid for your time. From 2023, any intern who works more than two months during a school year will be compensated. France is known for its work-life balance and its interns are no exception!
Say ‘Bonjour’ to culture. France is notorious for their view of the world and how the French people have always operated. Take part in the festivals, celebrations, and traditions France has to offer, and find your joie de vivre.
Grow your career. Having a French internship under your belt is no small feat. The process of entering the French workforce can be a bit lengthy not to mention actually doing the work! Employers are bound to take note.

Things to know

Regardless of where you are in France, there are a few basics every intern should take note of before heading there.

Visa and VIP paperwork - Non-EU professionals need a visa, and each program might require different documentation, so check with your internship to ensure all paperwork is in order.
Language - Learning basic French is appreciated as a sign of respect, and it’s helpful since most signage is in French, especially when traveling.
Cultural etiquette - In France, eye contact is a key form of communication, showing interest and attentiveness, and it’s polite to address unfamiliar or older individuals as Madame or Monsieur.
Cost of living - Although France is slightly cheaper than the U.S., it’s wise to budget carefully; if housing isn't provided, consider finding roommates to save on expenses.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding paid internships in France is easier than many other western countries, due to laws surrounding internships. If you’re going to be interning with your company for more than two months, they’re obligated to pay you at least €3.90 per hour. Be sure to ask about this before accepting an offer!

Everything You Need to Know About Internships in France

If you’re going to be with your company for more than two months, they will have to pay you at least €3.90 per hour, by law. Rates may vary depending on the company and internship, so make sure you’re clear on this information before accepting an internship offer.

If you know what kind of internship you want, or where you want to intern, this will make things easier for you. Research based on city, company, or field to find leads (GoAbroad can help!). You can apply to internship programs hosted in France, or apply directly to a French company.

10 of the Best Internship Programs in France

Yes! You can definitely find summer internships in France. This is great for students who are still in college but don’t have time during the regular semester to go abroad.

6 Summer Internships in Paris You'll Love

Latest Program Reviews

From Hospital Hallways to High-Altitude Trails: How My International Medical Aid Internship in Cusco, Peru Shaped My Future in Healthcare

November 22, 2025by: Addison Gingrich - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

10

Overall, my experience in Peru was unreal. I truly learned so much, and it helped me see myself working in healthcare and doing what I love. Eder, Grecia, and Manuela were incredibly supportive and helped us with anything we needed during our time in Peru. They stayed in close communication with us and made sure our experience was the best it could be. I felt safe everywhere I went—including at the hospital, while walking around the city, and especially at the hotel. There truly wasn’t a moment when I felt unsafe. The accommodations were better than expected, and although there were a couple of minor bathroom issues, the staff were responsive and willing to help right away. The food was amazing, and the cooks at the restaurant welcomed our feedback and prepared some truly incredible meals. There were a couple of treks we went on during our time in Cusco. Starting on the second day we were there, we had Hans as our tour guide, and he showed us around Cusco as well as Saqsewaman. He shared so much information with us and answered any questions we had. We then went on another trek (I don’t remember the name), and Hans was also our guide—he showed us more ancient Incan ruins, which was really insightful. Lastly, I went on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trek, which was honestly my favorite. Even though the hike was long and rough at moments—especially with the heat and all the uphill stairs—Johanns, our tour guide, was understanding, stopped whenever we needed to, and went above and beyond to make sure the other interns and I were taken care of and had the best experience possible. The overall impact this program had on me was inspiring and eye-opening. I loved every part of my time there—from exploring the city and going on treks, to working in the hospital, visiting rural communities, and participating in hygiene sessions. Everything left a lasting impact on me as I move forward with applying for grad school and pursuing my future in healthcare.

The Summer of a Lifetime in Amsterdam!!

November 22, 2025by: haley lorch - United StatesProgram: Sage Corps: International Internships at Startups

10

I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam in the summer of 2025, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Sage Corps is such a unique program because it allows you to study abroad while also getting real-world experience by working with businesses in your host country. I was able to fully immerse myself in Amsterdam’s culture, explore the city during my free time, and simultaneously grow my business skills through my internship at a startup. I can’t recommend this program enough for anyone who wants to truly live in another city and experience it on a deeper level. Working and commuting in Amsterdam every day gave me a completely new perspective on the city, and I absolutely loved it. Beyond the professional and personal growth, I also made so many amazing friends—many of whom I still talk to regularly! If you’re even slightly considering this program… DO IT!! You’ll have the summer of your dreams, make unforgettable memories, and leave with a piece of the city in your heart forever.

From Hospital Hallways to High-Altitude Trails: How My International Medical Aid Internship in Cusco, Peru Shaped My Future in Healthcare

November 22, 2025by: Addison Gingrich - United StatesProgram: Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad | IMA

10

Overall, my experience in Peru was unreal. I truly learned so much, and it helped me see myself working in healthcare and doing what I love. Eder, Grecia, and Manuela were incredibly supportive and helped us with anything we needed during our time in Peru. They stayed in close communication with us and made sure our experience was the best it could be. I felt safe everywhere I went—including at the hospital, while walking around the city, and especially at the hotel. There truly wasn’t a moment when I felt unsafe. The accommodations were better than expected, and although there were a couple of minor bathroom issues, the staff were responsive and willing to help right away. The food was amazing, and the cooks at the restaurant welcomed our feedback and prepared some truly incredible meals. There were a couple of treks we went on during our time in Cusco. Starting on the second day we were there, we had Hans as our tour guide, and he showed us around Cusco as well as Saqsewaman. He shared so much information with us and answered any questions we had. We then went on another trek (I don’t remember the name), and Hans was also our guide—he showed us more ancient Incan ruins, which was really insightful. Lastly, I went on the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu trek, which was honestly my favorite. Even though the hike was long and rough at moments—especially with the heat and all the uphill stairs—Johanns, our tour guide, was understanding, stopped whenever we needed to, and went above and beyond to make sure the other interns and I were taken care of and had the best experience possible. The overall impact this program had on me was inspiring and eye-opening. I loved every part of my time there—from exploring the city and going on treks, to working in the hospital, visiting rural communities, and participating in hygiene sessions. Everything left a lasting impact on me as I move forward with applying for grad school and pursuing my future in healthcare.

The Summer of a Lifetime in Amsterdam!!

November 22, 2025by: haley lorch - United StatesProgram: Sage Corps: International Internships at Startups

10

I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam in the summer of 2025, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Sage Corps is such a unique program because it allows you to study abroad while also getting real-world experience by working with businesses in your host country. I was able to fully immerse myself in Amsterdam’s culture, explore the city during my free time, and simultaneously grow my business skills through my internship at a startup. I can’t recommend this program enough for anyone who wants to truly live in another city and experience it on a deeper level. Working and commuting in Amsterdam every day gave me a completely new perspective on the city, and I absolutely loved it. Beyond the professional and personal growth, I also made so many amazing friends—many of whom I still talk to regularly! If you’re even slightly considering this program… DO IT!! You’ll have the summer of your dreams, make unforgettable memories, and leave with a piece of the city in your heart forever.