AIFS Abroad Internships in Paris, France

This company makes you pay over $3,000 for an extremely small studio apartment just for two months. The average rent in Paris is around €900 for a full one bedroom apartment. I understand they are working as an agent too but this was heavily inflated. There were too many Americans in one building where we received constant complaints about our volume level, cleanliness, etc. we should have been split up as to not cause negative feelings to the locals. There was almost no room to network or build professional relationships. I am fairly certain AIFS does not properly vet their host companies as there a multitude of complaints regarding interns placements and lack of professionalism from their host companies. And almost all companies are not interested in a work visa. The program was a huge waste of time, money, and resources. Do not go through this program at all, it’s a total scam!!

Interning abroad in Paris was an unforgettable experience that I will never forget. The culture is filled with so much art, history, and romance. I will miss the simple things like getting a croissant on my way to work from a boulangerie, which is "bakery" in French. After work I would walk to the Canal Saint-Martin and meet up with my roommates to explore boutiques and cafes. At night, the city of Paris was so alive. Watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle on the hour once it got dark was so magical. I learned so much about international business and cultural etiquette. Paris is the perfect place to gain real-world experience while being fully immersed in yourself through a unique way of life. Paris was my dream come true!

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I had an issue with placement. The “excellent” work opportunity was average at best. My host internship mentor was not even French and did not like for us to take lunch breaks. When I voiced my concerns, I was talked down to told I was only having differences because I was a young American and not used to the culture. Save your money and do not pay 10,000 dollars to do something you could do in America. If spending the money, I would advise for someone to take a study abroad course that is necessary for your major.

My internship experience was super specific to me and my career goals. Prior to my internship, the AIFS team asked me questions and specifics about my educational and travel goals! The specificity in work and activities I wanted to do made this experience so special to me! Not only boosting my resume but making life-long friends and being able to travel back to Paris, knowing it like my hometown! I grew so much through this program- finding my independent and outgoing side. I tried so many new things, like escargot (which was delicious and is now a favorite of mine) and jazz clubs! What made the experience super unique compared to other programs, it had planned vacations and day trips, along with cultural activities. I was able to have a true vacation planned out for me and already paid for when I got there. I was able to see things like Monet's garden and chateaux without the stress of planning travel and budgeting. While there were many planned activities on weekends, during the week, I got to do whatever I wanted, like a true Parisian. My day would start with a slow morning, some coffee from my favorite local cafe, and a short walk to my internship. I would work until about 3-4 pm, and then choose what to explore that day- Notre Dame, the Louvre. I had lots of freedom in deciding to see and do what I wanted to, but also enjoyed the planned trips, going to places I had never heard of, like Saint-Malo! I would recommend this for anyone willing to try new things and who wants to really integrate into the culture and life of France!

AIFS did such a great job with making it an experience to remember! I met wonderful people in my placement and gained valuable insight into my field all while being in an incredible location and getting to experience the French culture in Paris! Mira was super helpful with preparing me for my internship and I had a great time on the excursions set up throughout the program. We visited grand landscapes and tasted the cheese and wines of France. All in all, I would absolutely recommend doing an internship abroad with AIFS!

Anticipating my internship abroad, I was consistently assured that this experience would be life-altering. While I acknowledged these sentiments, the adventure that awaited me surpassed all expectations. As someone armed with a decent amount of previous travel experience, I entered the program with confidence in my ability to navigate rapid cultural shifts. However, it wasn’t before long, my expectations were traded for the adventure of a lifetime: one that dismantled any preconceived notions, replacing them with the exhilaration of the unknown and the joy of embracing spontaneity. AIFS Abroad not only connected me with a diverse group of friends hailing from every corner of the world, but also fostered bonds so strong that even six months later, we continue to talk every day. Sharing a residence building with fellow interns, who quickly became like family, created an instant community with unbreakable bonds. As fellow interns, we did not only join in the fun excursions together which turned mundane days into unforgettable experiences, but we also supported each other through the challenges abroad, whether it be homesickness or tough days at work. Similarly, my internship placement introduced me to an equally remarkable community of peers and friends, solidifying a loving and supporting friend group that transformed each day into a new and thrilling journey. With AIFS Abroad, I can confidently say that I lived every moment to the fullest. AIFS skillfully carved a little corner of paradise in a foreign world and made it feel like home. With the unwavering support of the AIFS team and the community they seamlessly created, I completed a journey that not only affirmed my passion for adventure but also provided valuable insights into my chosen career path. The only problem is I miss it every day!

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I was placed at the Secret Wine Door for my internship and I couldn’t have asked for a better placement. It was truly a life changing experience and it helped me to find my way in terms of what I wish to do after college. AIFS made my experience incredible and helped me to find my way and make some great friends along the way!

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AIFS Intern abroad was the best experience of my life! Through my French classes I met people from all over the world and improved my language skills before starting my internship. The program really gives you so much freedom to explore the city, meet new people, and learn about a different culture. I felt so prepared coming into it and I was not disappointed at all. My internship in film introduced me to filmmakers from so many different countries, many of whom I still talk to regularly and collaborate with. I loved the living situation because it was like I had my own little studio apartment. I could really be independent and do what I wanted to do without following a strict schedule - however, some of the pre-planned activities by AIFS were so amazing. My favorites were a cheese and wine tasting and a macaron making class. By the second week I already felt so comfortable in the city. Even when I got sick I was able to see a doctor almost immediately and with the insurance it was no problem getting reimbursed. I made lifelong friends on this program and so many beautiful memories. Going abroad with AIFS solidified my love of Paris and my love of filmmaking. And I would like to thank my mentor in Paris, Mira, who was always supportive of me doing what I needed to make the most out of my time there. I cannot wait to go back!

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I overall had an amazing summer abroad experience interning in Paris, France through Global Experiences! Currently, as a fashion student at the Fashion Institute of Technology, majoring in Production Management, working with a start- up fashion brand in the production department was a dream come true. Global Experiences truly found the perfect place for me because I was able to learn a variety of techniques and skills at my workplace. Since the brand was smaller, I felt as though I made a much larger impact to the company I was working at. In addition, the experiences outside the workplace were extraordinary....from attending a Fashion Week Show, to the Seine River Cruise to the palace of Versailles, the options were endless! Definitely a summer that I will never forget!

Global Experiences found me the ideal internship in Paris. I would never have been able to find this perfect of a fit if I were looking on my own. The people I've met through the my internship and through the program have made this summer unforgettable, and I'm really grateful to GE for making this experience as great as it was!

Coming from a country far away, a different culture and language, moving to paris for 3 months is very daunting but Global really makes the experience much easier and smoother than I could have imagined. From the support they give during the placement and pre-departure process, to the on the ground events and advise they give during the internship itself, without them the experience would not have been so successful. I worked as a fashion marketing intern at a fantastic new company where my employer was a real mentor to me and every day was filled with new work and lessons about the industry. The location coordinator was fantastic at helping me adjust to Parisienne life and we went on many outings together within and outside of the city. My time in Paris was made possible by global and if you are thinking about using them for your next internship abroad then don't hesitate!

I got to intern in Paris through Global Experience this summer; the internship was pretty tough at the moment, especially having to work long hours unpaid. However, as I think back, it was definitely worth it and had improved my personal skills and experiences. Though I have heard complaints from other people in the program about their housing, my home stay experience was pleasant. Even though I didn't know anyone from the program before going, definitely go the the events because you could make great connections and friends here.

I loved Global Experiences because I was guaranteed a position - before my internship, I struggled in interviews with potential employers because I didn't have the confidence (or experience) to make myself stand out from the competitors. In Paris, I worked Upper concept store - a boutique, cafe/bar, and event space in the 4th arrondissement. There, I devised business and marketing strategies for the company - my boss trusted me with big tasks and I now have enough work to build my portfolio. I barely speak any French, but my employer was very flexible. I could tell that she really liked me and made me feel good about my work. I can now return home with the experience and confidence to do well in my next interviews. Thank you Global Experiences for helping me find myself, my future career, and my skills!

Interning abroad was something I have been looking forward to since the beginning of the year. Having the opportunity to live and work in another country is just something not many people get the chance to do. As I'm writing this, I'm nearly finished with my internship in Paris. Time flies by so quickly. The place I've been working at is great and the social life is something worth mentioning as well. There's no other place like Paris and if given the opportunity, others should look into this program if they are interested in working and living in Paris for the summer.

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.

My name is Maria, I am 25 and was born in Madrid, Spain. I was studying Graphic Design in NYC and decided to move back to Europe for a while. Even though, I've been very lucky to have the chance to live all over, this was my first time living and working in a francophone country. I was very familiar with Paris before coming as I have a few friends that live here and I had visited several times. However, it is never the same when you actually live in a place. You get to discover many aspects of the daily life and culture. I was incredibly lucky with my internship at an art gallery. I am very artistic person so being in Paris and working there was the perfect match for me. I got to learn a lot about the industry and how the art business works. I also got to work on my french and my social skills in a foreign language which I think is very useful and satisfying at the same time. I loved every second of the experience. I you enjoy being out of your confort zone and exploring new cities, and getting to know different people, you'll love it!

Overall, my experience with Global Experiences was great! From the start, everything was straightforward and you get what you pay for, black and white just like that. The GE team was very attentive and I must say, they earnestly try to find the best internship that is suitable with your qualifications. I didn't have any concrete experience at all when I applied, after my internship as a fashion editor and writer for a Parisian magazine I can say now that I do. I honestly only have good things to say about Global Experiences. They truly do everything that is in your best interests and are there for you when you and your employer clash for work-related reasons. It must be said that sometimes internships are not the most ideal, but that is not in any way their fault as you can only have what you are qualified to do. In conclusion, I had a great time in Paris this summer because of them and I would do it again if I could. :)

I have always dreamed of going to Paris one day. Not for a vacation, but to actually experience the culture and life-style of French people for a couple of months. Global Experiences made my dreams come true, I came to Paris as an intern for two months and these two months abroad were the best couple of months in my entire life. My dream would not have came true without Global Experiences because they took care of everything, they got me an amazing internship, a place a to stay, a location coordinator and so much more. I'm so grateful to Global Experiences for making my summer so unbelievably amazing and a once in a lifetime experience I will never forget! Thank you so much Global Experiences!

I wouldn't go back and change these past two months for anything. My internship abroad taught me so much more about myself than I ever imagined. I found how independent and bold I really am. The only thing I would alter is that I wish I opened up sooner. Because now that I know what I'm capable of I want to jump in head first and explore without holding back. I had the best summer of my life so far in Paris, France. And part of what made it so awesome was the challenges I face while here. I would encourage everyone to try something like this for yourself. It doesn't have to be an internship or study abroad in another country. But find something that's going to push you to recognize parts of yourself you never knew. It's totally worth it.

Finding the perfect internship for the summer is always a stressful time. One day, my French professor told me about an opportunity of working abroad through Global Experiences. From then on, everything just fell into place. All the informational videos and chats just got me more excited about being able to work in Paris. After being accepted, Global Experiences helps you through all your questions and hesitations about going abroad. Although I have been to other countries before, I had never gone to Paris or lived in a foreign place for an extended period of time. Being a game design major, I was initially a little skeptical about being able to find a relevant internship for my major through Global Experiences. I didn’t want to be just one of those interns who grabs coffee or does busy work that no one else wants to do. Finishing up my last days here in Paris, I am very happy with my placement. The internship might not have been specifically for game design, but because of that, I was able to learn more about different types of programming. My boss was a designer, and therefore she had an eye for aesthetics. Building a website was one of my main tasks. Being a programmer, I could build the main structure of the site, but with her help, I learned about making the website aesthetically pleasing. Towards the end of my internship, I was even able to make a little game experience. This internship gave me the opportunity to go as far as I wanted. I didn’t feel like a machine but rather a relevant team member, so much so, that my boss offered to have me come back to the company when I finished my studies. For my homestay, I was very close to the metro. Getting around was easy and simple with my Navigo Découvert. For two months, it was me, my host mother, and one other American in the house. I had five meals a week, home cooked by my host mother, and each meal was delicious. I had some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life here in Paris, but my host mother’s dinners were definitely on the list too. These meals were also a good time to bond with my host mother and practice my French. The activities set up by the program location advisor were unique. They were a good time to be able to talk with the other interns and go to places I might not necessarily have known about. Building these friendships definitely helped me to feel more comfortable living in a foreign place. They were people you could relax and have fun with on the weekends, or just a group to be able to talk to in English once in awhile. Coming out of this experience, Global Experiences helped me to build my résumé, strengthen my interview skills and just made me learn more about myself as a person. I also get to say that I spent my summer in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

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