For those with intermediate-level French language skills looking for a competitive edge in the European and global job market, as well as a chance to dive into the heart of European culture, interning in France is an unforgettable opportunity. Combine living in world-class cities like Paris or Nice with an immersive, one-of-a-kind professional internship in your career field, and you have World Endeavors Intern in France program.
LANGUAGE TRAINING
In addition to hands-on experience in the industry, World Endeavors interns in France gain practical language skills. Interns begin their program with two weeks of intensive French language courses to prepare for the workplace. Class sizes are small, and instruction is roughly 20 hours per week. Classes are focused on general language studies, as well as dedicated to the practical application of the French language (e.g., vocabulary pertaining to participants’ internship placements).
World Endeavors offers internships in a wide range of professional fields in France, and our advisors are proud of their ability to find great opportunities in unique and highly specialized fields.
Featured Fields
Hospitality Management
Hospitality Management & Tourism Interns in France have worked with a variety of hotels and and tour operators. A past intern had the opportunity with a hotel in Nice. Tasks revolved around assisting the director in a variety of management and administrative tasks including staff management, cost management, purchasing, supplier management, assisting with the social media communication strategy, and learning about hotel security procedures.
International Relations
International Relations Interns in France have had the opportunity to work with a variety of organizations. A past intern worked with an organization whose mission is to promote peace in locally and around the world while working toward global development and promoting respect for human dignity. This humanitarian organization assists people of diverse origins with education, citizenship and integration into society. Tasks included assisting with linguistic and literacy workshops, helping people learn French, organizing workshops in the community, and assisting the team in a variety of missions on the local and international level.
Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit Management Interns in France have had the opportunity to work a number of organizations. A past intern worked with organization with the mission of bringing people from all walks of life together to fight the digital divide in our society. They work to advance and promote socio-economic inclusion and fight against unemployment among the most vulnerable populations, notably refugees and migrants.
Other fields offered in France include:
Accounting interns work in accounting firms as well as in company accounting and finance departments to gain practical experience with financial reporting, account management, and a range of other responsibilities.
Available in Paris.
Advertising interns work with creative teams in agencies as well as company advertising departments, learning about local and global markets as well as business strategy.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Architecture and Landscape Architecture interns work in architectural firms and assist professionals with a wide range of projects at various stages of design and construction.
Available in Paris.
Communications interns design websites, plan marketing campaigns, organize publicity events, write press releases, or develop and implement communications strategies.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Culinary Arts interns work side by side with professionals in the kitchens of fine restaurants, gaining firsthand experience with the culture and cuisine of their host country.
Available in Bordeaux, Nice, and Paris.
Education interns assist local educators in primary and secondary schools and other institutions to promote learning in the classroom and in the local community.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Event Management interns work with professional coordinators to plan and manage events ranging from weddings and celebrations to festivals, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Fashion interns work in companies and design houses assisting with design, styling, production, marketing, merchandising, and business.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Healthcare interns assist health professionals in a range of projects from public health initiatives to medical research or healthcare administration.
Available in Paris.
Direct clinical contact with patients is not permitted. These types of placements are likely to be observational, administrative or research-oriented.
Interior Design interns assist design professionals in architecture and design firms as well as in property and construction companies by researching materials and products, working with suppliers, gathering spatial and other site information, preparing presentations for clients, and a number of other activities.
Available in Paris.
International Business interns are placed in a range of businesses spanning a wide array of industries with both local and global markets.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Journalism interns work with journalists to liaise with the public and research stories, write articles, and/or report on local events for magazines, newspapers, or other print or digital media companies.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Law interns work in law firms and corporations, researching and preparing briefs, summarizing court documents, organizing files, and reviewing client documents.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Museum and Cultural Management interns work with professionals in museums and at historical sites, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of activities, such as research, curation, archiving, analysis, restoration, and administration.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Occupational Therapy interns work in clinics and hospitals working with occupational therapists to learn about patient care, as well as other aspects of their field.
Available in Paris.
Direct clinical contact with patients is not permitted. These types of placements are likely to be observational, administrative or research-oriented.
Physical Therapy interns work in the offices of physical therapists and sports trainers, learning about patient care as well as the business and administrative aspects of their field.
Available in Paris.
Direct clinical contact with patients is not permitted. These types of placements are likely to be observational, administrative or research-oriented.
Public Health interns work with public health officials in government agencies and nonprofit organizations on projects focused on disease and injury prevention, assessment of community health requirements, addressing environmental challenges, and creating public policy.
Available in Paris.
Direct clinical contact with patients is not permitted. These types of placements are likely to be observational, administrative or research-oriented.
Social Work interns work with nonprofit or government organizations, aiding individual clients and assisting with community outreach initiatives and public health and safety programs.
Available in Nice and Paris.
Do you want to earn academic credit for your international internship? Nearly half of World Endeavors participants earn credit while interning abroad. Many students are required to participate in an internship to fulfill a requirement for their degree program. World Endeavors works closely with students and their academic advisors to ensure that our program meets those requirements. If you don’t fall into that category there is another exciting option for you. Through our collaboration with University of California Berkeley, students can earn UC Berkeley credit by taking one of two online courses while interning abroad.
Internships are available year-round, with flexible start dates and durations. Public holidays and seasonal work availability may impact certain start dates in some locations.
Please wait until after you are accepted into the program and you have received the confirmed arrival and departure dates before you book your flight
Please note: Due to visa constraints, the standard duration for interning in France is 10 weeks. Contact World Endeavors if you have an interest in participating for a longer duration.
2022 Start Dates:
Bordeaux
October 9th
November 13th
Nice
October 16th
November 20th
Paris
Flexible start dates, arrive any Sunday to start the program on Monday excluding major holidays
2023 Start Dates:
Bordeaux
January 8th
March 12th
May 8th
July 9th
September 10th
November 12th
Nice
February 19th
April 10th
June 18th
August 20th
October 15th
Paris
Flexible start dates, arrive any Sunday to start the program on Monday excluding major holidays
| Program Name | First Month | Each Additional Month |
|---|---|---|
| Intern In France | $4,190 | $1,690 |
Through our collaboration with University of California Summer Sessions, World Endeavors interns can earn academic credit alongside their international internship. Alternatively, interns can arrange for credit through their home institution. Learn more here.
INCLUDED FEATURES
- Dedicated Program Advisor
- Customized Internship placement
- Flexible durations from 2 to 6 months with year-round start dates
- Academic credit facilitation
- Local On-site Coordinator with 24/7 availability; pre and post arrival orientation
- Personalized Program Success Plan with ongoing coaching
- Re-entry Handbook and Support
- French language instruction: 5 days per week for the first 2 weeks
- Airport reception and welcome
- Home stay or shared apartment accommodations
- Comprehensive travel medical insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance
- Travel protection
OTHER BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
- Round-trip transportation to France
- Meals
- Visa expenses
- Optional trips and excursions
- Daily transportation
- Personal expenses
- World Endeavors interns should be 18 years or older and should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the start of their program.
- Keep in mind that all countries have different visa restrictions for varying types of passports.
- It is recommended to have a background in your desired internship field, but not absolutely required. Internship placement opportunities increase with experience or relevant coursework.
- Interns considering France should have an intermediate to advance level of French language skills.
- This program is open to students and non-students, although placements for non-students are typically with NGOs.
Congratulations on your decision to embark on this one-of-a-kind, life-changing experience abroad! We look forward to working with you to make your trip memorable and meaningful. We recommend that applications be submitted at least 16 weeks in advance of the intended program start date. If your intended start date is less than 16 weeks away, please contact World Endeavors for more information.
World Endeavors interns in France either stay in a private single bedroom with a local French family, or stay in a shared student residence. Housing is located in close proximity to public transportation, which allows a convenient and authentic commute to work.
ABOUT PARIS
Attracting millions of tourists from around the world each year, Paris is one of the most widely-visited cities in the world. This large metropolitan city offers its visitors a wealth of cultural activities and attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Élysées. However, the city is anything but one-dimensional. Each of Paris’ twenty arrondissements (administrative districts) exudes its own unique culture and attitude, from the Latin Quarter in the 5th to the classic bohemian feel of the 18th. Paris is the ideal destination to experience the hustle and bustle of a big city, but also to enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Seine on a warm summer evening. With museums on almost every corner, World Endeavors interns will be sure to experience life as a true Parisian during their internship as well as after-hours.
ABOUT NICE
Nestled along the Mediterranean Sea less than an hour from the Italian border, Nice offers its visitors a truly unique experience. With a wonderfully rich cultural background, including strong Italian influences, Nice features many museums, a beautiful historic quarter, a growing restaurant scene, and the azure waters of the Mediterranean. The city also has an incredibly welcoming community of friendly locals and plenty for people of all ages to do, see, and discover. Nice offers a unique way of life and an extraordinary artistic culture shaped by musicians, painters, writers, and chefs.
ABOUT BORDEAUX
The central hub of France’s wine region, Bordeaux is known for its world-class vineyards and restaurants, its varied historic and contemporary architecture, and its vibrant student culture. With half of the city’s buildings listed as Unesco sites, it is the largest urban World Heritage site. Bordeaux’s older buildings, from Roman coliseums to 18th Century chateaus to Gothic Cathedrals, are complimented by a collection of innovative new structures, and its University population keeps the city going at a high pace. Bordeaux is the perfect destination for food lovers and those who enjoy an artfully crafted blend of the old and the new.
We strive to provide immersive, life changing, and professionally rewarding programs for our interns. Our programs are designed as a comprehensive “program” instead of just the internship so that we can provide a full experience for our participants. The program fees we charge include the in-country expenses (housing, insurance, orientation, etc.) and also the dedicated work that goes behind finding a customized, one-of-a-kind, international internship placement. You can find more information about the costs and inclusions in the “Dates & Costs” section on this page.
We really wish we could offer paid internships, but all of the internships we coordinate are unpaid placements. Paid internships abroad are few and far-between, as they require a different type of visa that is difficult to attain, and they also require sponsorship by the host company, which is quite costly for them. The goal of our program is to provide meaningful, hands-on experience in your specific profession or field of study that will give you a competitive edge in the job market and make you valuable to employers who are globally minded. If you are seeking a placement to help you gain international experience, improve your skills in your field and enhance your resume, our program provides the perfect opportunity.
Our internships are customized to fit each individual’s goals, interests, and skill level. We consider all of these things and then make a placement accordingly. Therefore, we don’t have specific internships “set aside” waiting for people to fill them. We have placed interns in both small and large companies, but due to confidentiality of our host companies and organizations we are not able to provide a list of companies.
All of our internships are customized, and we work with each intern to make sure we find a placement that fits their specific interests, background, experience, and goals for the internship. Your specific responsibilities during your internship will be determined further in the enrollment process and will depend on your skills and goals for the program.
AJ spent 6 months in Paris during the spring of 2021, and loved every second of it! He focused on studying French for the first several months, followed by an International Relations internship placement with a nonprofit organization. Read about his time in Paris, what it was like to live there during the pandemic lockdowns, and what he learned in La Ville Lumière.
“As my first experience in a foreign country, I had no idea of what to expect during my time in France. While there, I was able to apply what I had learned in school to a real-life setting. While it was a bit intimidating at first, I enjoyed being able to experience an entirely new world which taught me to love art museums, eat an obscene number of baguettes without regret, and to step solidly outside of my comfort zone and enjoy it.”
- Nyssa, Program Advisor
