To do an internship abroad, you need a host company, an internship agreement and, depending on the country, the right to enter and stay there. A French agreement can cover an internship outside France, as long as the company accepts this framework. If you're no longer enrolled in a school, you can get one through a training provider such as EDU Business Institute. Expect several months, as a rule, between your first searches and your departure.
An internship abroad brings a lot: a language you use every day, new ways of working, a line on your CV that stands out. But it also takes more organisation than an internship in France. Here's how to go about it, step by step.
Step 1: get clear on your plan
Before sending a single application, ask yourself three questions.
Why go? To improve a language, discover a different work culture, prepare for an international career… Your motivation should be professional and come through in your application. "I want to travel" won't convince a recruiter.
Where? Choose your destination based on your goal, not just on where you'd like to be. For a first experience, French companies with offices abroad are often a good way in: they know French profiles and how internship agreements work.
In which field? Be specific. "Digital marketing in e-commerce" says much more than "international" or "business".
Step 2: tailor your application
An international application isn't built quite the same way as a French one.
- Your CV: one page, in the local language or in English, with your languages, your tools and concrete examples. In English-speaking countries, a photo is generally best left out.
- Your cover letter: shorter and more direct than in France. Three or four paragraphs: why this company, what you can bring, why this country.
- LinkedIn: an up-to-date profile, ideally in the working language you're targeting.
- References: in some countries, a recommendation from a former supervisor or employer carries a lot of weight. Ask for it before you leave.
For the search method itself, our guide How to find an internship still applies: targeting, follow-ups and a tracking sheet.
Step 3: target the right companies
Not every company is used to hosting foreign interns. Focus on the ones that already do:
- subsidiaries of French groups and SMEs that export;
- large international groups with internship programmes, which often set their application calendars well in advance;
- startups, which tend to be more flexible with junior profiles;
- French chambers of commerce abroad, which know the local business scene and sometimes share offers.
Search in the local language too: the same keywords in French or English won't always bring up the same offers.
Step 4: plan your timeline
Timelines are longer than in France. For a summer internship, starting four to six months ahead is reasonable. Large organisations and international institutions often require even more notice. Interviews almost always happen by video call, so keep the time difference in mind.
Step 5: sort out the agreement
This is often where projects get stuck. Many companies won't take an intern without an agreement, and several situations make getting one harder: you've already graduated, you're on a gap year, you're changing careers, or your school won't approve an internship outside your programme.
The solution is to be enrolled with a training provider that can issue an agreement. At EDU Business Institute:
- you enrol in one of our 9 online courses of 200 hours, open to all profiles, for €299 (payable in 3 instalments with Klarna);
- you send us the internship details, including the country and address where it takes place;
- the agreement, for up to 6 months, is issued within 24 to 48 business hours once your file is complete, or within 2 business hours with the €29 VIP option (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm).
Two things to know for an internship outside France. A foreign company has no SIRET number (the French company ID): that's not a problem, its identification details are simply entered directly on the agreement. The agreement is written in French, and it's up to the host company to decide whether to accept it. Our article What is an internship agreement? explains what it contains, so you can show it to the company in advance.
If the company turns the agreement down, €250 is refunded to you (the €49 application fee is kept), on request within one month of receiving it.
Step 6: get ready to leave
Once the internship is confirmed, there are still a few things to take care of.
- Right of residence: the rules depend on the country, your nationality, and the length and pay of the internship. Check with the host country's embassy or consulate. Our article Visas and international internships covers the essentials.
- Health: within the European Union, the European Health Insurance Card can cover part of your medical costs. Elsewhere, you'll need international insurance. Check what's covered: treatment, hospital stays, repatriation.
- Accommodation: book something temporary for the first few weeks, then look locally. Never hand over money without a clear contract.
- Budget: travel, deposit, insurance, day-to-day costs. Compare the stipend on offer with the local cost of living before you accept.
FAQ
Do you need to be bilingual to intern abroad?
Not necessarily. Many international companies work in English and mainly expect you to be comfortable enough to manage on your own day to day. The stronger your level, the more you can aim for local companies and varied tasks.
Are internships abroad paid?
It depends on the country, the sector and the company: local rules and practices vary widely. Get the stipend and any perks (housing, transport, meals) confirmed in writing before you sign.
How long does it take to find an internship abroad?
Generally several months between your first applications and your departure, including entry formalities. Large groups and international organisations often have even longer timelines.
How do you find housing without getting scammed?
Start with temporary accommodation, visit before committing long term and never pay a deposit without a contract. Expat groups and your future employer can also point you in the right direction.
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Found your company abroad? Check the conditions and get your internship agreement, or contact our team about a country outside the European Union.
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