Internship in France

France, officially the French Republic, is a sovereign state whose territory consists of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories. The metropolitan area of France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea, and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean. It is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany to the northeast, Switzerland and Italy to the east, and Andorra and Spain to the south. The overseas territories include French Guiana in South America and several islands in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. The country’s 18 integral regions (five of which are situated overseas) span a combined area of 643,801 square kilometres (248,573 sq mi) and a total population of 67.0 million (as of July 2019). France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris, the country’s largest city and main cultural and commercial centre. Other major urban areas include Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille and Nice. France internships are a great opportunity to master your French language and develop your practical abilities.

Currency

As France is part of the EU (EUR, €) the country adopted the Euro as the official currency. As a rule, prices for most goods and services, including hotels and restaurants, in the French regions are significantly less expensive than in Paris. Tipping in France Almost all restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another 2-3% is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash.

Climate and Weather

France’s climate is temperate, but divided into four distinct climatic areas. The oceanic climate of western France brings average rainfall spread over many days, and modest annual temperature variations (Brittany, Normandy, Atlantic Loire, Loire Valley). Central and eastern France’s continental climate harbours cold winters and hot summers (the Champagne region, Burgundy, Alsace). The Mediterranean climate of south-eastern France is responsible for hot, dry summers, with rainfall from October to April (when the weather is damp but mild) and ample sunshine all year round (Provence, Côte d’Azur and Corsica). Above 600-800m altitudes, France’s mountain climate brings heavy rainfall, and snow three to six months per year.

The best times to go to France

The best time to visit Paris is in the spring (Apr-June) or fall (Sept-Nov), when things are easier to come by — from Métro seats to good-tempered waiters. The weather is temperate year-round. July and August are the worst for crowds. Parisians desert their city, leaving it to the tourists.
Hotels used to charge off-season rates during the cold, rainy period from November to February; now, they’re often packed with business travelers, trade fairs, and winter tour groups, and hoteliers have less incentive to offer discounts. Airfares are still cheaper during these months, and more promotions are available. They rise in the spring and fall, peaking in the summer, when tickets cost the most.
In even-numbered years, don’t come to Paris during the first 2 weeks of October without a confirmed hotel room. The weather’s fine, but the city is jammed for the auto show.

Here are all of our internships in France available right now !

Time Difference

With its 12 standard times, France currently holds the world record for the country with the most time zones, beating even the United States and Russia, which have 11 time zones each.
The main part of the country, France métropolitaine, which lies in central Europe and includes the capital Paris, spans only 1 time zone. The remaining 11 time zones are added by France’s dependencies (France d’Outre-Mer). Please see below for a complete list.

Phone and internet

The telecommunications network in France is broad and well-developed. France is home to a wide range of telephone and internet service providers offering packages which combine TV, landlines and mobile phones. Whilst these are particularly interesting for individuals moving from families, standalone options are also available at competitive prices. If you expect to call home very often, you can enquire about special packages which include international calls or you can also buy calling cards, which are very popular.

The main access for citizens to casualty and emergency assistance is through the 24 hour Single Emergency Number: 112

Entry Requirements for an internship in France

France is a party to the Schengen Agreement. Visit the Embassy of France website for the most current visa and entry requirement information.

Passports must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area. If your passport does not meet Schengen requirements, you may be refused boarding by the airline at your point of origin or while transferring planes. We recommend that your passport have at least six months’ validity remaining.

• The Government of France does not recognize the 12-page U.S. emergency passport, issued by U.S. embassies and consulates overseas, as a valid travel document for visa-free entry into France. If traveling on this emergency passport, you may be refused boarding and/or entry by immigration officials. Only direct transit through France for a destination in the United States is permitted with an emergency passport. You should check entry requirements of any other country of destination to make sure the emergency passport is accepted for entry.
• You may enter France for up to 90 days for tourist and business purposes without a visa.
• Immigration officers may also request you show sufficient funds for your intended stay and a return airline ticket.
• If you are traveling to France or Monaco for reasons other than business or tourism, such as employment (including diplomatic or official travel), study, or internship, you must obtain the appropriate French or Monegasque (Monaco) visa for that purpose before you leave the United States. You should be aware that it is nearly impossible to obtain or change visa status while in France.
• No vaccinations are required for travel to France.
• All minors (under age 18) traveling without a parent or legal guardian and who are resident in France must have the written consent of at least one parent or legal guardian to leave France. The minor must travel with his or her own I.D., a copy of the parent/guardian’s I.D., and form number 15646*01, executed by the parent/guardian and available here.
• If you are transiting through France to South Africa, there are special requirements for minors. See Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements for South Africa for additional information.

Useful contacts

Here you will find all the embassies and consulates in Paris: https://en.parisinfo.com/practical-paris/useful-info/useful-addresses/embassies-and-consulates-in-paris

Local Information

Stay tuned about exhibitions, concerts and events, local restaurants and transportation and start feeling like a local in no time ! Here some festival you cannot miss if you go to Paris: https://www.whatparis.com/paris-festivals.html

Homesick ?

Find Compatriots/Expats in France
join Facebook groups of travelers and expats in France

• https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatsinfrance/
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/expats.in.paris/