Picture yourself taking a quick cappuccino stop along the Seine before heading to the office. *Snap*
Say “oui, oui” to your best break ever—these summer internships in Paris rarely disappoint!
Ms. Hepburn once said that “Paris is always a good idea.” If you haven’t heard it already, no worries, parce que you’re bound to hear it again (and again). But, if you allow me, Paris is almost always a good idea. Though the winter markets bring together some of best Christmas magic Europe has to offer, the cold, wet, and grey days of Paname’s winters are why I’ve said “almost always a good idea.” Unless you love the melancholy of winter. Bref. So, you’re interested in summer internships, I understand. And summer internships in Paris, my friend, are always a good idea. Maybe that’s what Audrey was referring to. She must have been. Oui, bien sur.
Picnics along the banks of la seine, a stroll down the promenade plantée, or why not a ride on le métro line 6 heading full speed towards Nation where, when crossing the Pont de Bir-Hakeim bridge, you have a breathtaking view of the one and only…. tour eiffel. Paris is overflowing with culture, attractions, and some of the best restaurants around. It’s a diverse playground and sometimes dirty, but still awfully charming. Summer internships in Paris are a stellar way to dip your feet in French culture. The city of light won’t disappoint.
What you need to know before interning in Paris
Ready to jumpstart your search for summer internships in Paris? Here are the must-consider factors as you weigh your options.
1. Possible fields of work
Fashion. Art. Advertising. Marketing. Scientific research. Paris is the capital of many things. It’s no secret why it’s continually one of the most visited cities in the world. And with La Défense, Europe’s economic hub just on the limit of Paris’s west-end, there are a bounty of opportunities for the business-minded intern. Regardless of your interests. For all y’all. With over 16 universités and many more institutes and grand ecoles, there are also an abundance of academic internship opportunities as well.
Is there anything better than a summer in Paris?
Internships are no longer “get me coffee, make me Xeroxs” pal. And if that’s what you find yourself doing, consider saying a big a dieu and find another collaboration that values your time and intelligence. Internships today are experiential provisions for the curious and motivated. A brilliant moment to transition that theoretical knowledge into practical application. And an excellent way to build your international, professional network. But make sure it’s mutually beneficial, for both you and your future employer. What can they do for you? As your sure as hell bound to be doing things for them.
2. Pay! (aka l’argent)
An internship. Paid? That sounds less than normal for many (unfortunate) American understands. Often times, large corporations and small startups choose not to pay their hardworking interns. Not all of them. But too many. Well, listen up. One of perks of internships in Paris is, if your contract is longer than two months - that’s deux en français - legally, you must be paid! Is that not chouette ou pas? Often times, companies rembourse half of your transit pass and offer these brilliant “checks” called ticket restaurant. These are essentially food vouchers that can be used for groceries and restaurants. Cha-Ching! Life can add up quick in Paris, but there are some tricks to the trade.
3. Length
Four weeks? Two weeks? Your entire summer? Because France has a booming economy, you have the pick of the crop when designing your best summer ever. Consider staying longer to give yourself more time to settle in and then knock out your goals. Longer internships means more responsibility, more learning, and more lasting relationships (aka future recommendation letter writers!).
Whatever your schedule allows, you’re bound to have an impactful experience as a summer intern in Paris.
6 best summer internships in Paris
1. IES Internships Paris Summer – Internship
IES Internships has been organizing and offering programs abroad since 1950. With an outstanding international network, they are able to offer summer internships like no other to university students. This 2019 summer internship in Paris is a full-time gig. Previous IES interns in Paris have worked in art galleries, in business, fashion, international aid, marketing, and tourism, to name a few. Students from all majors and disciplines are encouraged apply. This program guarantees summer internship placement which will help you develop your professional skills while gaining CV/resume street cred. Two semesters of college-level French are required to be eligible—easy, right? Students have the choice between a homestay or an independent apartment with the option to earn three, six, or nine academic credits. Don’t delay, get your application in today!
2. Business Communications Internship with AIFS/Global Experiences
In a city known for its glitz and glam, join Global Experiences’ innovative Parisian internship experience in the luxury hotel market. Gain real-life experience working as the liaison between real high-end hotels and real high-end clients. Do you have a liking for marketing and communications? Are you not afraid to rub elbows with some of the most luxurious hotels and their clients from around the world? This will be a summer experience you’ll be sure to enjoy. Global Experiences offers their students with both group and individual support throughout the duration of their time with the program. Both social and cultural events are organized for interns to allow you to get your feet more than wet in French culture. This program is designed to compliment your existing academic degree program and there are a handful of options to ensure you’ll gain the college credit that you need, along with securing financial aid to help you realize your Parisian summer dreams. Oh, Global Experiences was awarded with GoAbroad’s prestigious Innovative New Program - Intern Abroad award!
3. History with Jobs and Internships Abroad
Go back in time with an internship in history this summer in Paris. Jobs and Internships Abroad has walked with over 10,000 students in the past 15 years to help bridge the gap between students’ dreams and realities. This international agency offers Parisian internships from two to six months assisting students in the enhancement and development of their personal and professional skills. With an impressive network of public and private partnerships, students are bound to find the perfect placement to aid their history studies. What better place than the City of Light to polish up on your studies of the past?
4. Women’s Rights with the Institute for Global Studies
At the heart of the Institute for Global Studies is the belief that we must strengthen the role of women in contemporary society. IGS has an international network for interns in both developing and developed countries with the emphasis on women’s rights dealing with a wide range of women’s rights issues like the right to own property, the right to an equal education, and the right to earn fair and equal pay in the workforce. This noble opportunity in Paris includes housing, full internship setup, airport transfers and pre-placement support. No prior experience is necessary - this is a great start to a career dedicated to human rights. If this program doesn’t speak to your inner-humanitarian, I’m not sure what will...
5. Fashion Business for Undergraduates with ESMOD-ISEM
Dive into the world of haute couture and French culture with a fashion business internship with locals and expats alike during your summer internship in Paris. With the opportunity to add work experience from an international organisation to your resume, this will surely be an investment in you - and your future! This internship program doesn’t require previous experience and therefore is an excellent way to gain practical experience whether you envision yourself joining the job force or continuing with a career in academia. Interns will have the opportunity to get out of the classroom while working part-time. This will leave you time to explore the magic of Paris and brush up on your français. This Paris internship program includes organized activities, excursions, and cultural events, along with free language exchanges with Francophones. Need we say plus? Oh, and speaking of the workforce, 90% of graduates from this program find jobs right out of school.
6. Health and Human Services with Boston University
BU offers five impressive programs in Paris for a total of eight weeks. This world-renowned university has beautifully married coursework with an emphasis on Paris through an in-depth look of Paris through art history, economics, cinema and the French language accompanied by internships with partner organizations in and around greater Paris. The didactic instruction of this dynamic program is taught in both French and English at the BU Paris Academic Center, a stone-throw away from old faithful (aka, the Eiffel Tower). Interns can choose to live with a local famille or independently in a university-style dormitory. This program typically runs through mid-May to mid-July. Eurotrip for the month of August, anyone?
[Explore ALL Summer Internships in Paris Now]
Summer internships in Paris rarely disappoint <3
Do one even better and find paid internships in Paris!
This certainly isn’t a comprehensive list of Paris summer internships, but it is a list of six well-recognized programs. Six programs that can offer you an unforgettable experience in the city of light. Use is as your end to a means—your source of inspiration, or your end-all, be-all. And while you’re waiting, check out these 7 Things Every Student Should Know Before Visiting Paris. Perhaps you haven’t found what you’re looking for? Use our Online Advisor to receive program matches directly in your inbox. Share your dreams with us, and we can help you make them a reality.
On one last note, because Audrey was a pretty cool gal, she also once said, "everything I learned I learned from the movies." Well, enough of the movies. Get off that sofa—it’s 2019. Bon voyage! What will you learn from interning in Paris? The city of love awaits you. Allez ! On y go ! See the world!
Use MyGoAbroad to Find & Compare Paris Internships
Look for the Perfect Internship Program Now
Start Your Search