Internships in France for International Students
Hospitality
Culinary Arts - Cooking
Culinary arts
Kitchen Assistant, supporting the team with production, “mise en place”, preparation of ingredients, simple assistance in dish preparation, following recipes, managing orders and stock, washing dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness…
Food & Beverage Service
- Hotel Operations
Support at the front desk, handling telephone calls and emails. Respond to guest requests, provide local information, manage reservations, check-in/check-out, and reservation management.
Sommelier / Bar
- Food & Beverage
Developing practical skills in food and beverage service, customer relations. Assistant sommelier: prepare glasses, decanters, manage the wine cellar, inventory, stock, and deliveries.
Junior bar assistant/ bartender
Prepare drinks, serve at the bar, and welcome guests.
Other sectors
Tourism & Culture
- Working with tourist offices, museums, promoting agencies, and cultural event
organisations.
Tasks may include welcoming visitors, assisting in organising cultural events, managing bookings, promoting destinations, and admin tasks.
International Commerce
- Part of a team assisting with import/export activities, market research, client relations, business development, and communication with international partners. Often includes multilingual work.
Food, Wine & Spirits
Involvement in wine & food-related businesses such as chateaux, agri-food sector, or distributors.
Tasks can include sales support, marketing, vineyard work, product promotion, and learning about production processes.
Work experience in France
Our Support Packages
Essential
475 €
✔ Personalised assessment of the candidate’s profile
✔ Online interview (French/English)
✔ Evaluation of technical skills and French language level
✔ Selection of the host company
✔ Internship proposal and detailed description (tasks and responsibilities)
✔ Introduction to the host company and internship supervisor
✔ Coordination of the internship agreement
✔ Assistance and guidance before departure
✔ Follow-up throughout the internship
✔ Possibility of one replacement in case of a major issue with the internship (maximum once) *
* A major issue refers to serious and justified reasons (e.g. a sudden change in the host company’s activity, or the intern’s decision to pursue a different direction).
Comfort
675 €
All services
included in the
Comfort Package
✔ Airport/train station pickup
✔Arrival Guide (practical information, directions to your internship location, local transport guidance, and essential tips
✔ Accommodation assistance (options, pricing, booking support)
✔ 5 one-to-one online French lessons
Premium
775 €
All services
included in the
Comfort Package
✔ 3 one-to-one online French lessons (total = 8 private lessons)
✔ Accommodation search, selection and booking
✔ 7/7 days a week assistance
Do you need extra French lessons before your internship?
We can arrange group or private lessons tailored to your needs.
Internships in France for international students
in the South-West of France
FAQs
Who can apply ?
Students who are nationals of the European Union (Erasmus+ Mobility) or non-European countries, currently enrolled in a school or university, for whom a professional internship is a compulsory part of their study programme.
What is the minimum and maximum length of the internship ?
Internships last between 1 and 6 months.
Where and in which sectors do you offer internships ?
We offer internships in hospitality, catering and sectors such as tourism, culture, international commerce, wine & spirits and agr-food in the South-West of France, particularly in Dordogne, Gironde (Bordeaux and the Atlantic Coast), Landes, French Basque region, Toulouse region, and Lot-et-Garonne.
What happens if my internships doesn’t work out ?
We do our best to ensure that your internship goes smoothly. However, if for serious reasons the placement does not work out, we will arrange a new internship placement.
Is accommodation included ?
No. However,
With the Comfort package, we assist you in finding accommodation.
With the Premium package, we organise your accommodation.
Are internships paid ?
It depends on the duration of the internship. Short term internships (1-2 months) are generally unpaid, but some companies may offer a compensation (“gratification”).
A compensation becomes legally mandatory if the internship exceeds 2 months (44 days at 7 hours per day), consecutive or not. Below this threshold, it is optional and depends on an agreement between the intern and the host company.
Minimum legal compensation (if applicable)
From 1 January 2026, the minimum legal stipend is 4.50€ per hour of actual presence, approximately 630€ per month.
For more information, see Article 10 of our Terms and Conditions.
Do I need administrative documents?
Yes. You must have an internship agreement issued by your school/university, as well as an insurance certificate covering civil liability, accidents, illness, and medical repatriation.
What is the minimum level of French required ?
Level A2 – Elementary level. However, a higher level will always be appreciated by your internship supervisor, as it will facilitate your integration within the company as well as your professional experience.
Do you offer French classes before the internship ?
Yes.
France Internships offers individual online French lessons and group in-person classes at French language schools near the internship location.