Internship in France: what to expect?

Internship in France : what to expect?

Starting an internship abroad is an exciting step and choosing the Southwest of France makes it even more special. Why? Because you will be living among a rich historical, patrimonial environment. From the elegant streets of Bordeaux to the vibrant culture of Toulouse, the stunning beaches of the Atlantic Coast, the famous Dune de Pyla in Arcachon, the picturesque medieval villages of the Dordogne and the unique identity of the beautiful French Basque Country. Your first months will be full of discovery, adjustment, and memorable experiences. Thinking about an internship in France?Here's an insight into what you can expect.

A warm welcome

French workplaces can feel a bit formal at first, especially if you’re coming from a more relaxed culture. Don’t worry if your colleagues seem a little reserved in the beginning. That’s totally normal in France… but it doesn’t last forever!

You’ll usually receive a polite welcome and a well-organised onboarding. One important tip: always say “Bonjour” when you arrive. It really does matter! A handshake is the norm at first, but as you get to know people, things often become much more relaxed and friendly. Don’t be surprised if, after a little while, you find yourself greeting people the French way, with a kiss on each cheek!

If you find an internship in Bordeaux, Toulouse, Biarritz, Arcachon, or other seaside towns, many workplaces are quite international. That said, having a good level of French, both spoken and written, will definitely make your experience smoother and more rewarding.

Work Experience in France – A structured (but pretty cool) environment

Internships in France are well-organised and built around a “convention de stage” (your internship agreement). It might sound a bit official but it actually means things are clear and well set up from the start which is a good thing!

During your first month, you can generally expect:

• Clear tasks and responsibilities.

• A supervisor (called a “tuteur” or “Maître de stage”) who’s there to guide you, support you, and help you settle in.

Lunch break : you’ll actually take a proper break, usually around an hour, to relax and enjoy your meal. In France, especially in the Southwest, people don’t just grab a quick sandwich at their desk

A lifestyle you’re probably going to love!

One good thing about the Southwest of France is the lifestyle. It’s about enjoying the moment and finding that sweet balance between work and free time.

In Bordeaux
Think charming streets, walks along the Garonne river, cosy cafés, lively pubs, great wine, and a constant buzz of cultural events.

Along the Atlantic Coast (Biarritz, Lacanau, Arcachon…)
Get ready for surfing or windsurfing, sailing, stunning ocean sunsets, and that laid-back beach vibe.

In Toulouse
A buzzing student city, warm weather, and terraces everywhere—perfect for after-work drinks or relaxed weekend hangouts.

And if you’re doing your internship between spring and early autumn, you’re in for a real treat. The whole region comes alive with festivals, cultural events, night markets, and outdoor celebrations… you definitely won’t run out of things to do.

Your first few months will probably feel like a mix of work, travel, and a nice lifestyle.

French Language

Some interns worry about their French level. It really depends on the type of internship.

Of course, the better your French, the easier things will be. But in some roles, an A2 level can be enough, for example, if you’re working in a kitchen. The key is being able to understand instructions from your supervisor, sometimes given pretty quickly during very busy moments!

In other positions, a good level of English will allow you to get by, especially in international environments.

During your first month, you’ll pick up everyday expressions really fast. It might even feel like a bit of a crash course in French… but that’s all part of the experience!

Some tips to make the most of your work experience in France

If there’s one piece of advice we’d give, it’s this: come with an open mind and a positive attitude. Your internship in France will be so much more rewarding if you’re ready to fully embrace the experience.

Be curious, be keen, and be ready to learn, not just professionally, but also culturally and linguistically. Every day is an opportunity to discover something new, whether it’s how things work in a French company, how people communicate, or even how to order your coffee like a local!

Stay proactive and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Showing initiative is always appreciated, even if your French isn’t perfect.

Try to be flexible and adaptable too. Things might not always work the way you expect, but that’s part of the adventure. Being reactive and staying positive will help you handle any situation with confidence.

Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. That’s where the real growth happens. Whether it’s speaking French, meeting new people, or trying something completely new, just go for it!

And get plenty of sleep! You’ll need to be in good shape to absorb all the new information coming your way in those first few days and weeks.

Settling in takes time

Your first weeks will also involve practical adjustments:

• Getting familiar with public transport

• Opening a bank account (if needed)

• Getting a feel for French habits and daily life

It might feel like a lot at first, but don’t worry, these small steps quickly become part of your new routine!

Building relationships gradually

How quickly you will connect really depends on each person and how you interact with others. So being social, open, and friendly will definitely help. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, join conversations, and say Yess! to invitations.

And above all be patient! As you well know, relationships take time, and everyone moves at their own pace. With a positive attitude and a little effort, the connections you will build will become some of the most rewarding parts of your experience.

A good balance between challenge and enjoyment

It’s absolutely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed in the first days. It’s normal to feel tired from adapting to a new environment, and excited about everything at once hence plenty of sleep is important in the beginning.

But by the end of your first month, most interns feel confident, integrated, and comfortable with their routine

Final thoughts...

Your first month as an intern in France is a unique blend of professional growth and cultural immersion. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset in Biarritz, working in a busy environment in Bordeaux, or discovering the charm of the French Basque Country, every day brings something new.

Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and embrace the experience because this first month is just the beginning of an unforgettable journey.