Global Internships in Paris, France
In the words of Audrey Hepburn, “Paris is always a good idea,” and at SMCCCD Study Abroad, we couldn’t agree more. With its iconic architecture—from the majestic Notre-Dame to the Eiffel Tower—its Michelin-starred dining, and its captivating beauty, Paris stands out as a top destination for world travelers. This enchanting city, filled with art, history, and mystery, is the perfect place to intern and immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience.
Paris offers an ideal setting for students seeking internships, especially in fields like Fashion, International Business, Marketing, and Communications. While French language skills are a plus, there are also placements available for English speakers, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all. Beyond your professional experience, living in this metropolitan hub makes it easy to explore the rest of Europe and enrich your journey.
A mesmerizing city with boundless opportunities, Paris invites you to work, learn, and live in an inspiring setting where the work week is just 35 hours, leaving ample time to discover all this city has to offer. Join us and experience why Paris truly is always a good idea!
"Taking on the responsibility of an internship in a foreign country is unlike any other challenge but will provide the reward of learning." - Junior, Public Relations Major
2025 Program Dates
Arrive: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Depart: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Duration: 8 Weeks
Program Provider: AIFS
Apply by: March 1, 2025
Priority Application Deadline: Friday, Febuary 7, 2025. Applicants are selected, upon successful interview, until program is full. Please check out the full program timeline.
Yes, you can afford it! You may be eligible for a scholarship or to use your financial aid. All students accepted into the program are eligible to apply.
Internships in Paris: May 29 - July 26, 2025
Your exact internship is determined through a personalized one-on-one placement process as part of the application to the program. Students interning in Paris are placed with companies ranging from global organizations, multinationals, and small non-profits or start-ups in a variety of industry sectors. For the Global Internship Program in Paris, students are required to have French language proficiency in key competencies (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), equivalent to the skills achieved at the end of fifth-semester college level French. Sample internship placements may include:
- Arts and Culture: architecture, art galleries, dance/theater companies, interior design firms, museums
- Communication: advertising, event organization, public relations, marketing
- Healthcare and Education: advocacy groups, education policy, hospitals, social work
- Business: fashion and cosmetic companies, financial services, IT and telecommunications, travel and tourism
- Politics, Law and NGOs: labor unions, non-profit organizations, political parties, think tanks
Your placement advisor works one-on-one with you to find an internship that matches your career goals, interests, and experience level. You are guaranteed an internship placement in your country of choice. However, some fields are challenging to find internship placements in, especially if your experience is limited. This program is recommended for students who want to gain professional work experience and build their intercultural skills in their fields of interest but are open to alternative placements if their first-choice field does not offer a placement.
Program Fees
The fees to participate in this program are broken down into 1) program fees, which cover housing, advising, internship placement, orientations, cross-cultural activities program, professional development support, international medical and accident insurance and a variety of support services while abroad; 2) tuition (paid to Skyline College), for a three-unit degree-applicable course required for all Global Internship participants
| Domestic Students | International Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Fee (based on enrollment of one participant) | $8,290 | $8,290 |
| Skyline College Tuition | $0 (San Mateo County Residents) | $413 per unit |
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
In addition to the program fees and tuition outline above, you will need to budget for your out-of-pocket expenses. Below are estimated expenses; however, actual expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits.
| Estimated Expenses | Amount |
|---|---|
| International Airfare and Transportation | $1,100 |
| Meals | $900 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total Estimate Out-of-Pocket Expenses | $3,500 |
Program Eligibility
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher (please note that certain majors may require a higher GPA; please inquire during your advising appointment)
- Have completed a minimum of 30 units of college level coursework prior to program
- It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary travel documentation for your program destination (i.e. passport, visa, etc). Your internship provider (AIFS) works with each student to complete visa paperwork as needed. This may require you to pay fees of up to a few hundred dollars depending on the type of paperwork required.
More Information or Questions?
SMCCCD Study Abroad ProgramEmail: studyabroad@smccd.edu
Phone: 650-738-7098
About the program Provider American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS)
AIFS was founded in 1964 and has facilitated study abroad experiences for over 1.6 million students across more than 20 countries. It has partnered with NCSAC (Northern California Study Abroad Consortium) colleges since 1988. Intern abroad is one of AIFS Abroad’s award-winning programs for a truly life-changing experience. You’ll learn outside of the classroom, gain work experience in one of over 40 career fields, build your resume, make lifelong friendships and professional connections, and earn academic credit.