Eligibility
- 18 years of age or above
- Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
- 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
- Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program
- 2 semesters of college-level French required prior to the start of the program
- Enrolled in a French course within the year prior to the program start date
Program Description
An IES internship in Paris develops your professional skills and your ability to communicate across cultures, and provides substantive work experience to jump-start your career in today’s competitive job market.
You’ll be guaranteed an unpaid placement at a local business or organization, where you’ll work for at least 25 hours per week. IES Internships’ unpaid, academic internships will offer you placements in Paris in fields such as the arts, business, and tourism, while also showing you the sights and sounds of France. You’ll also enroll in a 3- or 6-credit academic internship seminar with other IES interns, where you’ll gain context for your internship placement by examining cultural issues in the workplace. An optional 3-credit language course is also offered, the placement for which is determined by online and on-site language assessment.
Before you depart, IES will work with you to fine-tune your résumé, perfect your cover letter and hone your communication and interview skills to prepare you for working in a new cultural environment.
Dates
Summer: mid May - mid July
Refer to IES Abroad's website for the specific dates, if available.
Location
Intern in one of the world's highest-regarded cities for culture and international business. With its grand boulevards, world-famous monuments, unparalleled literary and artistic history, and its simple joie de vivre, Paris is a city that will change you forever. The Paris of today is a multifaceted and multicultural metropolis that offers a doorway to the cultures of the world.
Get to know the City of Light on a personal scale—from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame to your favorite boulangerie (bakery) or bookstore: this magnificent city will become your second home when you intern in Paris. Walk or take the bus through the city’s vibrant streets, or hop on the Métro to get to work. Lunchtime means quiche or a sandwich au jambon in a nearby café, followed by an espresso or tea. Spend your free time getting to know Paris and its surroundings through IES Abroad-organized cultural events and optional field trips to places like Giverny and Reims.
Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation
In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.
General Information
Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.
Accessibility
Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.
Gender and LGBTQA
There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.
Race, Ethnicity, and Faith
When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.
IES Abroad Country-Specific Diversity and Access Resources: France
Just as each study abroad experience is unique, each location offers a different adventure. IES Abroad offers students comprehensive resources specific to their host city and country. Please visit the IES Abroad France - Diversity Resources website for valuable information on the following:
- Day-to-Day Life in France
- Dietary Concerns
- Diverse Racial, Ethnic, & National Identity
- Gender Identity, Gender Expression, & Sexual Orientation
- Religion & Spirituality
- Disability Resources & Mental Health Support
Non-U.S. Citizens
It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
