As part of the Erasmus+ programme, France stands out as one of the most attractive destinations for student mobility. With its rich cultural heritage, high standards of vocational training, and dynamic economy, it offers an ideal environment for professional internships that bring real added value.
If you are a vocational or technical training provider in Europe, here’s why offering your students an Erasmus internship in France is a powerful opportunity for both their personal and professional development.
1. A country renowned for excellence in craftsmanship and vocational skills
France has a long-standing tradition of excellence in skilled trades, particularly in the fields of gastronomy, artisan crafts, fashion, and design. Sending your students for a placement here means giving them the opportunity to learn in a structured, professional, and innovative environment.
Popular fields for mobility include:
- Bakery and pastry making
- Gastronomy and culinary arts
- Hairdressing and beauty care
- Butchery, charcuterie, chocolate-making
- Bicycle repair and precision mechanics
- Leatherwork, textiles, jewellery, and more
Many of the host businesses are small, family-run enterprises proud to share their expertise with motivated international trainees.
2. Structured, supportive professional environments
French companies – especially in the artisan sector – are increasingly experienced in hosting Erasmus trainees. Students benefit from structured internships with dedicated supervisors who are engaged in their learning and integration.
In addition, we offer a complete support system for sending organisations, including:
- Finding suitable host companies and matching them with your students’ expectations
- Organising accommodation (shared flats, host families, student residences)
- Handling administrative and practical details
- Providing ongoing support and monitoring during the stay
This professional coordination ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for both the sending institution and the student.
3. A rich cultural and linguistic immersion
Interning in France also means full immersion in a new language and culture. Students get the chance to discover a different way of life, enjoy world-famous cuisine, and experience France’s exceptional artistic and historical heritage.
Even without advanced French skills, trainees integrate quickly thanks to:
- Use of English in many host businesses
- Basic French preparation before departure
- Friendly and welcoming small business environments
- Cultural activities and guided discovery during the mobility
This type of experience promotes key soft skills such as adaptability, initiative, intercultural communication, and self-confidence – all highly valuable for future employment.
4. A safe, accessible, and well-connected destination
France is easy to reach from most parts of Europe, whether by plane, train, or bus. It offers a high quality of life, modern infrastructure, and a safe environment.
We organise internships in Nantes where we are physically present. But we can also organise mobilities for you in vibrant mid-sized towns where the cost of living is lower and the integration experience more authentic. Popular destinations include:
- Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lyon, Montpellier, Rennes, and more.
This allows your students to benefit from a professional and cultural experience that is enriching and accessible at the same time.
5. Personalised guidance to ensure success
With over 15 years of experience organising Erasmus+ mobilities in France, we work closely with training centres, host companies, and students to ensure a successful and enriching experience.
Our support includes:
- Helping define the right internship period and objectives
- Finding host companies aligned with the student’s profile
- Preparing participants linguistically and culturally
- Providing continuous support during the internship
- Delivering final evaluations and documentation
Whether your students are in vocational training or recent graduates, they will benefit from a tailor-made experience that boosts both their skills and confidence.
What Does French Law Say About Erasmus Internships?
When hosting Erasmus+ interns, France applies specific legal provisions designed to protect and clarify the conditions of the internship. These regulations are particularly important for sending institutions to understand when preparing a mobility project. You can find more information here – https://www.enseignementsup-recherche.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2024-02/guide-des-stages—2024-31599.pdf
Here are the key points to be aware of:
✅ Duration of the Internship
- Internships in France as part of Erasmus+ mobilities are legally capped at 6 months per host organization per academic year.
- For Erasmus+ projects, most placements fall between 2 weeks and 6 months, which aligns with French legal standards.
✅ Remuneration (Gratification)
- Internships lasting more than 2 months (i.e., more than 44 working days or 308 hours) must be financially compensated.
- The minimum legal stipend (as of 2025) is approximately 4.35 euros per hour, which totals around €600/month for full-time internships.
- Shorter internships (under 2 months) do not require financial compensation, but some companies may still choose to offer a small allowance or benefits (e.g. lunch, transport pass).
✅ Internship Agreement
- All internships in France must be governed by a formal internship agreement (« convention de stage »), signed by:
- The sending institution
- The host company
- The intern
As a coordinator, at Ohlala Placement we ensure that all Erasmus+ internships we organise comply with French legal requirements, providing peace of mind to sending organisations and clear expectations to host companies.
Conclusion: France is a smart choice for a meaningful Erasmus mobility
Choosing France for an Erasmus internship means offering your students the best of both worlds: professional development and personal growth in one of Europe’s most inspiring settings.
Thanks to a wide range of skilled trades, committed host companies, and a unique cultural environment, France is the ideal destination for Erasmus+ mobility in vocational education and training.
Ready to build a partnership in France? Let’s talk!
As an experienced Erasmus+ mobility coordinator, I am here to support you at every step of the process:
✅ Host company placements tailored to your students’ skills
✅ Full support with logistics, housing, and local integration
✅ Ongoing guidance before, during, and after the mobility
📧 Get in touch today to discuss a future Erasmus+ project for your students in France. Let’s create a valuable, rewarding mobility experience together! https://ohlalaplacements.com/contact/
