MIT-France Home Page

With the fifth-largest economy in the world, France is home to thriving aerospace, nuclear, chemicals, ICT and pharmaceutical industries.

France's innovation clusters bring together world-class engineering schools and research centers with start-ups and global companies.

Each year through the MIT-France program, over 50 MIT students intern and conduct research in French companies and labs. The MIT-France Seed Fund facilitates dozens of research collaborations between MIT faculty and their French counterparts. Our partners are leading French companies, universities and research organizations.

Program Opportunities

Internships

MISTI’s award-winning international internship program provides a one-of-a-kind, world-class experience for MIT students: the opportunity to gain real-life work experience in leading companies and labs around the world. Best of all, all expenses are paid, including airfare.

MIT-France matches students with internships and research at leading companies, research labs and universities in France. Internships last from 2 to 6 months and are all-expenses paid.

Open to all MIT undergrads, graduating seniors and graduate students in all disciplines.

GPA 4.0 or better
Language
- Undergraduate students: French IV or equivalent proficiency
- Graduate students: No language requirement, basic French strongly recommended
Prerequisites
- Undergraduate students: One class on French culture, history or society
- Graduate students: No prerequisites
Mandatory Pre-Departure Preparation

Most MISTI internships take place over 8-12 weeks during the summer. However, internships are available year-round for up to 6 months.

Informational meetings are available September to May. Contact Program Manager to schedule.
Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – February 14 and rolling thereafter
Schedule official Interview with Country Program Manager – October to January (schedule interview as soon as MISTI Launchpad Application is complete)
Select & commit to the MIT-France Program – By February 29
Complete the Country-Specific Application – Deadline set by MIT-France Manager. Country Program Manager begins to explore potential hosts once complete.
Internship matching process – October to February
Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Early April to Early May
Checkout meetings - Early May to end of May
September 1 – Complete evaluation

How to Apply

Once matched with a host, students must attend MISTI prep & training sessions and a checkout meeting with the Program Manager.

Program expenses covered (includes airfare and a stipend to cover food and accommodation).

Host Sites provide a monthly stipend (amount variable based on French regulations and organization's internal policy).

Global Teaching Labs

UPDATE: GTL in France will not be offered in academic year 2023-24

Through MIT-France, students are matched with middle school & high school hosts for three weeks in January. Students must prepare tailored courses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects that complement the French school's curriculum. MIT students are assigned in pairs to teach dynamic, hands-on classroom activities.

The French curriculum is the same throughout every region and province. However, some schools have access to better resources than others. The MIT-France GTL program partners with schools in areas that have a majority of low socio-economic backgrounds. This program is a way to show local students that scientists, mathematicians, innovators, etc. look just like them. This is an excellent opportunity for MIT students to inspire others to study science, while remembering why they are passionate about their own studies. All participants, both French and from MIT, gain a wonderful exposure to other cultures and identities.

GPA of 4.0 or better
French III or equivalent proficiency
Interview
Mandatory Pre-Departure Preparation

October: Apply via general MISTI GTL application. Shortly after application deadline, interview with Program Manager (including demonstration of lesson plan taught in French). Confirm placement within 48 hours of offer.
November - December: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
January: Most GTL programs take place during the last three weeks.
February: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.

How to Apply

One month housing stipend provided
Travel stipend available
Food stipend available
Local transportation card provided by host
Housing deposit required (paid by student)

Study Abroad at Sciences Po - Paris, France

MIT students can study in the heart of Paris at Sciences Po. For one or two semesters, they are fully integrated into the Sciences Po student body.

Click here to learn more about Sciences Po.

And visit the MISTI Study Abroad page to learn more about spending a semester or year abroad!

Global Seed Funds for MIT-France

MISTI's Global Seed Funds program supports MIT's global engagement by promoting collaborations between MIT faculty and researchers and their counterparts abroad.