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 MISTI France program, over 50 MIT students intern and conduct research in French companies and labs.
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.
MISTI 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.
- For summer internships:
- Dec 1: Deadline to complete MISTI Launchpad Application for priority placement
- Late applications are accepted up to Feb. 28 if there are remaining placements at internship hosts, but host selection will be limited.
- Dec 15: Deadline to finish MISTI France application for priority placement, including interviewing with MISTI France Program Manager, selecting up to 3 internship hosts of interest, and submitting cover letters for each.
- Oct – Feb: Hosts interview candidates and send internship offers to students between October and the end of February.
- April – May: Mandatory training and preparation sessions.
- Most internships take place in summer for 8-12 weeks, starting in early/mid-June and ending in mid/late-August.
- September 1 – Internship Report
- 2-6 months with flexible start/end dates outside summer are also available. Contact MISTI France Program Manager at least 2 months before anticipated internship start date to apply.
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
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!
Meet Your Program Manager
Get in touch with Myriam Zuber, MIT-France Program Manager, to explore your options.