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 80 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 3 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 10-12 weeks during the summer. However, internships are available year-round for up to 6 months.
- Informational meetings are available year-round. Contact Program Manager to schedule.
- Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – December 1st 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 1st
- Complete the Country-Specific Application – Deadline set by MIT-France Manager. Country Program Manager begins to explore potential hosts once complete.
- Internship matching process – January to March
- Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – Early April to Early May
- September 1 – Complete evaluation
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).
Global Teaching Labs
UPDATE: GTL in France will not be offered in academic year 2022-23
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.
- 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.
MIT-France Seed Fund
The MIT-France Seed Fund supports new collaborations between faculty and research scientists at MIT and their counterparts in France.
Contact us
For more information on MIT-France Program, email us at mit-france [at] mit.edu