
The VIE Program, or Volontariat International, is a French international internship program that allows young Europeans to work abroad for up to two years. It is managed by Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old and have a Bachelor's or Master's degree. While it is open to international students, they must be citizens of a country other than the one in which the job is located. For example, an international student from France would not be eligible for a VIE job in France, but they could apply for a position in another country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nature of work | Not voluntary work |
| Applicant's nationality | Citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA) |
| Applicant's age | 18-28 years |
| Applicant's qualifications | No clear requirements, but 92% of participants have a Master's degree |
| Work location | Outside the applicant's home country |
| Work hours | Full-time |
| Work duration | 12-24 months |
| Allowance | €772.87/month (since January 2024) plus a geographical allowance |
| Allowance tax status | Tax-exempt in France and the host country |
| Other benefits | International training, cultural immersion, guaranteed job opportunities |
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What You'll Learn
- International students can apply for VIE jobs, but they must be under 28 years old
- Applicants must be citizens of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
- A Master's degree is preferred, but a Bachelor's degree is also acceptable
- A cover letter is highly recommended for VIE applications
- VIE positions are not voluntary work, and participants receive a fixed monthly allowance

International students can apply for VIE jobs, but they must be under 28 years old
International students can apply for VIE jobs, gaining valuable international work experience through the Volunteer for International Experience (VIE) scheme. The VIE program is run by Business France, the French Trade Commission, and allows young Europeans to work abroad for up to two years.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old at the time of registration. The VIE program is open to nationals of the member countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). It is important to note that applicants cannot be citizens of the country where the job is located. For example, you cannot work as a VIE in Germany if you are a German citizen.
The VIE program provides an excellent opportunity for international students to gain professional experience with the support of Business France. It offers a fixed monthly allowance, which is exempt from income tax in France. The allowance includes a base amount of €772.87 per month, along with a "geographical" component that varies based on the cost of living in the country or city of assignment.
To apply for a VIE position, students should prepare a resume and register on the CIVI (International Volunteering Information Center) website. They can then browse the assignment offers published on the CIVI website and apply for positions that match their interests and qualifications. If selected, the company will submit the assignment request to Business France for approval.
It is worth noting that VIE positions are not considered voluntary work. Participants receive a fixed monthly allowance and gain valuable professional experience, enhancing their employability. The program provides a unique opportunity for international students to develop their careers and immerse themselves in new cultures.
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Applicants must be citizens of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA)
International students can apply for VIE jobs, but there are some requirements that must be met. The VIE programme, or Volontariat International en Entreprise, is a French government initiative that allows young people to gain international work experience in French companies abroad. While it is open to international students, there are specific eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled. One of the key requirements is that applicants must be citizens of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA).
The EEA, established in 1994, is an international agreement that extends the European Union's (EU) single market to member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). It encompasses 30 countries, including all 27 EU member states, as well as three of the four EFTA states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. These non-EU members of the EEA have agreed to adopt legislation similar to that of the EU in various areas, such as social policy, consumer protection, and the environment.
Being a citizen of an EEA country grants individuals the right to live, work, establish businesses, and study within the EEA. This "free movement of persons" is a core principle of the EEA, facilitating the opportunity for young Europeans to gain valuable international work experience through the VIE programme. It is important to note that Switzerland, while an EFTA member, is not part of the EEA but has separate agreements with the EU that allow it to participate in the internal market.
To be eligible for a VIE position, applicants must meet other criteria in addition to EEA citizenship. They must be between 18 and 28 years old, possess relevant qualifications (with 92% of participants holding a Master's degree), and be willing to work full-time. VIE assignments are typically for a duration of up to two years, and successful applicants will work for French companies in locations outside of France, such as Dubai, Miami, and Singapore.
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A Master's degree is preferred, but a Bachelor's degree is also acceptable
The VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) program is a great opportunity for young people seeking to work abroad and gain valuable international work experience. It is a French international internship program that allows young Europeans to work abroad for up to 2 years. The program is managed by Business France, the French Trade Commission, and aims to support the international development of the French economy.
While a Master's degree is preferred for VIE jobs, a Bachelor's degree is also acceptable. In fact, while 92% of VIE participants have a Master's degree, you should not hesitate to apply if you only have a Bachelor's degree, unless the job description specifically states otherwise.
The VIE program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 28, offering a chance to embark on a personal and professional adventure. It provides an opportunity to work for French companies or administrations abroad, including start-ups, multinationals, embassies, and consulates. The program offers a fixed monthly allowance that is exempt from income tax in France, along with additional geographical allowances for subsistence, equipment, and housing.
To apply for a VIE job, you can follow these steps:
- Prepare a resume and a cover letter, as it is highly recommended and expected by many French companies.
- Register on the CIVI (International Volunteering Information Center) website to look for assignment offers.
- Apply for the assignments that interest you, and if selected, the company will submit the request to Business France for approval.
- If your assignment request is approved, you will receive an appointment letter and will need to submit any requested documents, such as visas and medical examination reports.
- Attend the orientation meeting organized by Business France before departing for your assignment destination.
The VIE program is a great way to gain professional experience, enhance your CV, and increase your chances of finding a job after your assignment, with 92% of participants receiving a job offer. It provides an opportunity to work for renowned companies such as Dior, L'Oréal, and Airbus, while also offering a supportive environment with integration meetings and protection by the French Embassy.
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A cover letter is highly recommended for VIE applications
Although there are no clear requirements to participate in the VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) program, it is highly recommended that applicants include a cover letter as part of their application package. A cover letter allows you to showcase your interest and suitability for the role and can be a deciding factor in whether you are chosen for the program.
The VIE program is a great opportunity for young people to gain valuable international work experience. Run by Business France, the French Trade Commission, the program allows participants to work for French companies abroad in countries like Dubai, Miami, and Singapore. To be eligible, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old, hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree (although a Master's is preferred), and be a national of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA).
A well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your motivation and qualifications for the role. It is an opportunity to express your unique skills and experiences that align with the VIE program's requirements and the company's expectations. Remember that companies are sending you overseas for a long period, so they want to ensure you are the right fit for their organization and culture.
In your cover letter, be sure to highlight any relevant academic achievements, work experience, and skills that make you a strong candidate for the VIE program. Emphasize your willingness to work full-time and your ability to adapt to new environments and cultures. Since most French companies expect a cover letter, it is worth investing the time and effort to craft a compelling one.
Additionally, don't forget to include all necessary documents with your application, such as proofs of certificates and achievements, as mentioned by Patricia Parnet, a mentor who has successfully helped mentees land interviews at prestigious companies through the VIE program. By following these recommendations, you can increase your chances of being selected for this rewarding international experience.
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VIE positions are not voluntary work, and participants receive a fixed monthly allowance
The program is open to citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA) aged between 18 and 28. Participants receive a fixed monthly allowance that is partially based on their location and is exempt from income tax in France. This allowance is meant to cover subsistence, equipment, and housing expenses. The amount has been €772.87 per month since January 2024, with additional amounts provided depending on the location of the assignment.
The VIE program is not considered voluntary work. Participants are expected to work full-time and are not allowed to engage in part-time work, entrepreneurship, academic programs, or any other paid activity during their assignment. The program offers a unique opportunity for young people to gain valuable international work experience and enhance their employability. It provides a chance to work for well-known companies such as Dior, L'Oréal, and Airbus in various locations, including Dubai, Miami, and Singapore.
The application process for a VIE position typically involves creating a profile on the CIVI (International Volunteering Information Center) website, finding and applying for specific positions, and participating in interviews. If selected, the participant will receive an appointment letter, and their assignment request will be submitted to Business France for approval. Once approved, the participant will need to submit the required documents, pass a medical examination, and attend an orientation meeting in Paris before departing for their assignment.
Overall, the VIE program offers a great opportunity for young people to gain international work experience while receiving a fixed monthly allowance. It provides a chance to work for renowned companies, enhancing career prospects and offering a rewarding experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) program is a French international internship program that allows young Europeans to work abroad for up to two years. It is managed by Business France, the French Trade Commission, and provides an opportunity for participants to gain valuable international work experience.
To be eligible for the VIE program, applicants must be between 18 and 28 years old, be a national of a member country of the European Economic Area (EEA), and have a clean criminal record. While it is not a clear requirement, 92% of VIE participants have a Master's degree, and many companies prefer this.
International students can apply for the VIE program by registering on the CIVI (International Volunteering Information Center) website and applying for assignment offers. They will then need to pass online tests and interviews before being selected for an assignment. It is highly recommended to include a cover letter when applying for VIE positions.



















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