> What conditions apply to foreign students wanting to do a work placement?

If you want to get a work placement, you will need to obtain an APT (temporary work permit). The APT is valid from 6 to 9 depending on how long the placement lasts. To obtain one of these, foreign students need to have a valid residence permit and a document proving that the placement will be carried out for study reasons. APTs are issued by the DDTE (departmental work and employment dept). EU nationals do not have to obtain this permit.

> What are the procedures and formalities?

All work placements for students studying in France are subject to an agreement made between the host organisation, the educational establishment and the student. Since 2009, work placements running for at least two months must be paid: the employer must pay a “salary” of at least one third of the SMIC (minimum wage in France).

> Where are work placements available?

Students need to target companies or organisations operating in their field of study. In all French universities, BAIPs (offices providing support for finding employment) issue offers for work placements and jobs and help students in their search. In addition, a number of web sites list work placement offers e.g. www.infostages.com, the Employment Dept and CIDJ national work placement exchange, www.kapstages.com and www.letudiant.fr. Prospective applications are also another option. Once you have chosen your companies, send a CV and a covering letter, then attend an interview if your application is successful.