Going abroad for an internship? Q&A on visas, vaccinations, flight tickets… ✈️

WHAT LOGISTICS AM I EXPECTED TO TAKE CARE OF AFTER FINDING MY INTERNSHIP?

You are expected to organise and pay for your own transportation to and from the country.

WHEN CAN I BUY MY TRAVEL TICKET?

We recommend that you wait until you receive your acceptance letter before making travel arrangements. If you want to purchase your tickets in advance, make sure that you purchase modifiable/cancellable tickets. It is always advisable to buy your travel ticket with the option of changing dates.

DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A VISA?

For all visa applications, you must visit the website of the embassy of the country you are going to. Once you get your internship, we recommend you check how to get the visa. The more you anticipate the visa process, the easier it will be to get the documents prepared and the less stressful it will be for you. You are fully responsible for the visa process (appointment, fees, required documents…).

For USA: Visas - Ambassade et consulats des Etats-Unis d’Amérique en France (usembassy.gov) and by phone : 01 43 12 22 22

For Canada : Services et renseignements du gouvernement du Canada en France à Paris (international.gc.ca)

I AM A NON-EUROPEAN STUDENT. DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR A STUDENT VISA IF I FOUND AN INTERNSHIP IN EUROPE?

In this case, yes, it is compulsory for you to apply for a visa in the country of your destination.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE?

You must sign up for a personal and international health insurance contract (such as April, Chapka etc...) which covers repatriation, civil responsibility and medical expenses. There are multiple possibilities online, if you do not know which one to choose, you can check this insurance calculator. 

For E.U. countries the health insurance contract or a copy of the CEAM - Carte Européenne d’Assurance Maladie (EHIC – European Health Insurance Card) should be enough.

For some destinations, it will be compulsory to sign up for a specific local insurance.

In any case, you will have to cover the cost of this personal insurance.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I CHECK BEFORE GOING ON MY INTERNSHIP?

SHOULD I GET VACCINATED?

To find out about mandatory vaccines in the region where you will be visiting, you can consult this page: Travel information and vaccines - Institut Pasteur Medical Centre

WHERE CAN I FIND OFFICIAL ADVICE ABOUT MY TRAVEL?

France-Diplomatie : Conseils aux voyageurs 

Before leaving, we advise you to register on the ARIANE website so the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of your situation abroad If needed: Ariane - France-Diplomatie

I WISH TO CONTACT FORMER STUDENTS TO GET SOME ADVICE ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE ABROAD, HOW CAN I DO SO?

Don't hesitate to get in touch with Almnis for tips about accommodation abroad, the transportation, the general experience of living in a different country, etc..

OUR TIPS

• Make digital records and/or photocopies of your important documents (passport, letter of acceptance, travel ticket)
• Make sure you know the local emergency number (112 for Europe, 999 for the UK, 911 for the USA)
• Check the expiration date and conditions of use of your credit card abroad
• Get some local currency before leaving
• Set up Microsoft Authenticator before leaving France to make sure you'll have access to your IT Tools (Outlook, Teams, RISE, etc..)
• Let someone know where you are traveling to
• Useful travel website: tourdumondiste.com