IFE works in close conjunction with several Paris-based study abroad programs to offer a part-time internship program for selected students among their enrollment.

The program is offered in Spring semester only, and it is offered only to full-year students, that is, students must have participated in the Fall semester of their study abroad program in order to qualify for application to the IFE Part-time Internship Program..

While following a reduced number of courses offered by their Paris program, IFE Part-time students accomplish a part-time internship of approximately 16 hours per week, including at least one full day per week, during which they also produce a research paper based on their internship involvement, with the help of a research advisor supplied by IFE.

Program elements include:

 A preparatory course of approximately 10 hours of instruction in French on concrete issues of current debate in France. Focusing on history, culture and political institutions, this course is designed as supplementary material to their course of study in France, as preparation for understanding the work of their host organization, as well as the issues being discussed by their co-workers.
 A part-time internship lasting four months, chosen in function of a student’s background, goals, and wishes.
 Access to the IFE Spring lecture series, when guest lecturers, most commonly practising professionals, discuss important contemporary themes with IFE students.
 A brief course in methodology to help students develop their research paper according to accepted French academic practice.
 Research advising by an IFE teacher/tutor, well-experienced in what IFE expects of the written work and its benefit for the student.

Participating programs in the IFE Part-time Internship include Smith College in Paris, Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Paris, Brown in France, Skidmore Paris Program, Hamilton College in France, and Middlebury School in France.

Students thinking about enrolling in any of these Paris programs and interested in the IFE Part-time Internship Program should contact the study abroad office at the appropriate institution for further information including dates, fees, housing, and the like.