Unpaid Internship at the Descartes Institute
Paris, France
The Descartes Institute announces its 2010–2011 internship opportunities for recent graduates interested in careers in think tanks. Based upon their academic training and interests, as well as the availability of projects, interns work in one of the Descartes’s research departments.
The Descartes Institute offers a two-month internship designed for recent graduates in web development, design, education, history, or related fields who want to participate in the production of online resources created for researchers, students, and the general Institute public. The internship is multidisciplinary, but focuses on web development and/or art skills. No previous production experience is necessary; however, varied computer skills are required.
Description
Unpaid internships for graduate students and recent graduates are available throughout the year on a full- or part-time basis. The number of positions varies according to research needs, and opportunities require a minimum of fifteen hours per week for eight weeks minimum. Applications should be made at least six weeks prior to the proposed starting date.
Application
The application must be submitted via email to DI Director: director@iDescartes.org
Applications for unpaid internships will not be considered until all required materials are received by the Institute.
Recommendations
Two recommendations must be submitted via email to:
director@iDescartes.org
Interview
Interviews for unpaid positions are conducted at the Institute department’s discretion. An interview may not be required.
Notification
Candidates for unpaid internships are notified of a final decision within twenty days of receiving all required materials.
INFORMATION
How does the Descartes Institute "Internship" program work?
The program offers the participant a placement as an intern in a one of the institute’s research programs, usually based in Paris, France, for 4, 8 or 12 weeks, plus assistance with accommodations either in a French host family or in a private residence. The Institute staff interviews potential candidates for the program, based on a completed application form and accompanying materials. If accepted, the candidate must arrive in France at a mutually convenient date, and depart France at the end of the internship.
What is an "internship"?
Each year, many French think tanks offer practical experience to students. These internships give participants specific duties and responsibilities in a research environment. Technically speaking, the internships are "observational." There is no remuneration. Each intern has an opportunity to be trained by French professionals on the site, providing valuable on-the-job experience. The intern agrees to work conscientiously and efficiently at all tasks he or she is given. Accommodations, meals and pocket money are the responsibility of each intern.
How does the Descartes Institute select an "intern"?
The Descartes Institute establishes internships for qualified candidates, according to its own criteria and necessities. Competition for internship positions is intense. Willing to learn French is an important factor. Professional skills and experience are a plus. The required personal qualities are:
- energy and ambition in other activities, employment and achievements
- cooperative attitude demonstrated in work, sports or hobbies
- interest and enthusiasm in a specific career and professional objectives
- orderly and businesslike mind, exemplified by a neat, crisp application
Is there a special visa required by French authorities for American participants who have been selected for an internship in France?
Not if your stay is under 3 months. The participant has a round-trip ticket before departure. He or she receives no payment for the internship and the Descartes Institute attests that the training period is for observation purposes only. Any stay longer than 3 months must be accorded by French Immigration authorities, based on a case-by-case review, before your departure from the United States.
How does an internship candidate apply for the "Internship" program?
a) By submitting a complete "Internship " application, including:
- Scanned passport photo
- Brief C.V. of the candidate
- Diplomas, Certificates, Recommendations
- Proof of international insurance
- Detailed travel request for ticket to Paris
- Signed Participant’s Agreement
- Valid Certificate of Good Health
b) By having a preliminary interview (in person or by telephone) with a staff member of the Institute
What happens after your acceptance to the "Internship" Program?
Based on the dates of your internship, you must establish dates for your airline ticket. You may want to telephone the Descartes Institute in France for more details about your specific tasks and responsibilities.
Neither the Descartes Institute nor its French representatives can be held responsible for losses, damages, accidents or expenses incurred by the participant before, during, or after the "Internship" program.
The Descartes Institute
27 Rue Raffet
75016 PARIS
FRANCE
