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In brief
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Duration: Internship — 2 at 6 months; alternation — 1 at 3 years
Cost: Traineeship: free (minimum grant); alternation: paid salary
Possible online

Who this guide is for

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  • You if you are a student and hesitate between internship and alternation
  • If you want to know which format gives the most rights and money
  • You if you plan career and training strategy

To be prepared in advance

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  • List of your objectives (diploma, skills)
  • Your financial situation (needs a salary or gratuity is enough)
  • The calendar (stage 2–6 months, alternating 1–3 years)

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Define the objective. The internship: practice during the studies (short term, up to 6 months). Alternative: diploma + simultaneous work (long term, 1–3 years).
  2. 2Internship: formalised by an internship agreement between school, company and you. It's NOT an employment contract. Minimum gratification of 4,35 €/hour beyond 2 months (2024). Reimbursement for transport 50.
  3. 3Alternative: apprenticeship contract (16–29 years) or professionalization contract (26+). True wage contract (27 to 100 % of SMIC), paid leave, entitlement to the APL, then ARE.
  4. 4Comparison pay: internship ~4 €/hour, alternation to full SMIC. If money counts, alternation is much more advantageous.
  5. 5Comparison of protection: traineeship — no labour law (via agreement), alternation — full status of employee. In conflict, alternation offers more protection.
  6. 6Future comparison: internship — letter of recommendation, sometimes CDI after; alternation — diploma + often offer sustainable employment.
  7. 7Entitlement to unemployment (ARE): after placement no (no contributions), after alternation yes, with enough contributions.
  8. 8If you are outside the EU: internship without authorisation (as part of the student visa); alternation with work authorisation or change of status.

Common mistakes

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  • To believe that internship and alternation are the same thing. These are different legal forms.
  • Choose the internship for money — there is only the minimum gratuity.
  • Do not sign an internship agreement for an internship — illegal, without protection.
  • Thinking that the internship opens up to the ARE. No — you need contributions.
  • Ignore age: alternance apprenticeship 16–29 years, professionalization without limit.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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Learning contractFind an alternationStudents (Campus France)

Important remark

The rules of internship and alternation are changing. This information is indicative — for your situation, see school, France Travail or CFA.

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