Doing an internship abroad is a valuable experience, and the Greater Region offers countless opportunities in this respect. But should you choose Luxembourg, France, Germany or Belgium?
Here’s an overview of the differences between internships across the Greater Region to help you make the right choice.
What are the different types of internships in the Greater Region?
Before comparing countries, it's important to note that not all internships are the same.
In both Germany and Luxembourg, a distinction is made between voluntary internships and mandatory internships. A mandatory internship must be part of an academic programme.
In Belgium, internships mainly take place within an educational or training framework, with specific schemes depending on the course.
In France, internships can only be undertaken as part of a formal educational programme, with an agreement signed between the employer, the school and the student.
What is the duration of these internships?
Each country has its own approach.
In Germany:
- Mandatory internship: usually between 2 and 6 months, depending on the study programme.
- Voluntary internship: generally 2 to 3 months, sometimes up to 12 months.
In Belgium and Luxembourg:
- No fixed duration set by law.
- In Belgium, internships typically last between 1 and 4 months.
- In Luxembourg, the duration must be reasonable depending on the context.
In France:
- Internships cannot exceed 6 months per year within the same company.
What rights do interns have?
This is often where the differences become apparent.
In Germany:
- Up to 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
- Paid leave is only available for voluntary internships after 6 months.
In Belgium:
- Maximum 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
- At least 2 consecutive days off, including Sunday.
- No paid leave for student internships.
In France:
- Maximum 35 hours per week, 10 hours per day.
- No paid leave, but access to certain benefits (meal vouchers, transport, etc.) may be available.
In Luxembourg:
- Maximum 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.
- Up to 26 days’ paid leave per year, depending on the internship duration.
Are internships paid?
This is often THE key question.
In Germany:
- Mandatory internship: generally unpaid.
- Voluntary internship: pay is mandatory if it lasts more than 3 months (minimum wage applies).
In Belgium:
- No obligation for student internships.
- Pay is required for internships outside an academic framework (depending on age and minimum wage rules).
In France:
- Compensation is mandatory from 2 months.
- Legal minimum of 15% of the hourly Social Security ceiling (updated annually).
In Luxembourg:
- Internship under 4 weeks: pay is optional.
- Beyond that: minimum allowance usually around 30% of the unskilled minimum wage.
See also: Doing your internship in Luxembourg: all you need to know.
For further info, visit the Frontaliers Grand Est website.
Find your next internship in Luxembourg at the Unicareers fair.