When embarking on an unpaid internship, knowing your rights is essential to avoid ambiguity and ensure a fair experience. Here is a practical guide to understand what French legislation stipulates concerning the conditions of internships, in particular the bonus.

⚖️ Intern rights: What the law says

What is an unpaid internship?

An unpaid internship is a period of apprenticeship in a company, often integrated into a school or university course, during which the intern is not paid for his work. Unlike an employment contract, an internship is mainly aimed at acquiring practical and professional skills.

Legal conditions for internships

According to French law, an unpaid internship must meet several conditions to be legal:

• Internship agreement : Each internship must be supervised by an agreement signed between the intern, the educational institution and the host company. This agreement specifies the educational objectives of the internship, its duration, as well as the working and supervision conditions.
• Duration of the internship : An unpaid internship cannot exceed a maximum duration, generally defined by the educational institution or by the regulations in force.
• Nature of tasks : The tasks assigned to the intern must be directly related to his training and must not correspond to regular employment in the company.

🔗 Read also: Why is it important to do an internship at the end of studies?

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💰 Internship bonus

The issue of gratification is crucial for unpaid internships. In France, internships lasting more than two consecutive months must be paid. The minimum bonus is set by decree and varies according to the number of days worked per month:

• Gratuity amount : Currently, the minimum bonus is 3.90 euros per hour worked. This corresponds to a monthly stipend of around 700 euros for a full-time internship.
• Exemption from gratification : Some internships, especially those carried out in public organizations, educational institutions, or those lasting less than two months, may be exempt from being paid.

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💪 Conditions and best practices during an unpaid internship

What is allowed and forbidden during an unpaid internship

During an unpaid internship, it is essential to know what is allowed and what is not allowed in order to ensure a rewarding experience that is consistent with your rights. Here's what you need to know about which activities are accepted and which to avoid during your internship.

Accepted during an unpaid internship:

• Observation and learning directly related to the trainee's training.
• Completion of practical tasks under supervision.
• Participation in projects and meetings to acquire professional skills.

Prohibited during an unpaid internship:

• Entrust repetitive tasks that are not related to the trainee's training.
• Replace the intern in a position that is usually paid.
• Impose excessive hours that compromise the intern's studies.

🔗 Read also: Alternatives to internships: freelancing, volunteering, short missions

Last little tips for the road

Doing an unpaid internship can be professionally rewarding, but it is crucial to know your rights to avoid exploitation. Here are some practical tips:

• Enquire : Before accepting an internship, find out about the legal conditions and make sure that the internship agreement complies with current regulations.
• Communicate : If you are unsure about your tasks or the reward, do not hesitate to discuss it with your educational institution or a specialized legal advisor.
• Stay in the know : The legislation on internships evolves regularly. Stay up to date with the latest updates to protect your rights.

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🌟 Conclusion

In summary, while unpaid internships can offer valuable work experience, complying with legal requirements is essential to ensure an experience that is fair and in line with your expectations. By knowing your rights and properly informing yourself, you will be able to navigate your internship calmly and make the most of it on a personal and professional level.

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🙋 FAQ

1. What are the legal obligations for an unpaid internship in France?

In France, an unpaid internship must be the subject of an agreement between the educational institution, the host company and the intern. This agreement must specify the duration, the missions of the intern, the schedules, as well as the possible conditions for gratification or reimbursement of expenses.

2. Can I refuse an unpaid internship offered by my institution?

Yes, you have the right to refuse an unpaid internship. However, it is advisable to check with your institution the possible alternatives and the possible consequences on your academic career.

3. What is the maximum duration of an unpaid internship?

In general, an unpaid internship cannot exceed a duration of 6 months. Beyond that, it is often necessary to provide for a bonus according to the regulations in force.

4. Am I entitled to leave during an unpaid internship?

Yes, you are entitled to leave during an unpaid internship, but these must be specified in the internship agreement. The modalities may vary depending on the total duration of the internship and the legislation in force.

5. How can I check if my unpaid internship complies with current legislation?

To check whether your unpaid internship complies with the legislation, you can refer to the information available on the official website of the French government or consult a legal advisor specialized in employment law.