Princeton University

Princeton in France (PIF) is administered through the International Internship Program in coordination with the Department of French and Italian. It offers a variety of jobs both in Paris and in the regional cities. If you have any questions, contact the International Internship Program at (609) 258-2115 or iip@princeton.edu.

History and Purpose
Every summer, the Princeton Summer Work Abroad Program, founded in 1954 and now generally known as Princeton in France (PIF), sends 20-25 Princeton University undergraduates to France--not as tourists or language students, but as trainees (or, stagiaires). Working side by side with the French, speaking their language and sharing their daily routine, these students seek to acquire a more insightful knowledge of another culture. To judge from reports over the past 50 years, participants undergo a maturing experience, rich in educational benefits, and often have one of the best, and most memorable, summers of their lives.

Kinds of Work
PIF offers a variety of jobs both in Paris and in the regional cities. Typical assignments are in banks, museums, public relations companies, hospitals, camps, publishing companies, multinational corporations, or government offices (often a préfecture). Government positions are not paid, but PIF offers grants and fellowships to cover living expenses. Applicants are invited to specify their preferences along with their interests and skills. The office does its best to honor these preferences; however, a student who is flexible about geographical location and work assignment can be placed more easily than someone whose requirements are rigid.

Eligibility
PIF is open to fully enrolled Princeton freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who are reasonably fluent in French and possess those qualities essential to being an active representative abroad: maturity, adaptability, sensitivity, intelligence, willingness to work energetically and to meet unforeseeable conditions, and, of course, a keen interest in France's history, cultural heritage, institutions and people. Priority is given to first-time applicants who are sophomores or juniors at the time of application. A 200-level course in French (or its equivalent) is a prerequisite. Previous work experience is very helpful.

Application
Click here to go to the Princeton in France application. Note: There is a $50 application fee, and on acceptance of the internship, students are required to pay a non-refundable $250 placement fee. The deadline for submitting the PiF Application is December 19, 2008.

Sponsors
PIF is able to provide limited financial assistance for participants in part through the generosity of the Department of French & Italian; the Center for French Studies; the American Society of the French Legion of Honor; The Bennett E. Tousley, Jr. Memorial Fund; The Charlotte H. Moore Class of 1931 Memorial Fund; The David J. Stainton '84 Fund for Princeton in France; The Kemper Foundation; The Kirby Family Foundation; The Scott Opler Foundation Fund; and PIF alumni and friends.