How to go abroad outside of your studies?

No school exchanges or  Erasmus programs , you want to go abroad while being independent of your institution and your course. No problem: pack your bags, the adventure awaits you!

Is it possible to go and live in a foreign country outside of your studies?

Traveling abroad: it’s the dream of many students. However, you don’t necessarily need to go and study in another country to make it happen: volunteering, voluntary work, civic service, VIE or VIA, PVT, Woofing, language stays… Many solutions are available to you and for all budgets. It all depends on what you are looking for, what corresponds to your needs and expectations. Because even if this trip does not take place as part of your studies, you can always use it later.

As for the duration, it’s up to you. If you don’t want your trip to interfere with your studies, you can find short missions lasting a few weeks to a few months during the summer. Otherwise, take a break. A gap year is a great way to do what you’re dreaming of for six months to a year . A word of advice: take the time to think about your project to choose the most suitable program.

1. Go and volunteer on international construction sites

Several sites and associations offer missions of a few weeks, such as France volontaires or Solidarités jeunesse . You can go alone or as part of a group of young people. Choose the destination and the worksite according to the field that interests you. You will work around thirty hours per week and you will be fed and housed in exchange. Be careful, it is generally up to you to take care of your plane tickets.

2. International civic service: combining business with pleasure for your trip

If you are familiar with the traditional principle of civic service , it is exactly the same for going abroad. Except that your mission will take place a few thousand kilometers from France! Go to the website of the Civic Service Agency . You can choose the duration (six months to a year) and the type of mission that you like (education, health, environment, etc.). The compensation amounts to €580.63 net. You can carry out your mission from the age of 16 until the day before your 26th birthday (up to 30 years for people with disabilities).

3. The European Solidarity Corps: volunteering, internship or employment abroad

As its name suggests, this European Union programme allows you to travel to European countries only. Several options are possible. Volunteering or solidarity projects (in groups) last from two to twelve months. In these cases, your travel expenses are covered. You can also do an internship or get a job through the European Solidarity Corps for three to twelve months. You will then be paid by your host organisation.

4. International solidarity volunteering: a longer commitment

This program goes well beyond Europe since mobility concerns countries outside the European Economic Area. To find your mission, go to the France volontaires website. Unlike other volunteering schemes, missions generally last one to two years. The association will cover your travel expenses and you will receive an allowance of at least €100 per month. The amount varies depending on the country. You will also benefit from two days of vacation per month.

5. VIE or VIA to work abroad

International volunteering in business or administration is aimed at 18-28 year olds . The objective is to volunteer in a French company or public service located abroad. The missions run for a period of six to twenty-four months . You are compensated up to €723.99 per month .

To apply, you must send your CV to the website of the International Volunteering Information Center ( Civi ). Please note that this requires mastery of a foreign language, qualifications and sometimes experience in the targeted sectors.

6. The PVT (working holiday program): be careful with the selection

The PVT (working holiday program) or WHV (working holiday visa) allows you to live in a country, to travel but also to work if you wish. Canada, Brazil, South Korea, New Zealand, Mexico, Australia, Japan… Each country has its own terms and conditions and its own quotas for French working holiday visa holders. Indeed, you must send your application according to a very specific schedule before being drawn. Also be careful, you must prove that you have sufficient funds to go to the host country.