Job seekers registered with France Travail can participate in professional internships lasting two to six months in European Union countries through the Erasmus+ program. The initiative aims to help participants improve foreign language skills, discover new working methods, and boost employability.
Originally created in 1987 to support education and training for young people in Europe, the Erasmus scheme enabled more than 14 million students to complete a semester or an academic year abroad. The program expanded in 2014 under the name Erasmus+ to include adults and job seekers across all sectors of activity in businesses, associations, or other structures.
Eligibility criteria and priority groups
The program is accessible to all job seekers without age or diploma requirements. Applicants must reside in France, be registered with France Travail, and hold citizenship in the European Economic Area or possess the right to work in the destination country. France Travail states that candidates should also be autonomous, curious, and capable of adapting to new situations.
A 2026 update established that the program currently prioritises individuals facing fewer opportunities. France Travail guidance notes that starting in 2027, the program will reopen to all applicants while maintaining priority for individuals with fewer opportunities. This category includes people seeking employment for over a year, beneficiaries of the RSA active solidarity income, and beneficiaries of employment obligations including disabled workers.
Application process and financial support
To apply, candidates must contact their France Travail advisor. Once administrative steps are completed, applicants participate in interviews to evaluate their motivation and professional project coherence. If selected, Erasmus+ partners search directly for a host company and accommodation prior to departure, while providing continuous guidance throughout the project.
Financial support covers travel expenses between home and the internship location, along with accommodation costs. Job seekers receiving unemployment benefits retain their compensation during the internship, within the limits of their entitlement rights. Daily living expenses on site, such as meals and local transport, remain the responsibility of the participant.
Participants also receive pre-departure preparation, ongoing mobility support, civil liability and repatriation insurance, and online language courses provided by the European Commission. Upon completing the stay, participants receive a Europass Mobility document that officially validates the skills acquired during their experience.
