As a student who pursued education at universities in the UK and China, I have firsthand experienced the systemic disadvantage faced by those of us who return to France to seek internship opportunities. Unlike students enrolled in French universities, where internships are structurally embedded into the academic curriculum, my access to internships has been restricted to short summer periods. This structural imbalance not only affects international students but also French citizens educated abroad. Consequently, we are unable to compete on equal terms with our peers who have been institutionally supported by the French educational system. In France, those under the age of 30 are the most affected by unemployment. 

The "convention de stage" is a mandatory agreement in France that is predominantly accessible to those within the university system, meaning that anyone outside, including those who have completed education in other countries, is inadvertently excluded. This prevents talented individuals from gaining vital professional experience, a hurdle that does not serve our economy, businesses, or society.

The demand for a "convention de stage" hampers the ability to democratise access to internships. It inadvertently prioritises students from French institutions and sidelines international perspectives and talents. If France aims to truly be the global powerhouse it claims to be, it must embrace talents without borders and ensure that opportunities are available for everyone equally.

Revising the current system does not mean abandoning protections for interns. On the contrary, it means modernising them. Many countries have demonstrated that it is possible to regulate internships effectively without making university enrolment a prerequisite.

For example, several countries allow more flexible internship contracts outside the university system, with state-laws ensuring fair pay, and legal protection while remaining accessible to graduates and non-students. Others offer a time-limited post-study internship status, allowing individuals to complete internships for a defined period after graduation, regardless of where they studied. These models preserve safeguards while preventing exclusion and abuse. There are multiple policy options available if there is the political will to assist young people who simply want to gain first-hand experiences and enter the job market— all while ensuring proper labor conditions. 

France has the opportunity to open itself to more international talents, learn from stronger systems to design its own inclusive framework—one that protects interns while opening access to all qualified candidates.

Imagine the possibilities: a French economy enriched by diverse talents from various educational backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and fresh ideas to the table. For businesses, this means a broader talent pool and increased innovation. For students and young professionals like myself, it means a fair chance to gain experience in the French job market and contribute fully to society.

I urge the French government and educational regulators to take action to reform the current internship framework and change the convention de stage as an exclusive gateway to professional experience.

 Sign this petition to support the removal of the "convention de stage" requirement and help democratise internships across France. Let's ensure equal access for all, irrespective of where education has been pursued.