A summer job in London? An international civic service mission in Tunisia? An Erasmus programme in Rome? A post-graduate internship in Rio? A Work Holiday Visa programme in New Zealand? A youth project in Iceland? Humanitarian aid work in Madagascar? WWOOFing in Texas?
A word of advice : be clear in your mind about your own motivation: is it to be socially engaged? A chance to explore or have a new experience or challenge? Is it out of curiosity or obligation? For a shared experience or just a break from it all ?
Talk to others who have been away and professionals to help you clarify your plans.
The different ways to leave : Study, Work, Volunteer, Travel
What country or continent ?
In the European Union (EU), the formal procedures are minimal while outside the EU the procedures are more complicated and time-consuming. Think about going somewhere closer to home for a shorter period of time and then planning a more significant experience later on. Programmes are in place to help you have your first experience abroad.
Your needs and wants, your personal motivation and your personality are all decisive factors, but your strengths and weaknesses too: do you already speak another language? Do you have any personal finances? Do you know anyone who can put you up? Is this your first time out of the country? etc.
Do you want to go it alone or with a friend or group ?
If you go with friends, do you all share the same motivations? What opportunities are there for leaving with a group ?
You want to leave with an organised programme.
You have independent plans. Do you have contacts abroad or in your network ?
Do you want to leave soon ?
Do you have the time to plan your trip ?
Do you want to go this summer ? Next year ?
How much time do you have to plan ?
Leave enough time for all your administrative formalities, such as getting a passport or visa or getting a medical check-up, x-ray or vaccines.
If you are leaving with a programme, check the terms and conditions.
If you apply for financial assistance, check the application deadlines.
Also take the time to think about your return, for example if you have to resume your studies on your return.
Whichever option takes you abroad, you’ll need to plan your trip and some formalities need to be prepared way in advance.
Avoid making it up as you go along and think ahead about accommodation, travel and medical coverage. Concerning safety, the MAEDI recommends registration on Ariane for short stays of less than 6 months
Top tip : find a professional in your local area.
To find out about the destination country, you have a choice of travel websites, relocation websites and the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These sites are packed with information. Keep in mind that destinations in the EU are easier to get to as there are less formalities in place.
Go on to forums and meet travellers.
Some recommended sites:
Here are a few great sites where you’ll find important information
Plus check out other websites dedicated to solidarity travel and ‘alternative’ or exchange holidays, See Travel
Forums, reports, useful addresses, …
And the regional IJ network :
Similarly, you may also need to hold a language certificate, like the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication). Check you have the right language skills to accept a position abroad.
EUROPASS is a solution to present your skills and qualifications throughout Europe whether you are a school pupil, apprentice, student, job seeker or employee. Europass facilitates mobility for anyone looking to study or work in Europe (33 countries).
The Europass CV and the Europass language passport are online templates to fill out yourself. Assess your language level :
Europass Mobility : a record of all your learning experiences in a European country (internship, training, studies) given by the sending organisation.
CAUTION : formalities can vary depending on the destination and the duration and purpose of your stay (working, doing an internship, volunteering, holiday, etc.).
They are subject to the same rules and regulations as adults but for a minor travelling alone or with an adult other than their parents make sure to check with the consulate whether any supplementary formalities or documents are required (authorisation to leave the country, livret de famille (family record book), etc.).
A valid ID card or passport suffice to travel, stay and work. In certain EU countries, a registration certificate may be required, in which case you’ll need confirmation from the company or accredited educational institution, an insurance certificate and sufficient personal funds.
If you stay longer than three months, additional formalities will be required, depending on the purpose of your stay, and certain member states have restrictions at the borders and additional formalities.
It’s a good idea to visit the site of the embassy or consulate of the destination country, as non-EU countries don’t offer the same ease of access as those in the EU.
Depending on the European country in question, you may require a visa, depending on the purpose of your stay. You’ll need to have the correct visa for your particular situation (tourism, studying, working, etc.) or you may be fined or sent home. Visit the website of the country’s embassy.
Contact :
On arrival in the destination country, register with the embassy or consulate.
Top tip: scan your documents and keep them on a USB drive with you at all times.
The same advice applies regarding visas and registering at the embassy. You must absolutely have the correct visa corresponding to the nature of your trip (studying, internship, tourism, etc.) or you may be refused entry into the country. Remember also that you can’t switch from one type of visa to another. The consulate in the country will be of absolutely no help. For certain countries, you may be able to get a Work Holiday Visa.
See the Prefecture for your department
Medical expenses can be very expensive. Check the coverage offered with your health insurance provider which is only generally intended for urgent and unforeseen treatment. You will have to pay for the treatment at the hospital. Keep all supporting documents such as invoices and receipts and you will be reimbursed according to the corresponding plan in France. France may also have international agreements with some countries.
Insurance provides you with reimbursement of medical or hospital expenses and an assistance policy gives you immediate local assistance (repatriation, local support, car breakdown service). Check if your extended third-party liability insurance covers you abroad in any country. Applying for insurance can be complicated. Check the terms and conditions of your international bank cards (e.g. baggage insurance), your ISIC student card or those of your travel operator. If going with a programme, volunteering for example, insurance is often included. You may find out you have double coverage or, on the contrary, there may be holes in your cover. Take out cancellation insurance on the off chance you aren’t able to leave.
Remember, vaccinations are for health reasons but can also be mandatory and each country has its own regulations.
For mandatory vaccinations, go to your GP.
The ‘yellow fever’ vaccine required by certain countries must be given in an ‘approved’ vaccination centre. Without this vaccine, you won’t be able to cross the border of the country that enforces it.
In addition to having vaccines, some countries may require you to take special treatments (to protect against malaria, water treatment, hepatitis, etc.). See your GP for advice.
See advice to travellers on www.diplomatie.gouv
See the different sections on this site depending on the nature of your stay (work, study, internship, volunteering, projects, etc.).
Europe : www.euroguidance-France.org
Financial assistance in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region has been cut.
This is a cheap solution offered by www.blablacar.fr available in lots of European countries.
By bus :
Common mode of transport around the world and quite inexpensive. See www.eurolines.fr/fr/
There are also low-cost bus companies starting up, check the terms and conditions closely.
Europe has an extensive rail network and young people are entitled to good discounts.
Check out the Interrail pass : http://fr.interrail.eu/interrail-passes
See a full report on : http://www.abm.fr/voyager-en-train/trains-deurope.html
Also : https://rail.cc/fr
Check EU rules reinforcing passenger rights :
http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/index_fr.htm
To get a full overview and avoid problems check the special report on : www.abm.fr/voyager-en-avion-choisir-son-billet.html
Airport in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region :
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