Business France announces a new record for VIE interns on assignment, with 11,500 young people in post

Business France took this opportunity to sign new partnerships with France Volontaires and Mozaik RH to broaden access to the VIE system for all young people. A public system managed by Business France, the VIE International Internship Program enables young people from France or elsewhere in the European Economic Area to carry out a professional assignment abroad on behalf of a French business.

11,500 International Volunteers working in businesses

The “Covid years”, which saw a drop in the number of VIE interns abroad, are now a distant memory: 11,500 VIEs are currently stationed in more than 120 countries, which equates to 1,000 more VIEs than before the Covid-19 pandemic, despite Brexit and geopolitical conflicts. Within the countries of the European Union, the number of VIEs has jumped by more than 30% compared with 2019, particularly in Southern Europe, Benelux and Scandinavia, following strong demand from both SMEs and large French groups.

Outside of Europe, the United States has regained its leading position with nearly 1,500 VIEs, while Canada has welcomed almost twice as many VIEs as five years ago. In Asia and Oceania, Japan and Australia are experiencing rapid growth, while China and Hong Kong are struggling to return to their pre-Covid levels. The VIE figures are therefore a good indicator of the position changes of French businesses on international markets.

A recruitment forum to help young people find a VIE assignment

The 2024 edition of the VIE Forum in Paris enabled more than 4,000 young people to meet 130 recruiters for an interview, but also to learn about VIE opportunities around the world, thanks to the presence of VIE managers from Business France’s international network (20 countries represented). Former VIEs also came to share their experience, and young people were able to meet recruitment advisors specializing in different voluntary-based options.

To strengthen access to the VIE system, Business France also signed a partnership with the France Volontaires agency, which manages the International Solidarity Volunteering Program (VSI), as well as with Mozaik RH, a recruitment and diversity consulting firm specializing in the fight against inequality and discrimination.

Business France would like to place the VIE program both at the heart of the international development strategy of French businesses and at the service of young graduates, regardless of their level of education.