Have you just finished your studies and would like to travel and gain professional experience at the same time? It’s possible, you can go abroad on a VIE. Mondassur explains everything you need to know before you leave!
The benefits of VIE
The Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) program lets you gain professional experience abroad. You’ll receive a monthly allowance and appropriate social protection. You can acquire and develop your multicultural skills, acclimatizing to the demands of international markets. You’ll also improve your command of foreign languages.
By joining a company in your own country abroad, you create a good professional network. This will enhance your profile for future employers. Indeed, VIEs often offer assignments that involve responsibility and are directly linked to international development issues. What’s more, a VIE is a good way to start an international career. It can also help you secure a position in your host country after your assignment.
What’s more, as the VIE is not a conventional employment contract, you are not covered by the general Social Security system. It is therefore interesting and almost necessary to take out expatriate insurance abroad during your VIE. Mondassur offers health insurance in partnership with the CFE.
The differences between VIE and VIA
Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) and Volontariat International en Administration (VIA) are two types of volunteering.
They offer a monthly allowance that varies from country to country. In addition, there is specific social protection. Despite the same regulatory framework, the main difference lies in the host structure and the nature of the assignments.
If you decide to go on a VIE program, you’ll be working for a French company abroad. Your assignments will be in the fields of sales, technology, finance, marketing or project management. Under the VIA program, you’ll be assigned to a government agency abroad. This could be an embassy, consulate or cultural institute with diplomatic or cultural missions, for example.
For the VIE, you are selected by the company and Business France. For the VIA, the selection is made with the relevant ministry or administration.
VIE or VIA: which status suits you best?
Career prospects are different. The VIE enables you to work in the private sector. This can lead to a job in the host company. VIA gives you experience in the public or diplomatic sector. This is useful if you want to work in the civil service, international cooperation or NGOs.
To choose between VIE and VIA, you first need to consider your skills and your career plan. VIE missions will suit you if you like the corporate world, business or engineering. VIA assignments will suit you if you want to work in the fields of diplomacy, public affairs or culture.
The opportunities are not the same. VIE offers are often more numerous. They come from different companies. VIA offers focus on specific positions. These positions are in government departments or public institutes.
In either case, it’s an extremely enriching international experience that can be valued in the long term.
What are the conditions for applying for a VIE or VIA?
Before leaving on a VIE, you must comply with certain measures in order to be eligible:
- Between the ages of 18 and 28.
- Be a national of one of the countries in the European Economic Area (EU).
- Have completed your Defence Day or be in compliance with the national service regulations of your country of origin.
- Your criminal record must not be incompatible with the performance of the chosen assignment.
- Be medically fit to carry out the mission.
- Not be employed or have another contract.
