Going to Mexico for an internship is an enriching and stimulating experience, academically, professionally and personally. Before you take off, it’s essential to be well prepared, in particular by taking out a Mexico student insurance policy tailored to your profile. This will help you obtain the right visa, find comfortable accommodation, improve your command of Spanish and familiarize yourself with the local professional culture.
Discover the key steps to organizing your stay and making the most of this unforgettable immersion experience!
Step 1: Finding an internship in Mexico
Finding an internship in Mexico requires a methodical approach and a healthy dose of proactivity. Before you apply, there are a number of things you should know:
- Networks and unsolicited applications: Send applications to French companies based in Mexico, listed in particular by the French-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CFMCI).
- Alumni: Contact former students or graduates of your school who have already completed an internship in Mexico, to benefit from their advice and contacts.
- Adapted CV: Write your CV in Spanish, clearly indicating your availability dates and the field of your internship.
- Specialized platforms: Consult sites dedicated to international internships or use the services of associations like AIESEC to broaden your opportunities.
Step 2: Obtain the appropriate visa
If your internship is unpaid and lasts less than 180 days, you can enter Mexico on a simple tourist visa. On the other hand, for paid or longer-term internships, you’ll need to obtain an appropriate visa, such as a student visa or a long-term unpaid internship visa. Before you start, contact the Mexican Embassy in France to find out exactly what documents are required and how long it will take to process them. This preparation will help you avoid setbacks and facilitate your arrival in the country.
Step 3: Take out international health insurance
The Mexican healthcare system generally does not cover foreign students. Expatriate insurance is therefore essential if you are to benefit from quality medical care and be covered in the event of accident, hospitalization or repatriation. What type of insurance should I choose when studying or working abroad? Mondassur’s Gold Student plan, for example, offers comprehensive (depending on the plan chosen), flexible coverage for people under 35.
Make sure you have coverage that includes routine medical care,hospitalization, emergency dental care and repatriation. The insurance policy Gold Student Global policy offers comprehensive coverage at very competitive rates, to meet your most demanding needs.
Stage 4: Familiarizing yourself with professional culture and practices
Mexico’s professional and cultural context may differ significantly from your usual points of reference. Before you leave, get to know the local professional codes, whether in terms of working hours, hierarchy or punctuality. Soak up Mexican culture through reading, watching Spanish-language TV series or following local influencers.
And don’t hesitate to expand your network by talking to other expatriates. In particular, you can talk to students who have already lived in Mexico or attend professional events, to gain a better understanding of the expectations of the local work environment.
Step 5: Finding accommodation in Mexico
Before you leave, devote sufficient time to finding accommodation that suits your budget, your preferences and your proximity to your internship location, as well as to public transport.
- Specialized platforms: Use rental sites dedicated to students and expatriates.
- Facebook groups and forums: Exchange with other travelers to get recommendations.
- Sharing an apartment: Sharing an apartment reduces costs and lets you meet new people.
Step 6: Improve your Spanish
To fully integrate, it’s essential to strengthen your command of Spanish. Before you leave, take courses online or at a language school to consolidate your basics. Immerse yourself in the language by listening to music, watching Mexican films or reading the local press, and look for opportunities to practice regularly with native speakers. You can do this through conversation groups, language meetings or online exchange platforms.
Step 7: Plan your budget
The cost of living in Mexico varies from region to region, but is generally affordable. Nevertheless, you should plan ahead:
- Accommodation: Rent, utilities, security deposit.
- Daily life: Food, transport, telephone.
- Internship: Possible travel expenses, materials.
- Unforeseen events: Maintain a financial safety margin.
- Student insurance : Plan ahead for this essential expense item to avoid high medical costs on site.
