Planning an Internship in Suisse Romande? Here’s Why Learning French Is the Key to Your Success

Thinking about doing an internship in French-speaking Switzerland? Whether you're heading to Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, or Neuchâtel, a stage (internship) in Suisse romande is more than just professional experience—it's an opportunity to boost your career, grow personally, and master a new language.

But to make the most of it, there’s one crucial step: learning French.

Whether you’re preparing for your arrival or already here and looking to feel more integrated, speaking French will make every part of your experience smoother, more rewarding, and far more impactful.

French: A Must-Have for Internships in Switzerland

In Switzerland, multilingualism is a major asset—and in Suisse romande, French is essential. While German dominates in other regions, French is used daily in work, studies, and everyday life across western Switzerland.

Here’s why French is a true career booster:

• 27.7% of people in Switzerland use French at work

• 24% of the population use French as their main language

• 23% of job offers in Switzerland require knowledge of French

So whether you're applying for a role in Geneva’s finance sector, Lausanne’s tech start-ups, or Fribourg’s academic institutions—French isn’t just a plus, it’s a requirement.

Already in Suisse Romande? Want to Integrate Better?

Living in a French-speaking region without speaking the language can feel isolating. Understanding French not only helps you perform better at your internship—it also:

• Makes daily life (shopping, transport, housing) easier

• Helps you build social connections

• Allows you to take part in meetings, emails, and local networking

• Boosts your confidence in professional and personal settings

How to Find an Internship in Suisse Romande

There are plenty of opportunities in western Switzerland, especially in fields like:

• Finance and law (Geneva, Lausanne)

• Luxury goods and watchmaking (Neuchâtel, Geneva)

• Academia and research (Fribourg, Lausanne)

• Tourism and hospitality (Valais, Montreux)

Where to look:

• Jobup.ch – internships across Switzerland

• Jobscout24.ch – Swiss job platform

• LinkedIn – filter by location and "stage"

• University career platforms (UNIL, UNIGE, EPFL)

French Phrases You’ll Need as an Intern

Being able to speak and understand basic workplace French will help you stand out from day one.

Job application phrases:

• "Je me permets de vous adresser ma candidature pour un stage dans votre entreprise."

  • I’d like to apply for an internship at your company.

• "Je suis actuellement à la recherche d’un stage en Suisse romande pour développer mes compétences professionnelles et linguistiques."

  • I'm currently looking for an internship in Suisse romande to develop my professional and language skills.

In the workplace:

• "Pouvez-vous me réexpliquer cela, s’il vous plaît?"

  • Could you explain that to me again, please?

• "Je suis ici pour apprendre, n’hésitez pas à me corriger."

  • I’m here to learn—feel free to correct me.

Why Learn French Before or During Your Internship

Picture this: you’ve just landed your dream internship in Geneva. It’s your first day, you’re in a team meeting—and someone asks you a question in French. Silence. You freeze. You could’ve impressed, but your lack of confidence in the language holds you back. Learning French before your internship isn’t just smart—it’s essential to getting the most out of your experience.

At Swiss French School, we help thousands of students, interns, and professionals every year improve their French. Our flexible, conversation-based method is designed to get you speaking with confidence—so you arrive in Suisse romande prepared, ready, and equipped to succeed. You can even start learning French from the comfort of your home through our online courses, allowing you to get ahead before you even set foot in Switzerland.

Watch Marielle’s story – a French student in Lausanne:

• "I began taking French classes online in the UK before moving to Switzerland, and it made a huge difference in helping me integrate smoothly into my new environment."

Ready to Succeed in Suisse Romande?

An internship in French-speaking Switzerland is an incredible opportunity—but you’ll get so much more from it if you speak the language.

• Boost your confidence

• Build your network

• Get more out of your internship

• Feel at home in Suisse romande

Swiss French School offers personalized French courses, tailored to your field and your goals. Our full range of French programs makes learning accessible and practical—whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to level up.

Have questions? Contact us — we’ll respond within 24–48 hours and help you find the perfect learning plan.