Part-Time Jobs in France During Your Studies: Real Stories, Legal Advice & Language Support for South Asian Students

Balancing academics and part-time work in France can be a transformative experience, especially for students from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries. While it offers much-needed financial support and cultural exposure, it also brings its fair share of challenges. In this blog, we delve into the realities of part-time student life in France through the real stories of Rajeev and Mina — and how L’Association Frehindi actively supports and empowers students every step of the way.

🇮🇳 Rajeev from India: Restaurant Work That Paid Off (and Taught Him French!)

Rajeev, a Mechanical Engineering student from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, arrived in Lyon with dreams and a student loan. Determined to ease his financial burden, he began searching for part-time jobs soon after landing in France.

His breakthrough came during a Diwali event organized by Indian students in Lyon, where he helped coordinate food deliveries. This led to connections with local Indian restaurants. With persistence — weekly visits and CV drop-offs — he was eventually hired by a restaurant owner.

He legally worked under a CDI étudiant (student contract) at SMIC (minimum wage, currently approx. €11.65/hour gross) for over 18 months. His multilingual team — including a Moroccan chef, Guadeloupean waitress, and Pakistani cleaner — helped him improve his French significantly. He even passed the Code de la Route (French driving theory test) by studying during metro rides.

“It was hard, yes — cleaning the tandoor, lifting crates, peeling frozen prawns. But the experience was priceless. Today, I work for a reputed French automotive company and have repaid my student loan in under two years.”

🇳🇵 Mina from Nepal: From Struggles to Stability with Our Support

Mina arrived in Toulouse from Kathmandu to pursue her Master’s in Data Science. Initially, she took an informal job at an Indian restaurant that paid only €4/hour — far below the legal minimum — and expected her to work far beyond the student work limit of 964 hours/year.

When she contacted L’Association Frehindi, we helped her:

• Understand her legal rights as a student worker
• Draft a professional resignation letter
• Connect with safe, legal part-time job opportunities

Soon, she began working in babysitting and supermarket inventory, and also enrolled in our French Through Hindi language workshop. Today, Mina confidently communicates in French and balances her studies and work effectively.

“I didn’t know where to start and was scared to lose my job. But the association’s support gave me the courage to say no to exploitation and rebuild my life in France.”

🔍 Your Rights as a Student Worker in France

Understanding the legal framework is essential. Here are key facts:

✅ All international students (EU & non-EU) may work up to 964 hours per year (approximately 20 hours per week).

✅ You must possess a valid student visa or residence permit (Titre de Séjour étudiant).

✅ Employers must pay at least SMIC — currently ~€11.65/hour gross (2025 rate).

✅ Contracts should be declared, with social security contributions included.

⚠️ Be Aware: Exploitation Is Real

Unfortunately, many students report:

• Being underpaid (below SMIC)
• Working without a contract
• Being forced to exceed legal hours
• Facing disrespect and mistreatment, especially in the restaurant industry

This is more common in larger cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.

🛡️ How Our Association Supports You

At L’Association Frehindi, we provide:

📝 Legal guidance on contracts, wages, and hours
📣 Confidential reporting support for exploited students
🔗 Links to verified, student-friendly employers
🎓 Free workshops on finding jobs the legal and safe way

💬 Why Learning French is a Must (and How We Make It Easy)

Fluency in French opens doors — not just to jobs, but to deeper integration into French society. Yet for Hindi-speaking students, French can feel intimidating.

That’s why we offer:

🇫🇷 “French Through Hindi” workshops – leveraging the 95% structural overlap between Hindi and French
📚 Everyday conversation & job interview training
💼 Job-related vocabulary sessions
📲 Online & offline options to suit your schedule

🛠️ Popular and Legal Part-Time Jobs for Students in France

Here are some safe, accessible options:

🧒 Babysitting – English-speaking families often seek international students.

🔗 Try: momji.com, babysits.fr

🍔 Restaurants – Especially Fast food chains like McDonald’s, KFC

🔗 Apply at: kfcrecrute.talentview.io

🛒 Retail & Supermarkets – Inventory, cashier, stock roles.

🔗 Check: rgis-job.fr

🍺 Bars & Cafés – Especially during holidays and summer. Walk in and ask!

💻 Job Portals –

🔗 studentjob.fr | glassdoor.fr | indeed.com

🎓 Internships & Career Workshops

We regularly organize:

📅 Monthly webinars on part-time jobs and internships
📄 CV building & interview coaching
🤝 Peer mentoring and alumni success stories
🌍 Internship search help across France and Europe

✅ Final Advice: Work Smart, Not Just Hard

While part-time work is valuable, it cannot fully finance your education in France. Use it to supplement your income, build your skills, and integrate better — but always stay focused on your long-term academic and professional goals.

With the right legal knowledge, language support, and community network, your student journey in France can be both safe and deeply rewarding.

Stay tuned to our platform for articles that empower South Asian students with real advice, legal clarity, and language tools — to help you thrive, not just survive, in France.
 

📞 Need More Guidance? We’re Just a Message Away

Whether you’re in the early planning stages or already living in France, L’Association Frehindi is here to walk with you every step of the way. Our mission is to help Indian families feel at home in France—academically, culturally, and emotionally.

📬 For personalized advice and recommendations, feel free to connect with Mr. Haru Mehra, President of L’Association Frehindi, at haru@frehindi.com.

📲 Stay Connected, Stay Informed

• Connect with us on WhatsApp (+33 6 27 92 43 98) for regular India-in-France insights.
• Join our exclusive WhatsApp group for Indian expats in France—a growing community sharing real-time experiences and support.
• Like and follow us on Facebook for updates, stories, and tips: facebook.com/assofrehindi
• Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Indians in France – your go-to space for the latest news, community updates, events, and inspiring stories of fellow Indians living in France.

🇮🇳🤝🇫🇷
At Frehindi, we make navigating French life easy—one Indian at a time.

Warm regards,
Haru Mehra
President,
L’Association Frehindi
(A not-for-profit organization established under the 1901 law of France)
 
📧 haru@frehindi.com | 🌍 www.frehindi.org | 📞 +33 6 27 92 43 98