Voluntary Program V.I.E

What is a V.I.E?

The V.I.E program is an international trainee program initiated by Business France. Its purpose is to promote international mobility and enable young professionals to gain valuable work experience abroad.

At ALTEN, we offer a wide range of V.I.E opportunities across different business areas. While many positions are in engineering, you can also find roles in fields such as recruitment, marketing, and business support.

Who can apply?

To join the V.I.E program, you should meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 28 years old
• Hold a university degree
• Be a citizen of an EU country

Assignments typically last between 6 and 24 months and take place abroad.

Please note: To complete a V.I.E in Germany, you must not have previously worked in Germany. However, experiences such as an Erasmus semester are absolutely fine.

What does the application process look like?

Before starting your V.I.E journey, you will go through a regular recruitment process.

Once you receive an offer, there are a few administrative steps to complete, including:

• Registering with Business France
• Opening a French bank account
• Completing a medical check

Afterwards, you can start preparing your relocation. ALTEN supports you throughout this process and covers relocation costs such as flights and luggage.

Where can you work?

V.I.E opportunities at ALTEN are available across Germany.
Our main locations are Hamburg and Munich, but positions exist nationwide.

Currently, around 80+ V.I.E talents are working with ALTEN across Germany.

Do you need prior experience?

A first professional experience can be helpful, but it is not mandatory.
Most V.I.E positions are entry-level roles — what matters most is your motivation, mindset, and willingness to learn.

What mindset should you bring?

The V.I.E experience is ideal for candidates who are:

• Open-minded and adaptable
• Curious to explore new environments
• Willing to step outside their comfort zone

Especially in consulting roles, flexibility is key. Projects, teams, and responsibilities may evolve over time — but this also gives you the opportunity to gain broad experience and develop quickly.

Tips for a successful start

Before moving to Germany, it’s a good idea to refresh your German language skills.

At ALTEN, we support your development by offering free language courses.
Depending on your role, German may not always be required — especially in consulting — but it is highly beneficial, particularly for back-office positions.

Why join ALTEN as a V.I.E?

Choosing ALTEN means:

• Working in an international and dynamic environment
• Gaining exposure to innovative projects and leading clients
• Building valuable professional and personal skills
• Being part of a supportive and growing network of V.I.E talents

Many of our V.I.E participants also have the opportunity to continue their career with ALTEN after the program.

Can German graduates join the V.I.E program?

Yes — German graduates can also participate in the V.I.E program, but not in Germany.

They can, for example, join international assignments in countries like Spain or France. In some cases, it is even possible to split the program between two countries.

Good to know

• You will receive international health insurance provided by Business France.
• There are active V.I.E communities in many cities, organizing networking and after-work events.
• Depending on your role, remote work may be possible.
• During your assignment, you can stay in your home country for a maximum of 15 consecutive days.