Career Training in Loire Valley, France 2010

  France

• Other Cities in France: 
Loire Valley

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Year-round

Description: Cultural Embrace offers an exclusive opportunity to intern in the elegant and world-famous Château Loire, located in the Loire Valley. Our pre-placement career training program confirms an internship according to your experience and skills before you even arrive in France. After touching down in Paris, you will begin 1 week of French language lessons and will have the chance to explore every corner of the French capital. Once you have brushed up on your French language skills, our partners will transfer you to the Château in the heart of the Loire Valley, 2 hours south of Paris. Here, you will complete a trainee period in your field of study in a culturally diverse, stimulating work environment. Shared accommodations inside the Château are included in the program fees as well as access to a kitchen and optional meal plans. Trainee position possibilities will depend on your background, work experience, and French language skills. A good command of the language is required for all front line customer service positions. Language requirements for other sectors (e.g. finance, accounting, and property management) are less stringent. Training placements are available in most departments within the Château, including in the hospitality/tourism, food and beverage, marketing, graphic design, public relations, property management, finance and accounting, pastry, business management, and communications industries. This list is far from being all-inclusive, so it's fair to assume that we can find a placement for you no matter your field of study.

Highlights:
* A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, highlighting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences.
* An immersion in French language and culture, allowing you an unparalleled opportunity to practice and improve your French language skills.
* A means to broaden your perspective and worldview.
* An economical way to live and travel abroad.
* An opportunity to participate in and learn about local cultural activities (e.g. art, cooking, crafts, dancing, etc.).
* Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about.
* The chance to make lifelong friends from around the world.
* A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills.
* A reference or letter of recommendation from your employer at the end of your employment term.

Qualifications: Must be between 18 and 30 years of age, must have coursework or work experience in your requested field of study, enjoy working in a professional, culturally diverse environment, open to foreign cultures and living abroad, high level of responsibility, and dedication to completing the full term of commitment.

Cost in US$: USD 1,980

* Compensation
Although most positions are unpaid, your accommodations will be included at no cost on the premises of the Château Loire. Weekly stipends may be awarded at the discretion of the company for work well done.

* One Week of French Language Lessons
Upon your arrival in Paris, you will complete one week of French lessons and cultural excursions before your departure for the Loire Valley. Private accommodations with a host family or in a shared flat are provided.

* Housing
Once you have arrived at the Château, you will be provided shared accommodations in the Château for the duration of your stay. You will have access to the kitchen, and meal plans are optional.

* Visa Assistance
Cultural Embrace will assist you with the information and paperwork needed to obtain the appropriate visa (if necessary) from French immigration, but we have neither control over nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability. Non-European Union citizens are limited to placements of 3 months or fewer unless they are traveling on a student visa. Please inquire with your Programs Coordinator for more information.

* Arrival Assistance
An optional airport pick-up and transfer to lodging is available.   

* Travel Insurance: Basic Major Medical Coverage
Our policy provides basic medical coverage, as insurance is required to work for a French company. However, Cultural Embrace highly recommends purchasing additional travel insurance.

* Cultural Embrace Cultural Kit
Useful tips, advice, and information to help prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad in France.

* Full-time Representation
Cultural Embrace provides full-time, English-speaking representation in the United States and France prior to, during, and after your placement.

Salary / Pay: Included Accommodations On-Site

Experience Required: yes

Relevant coursework or work experience in requested field of specialization. French highly preferred, but not required for all positions.

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants.

Participants Travel to France Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Cultural Embrace's Mission Statement: Our mission is to encourage people to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. We believe that visiting a place firsthand allows one to truly experience the authenticity of a culture and develop his/her own impressions. Our goals are to provide quality service and opportunities for people to explore their world and enlighten their eyes, mind and heart. Traveling is a reciprocated flow of communication and interaction between people...the more you seek, the more you learn. "Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences"