Exclusive: Career Training (diverse positions) & Living in Loire Valley Chateaus!

Bon appetit!  We toast to many good meals with this popular French phrase; now is your chance to do it, say it, and live it for real!  Cultural Embrace offers an unique opportunity for you to work in the hospitality/tourism industry in France. This 'cultural exchange' focuses on work opportunities in food & beverage, housekeeping, kitchen, culinary, concierge, front desk, and customer service. Many employers rotate positions too, depending on the language skills, experience, and work skills of the employees/interns.

We typically pre-arrange your placement prior to departure, however, there may be some companies that want in-person interviews. In the latter case, we will secure at least 3 job interviews to ensure a job placement while in France. Our local partners are available to help you finalize the details of your placement, give you an orientation on France's customs, culture, and etiquettes. Based on your nationality and visa regulations, you will either receive shared accommodations, meals while on-duty, and a living allowance of ~€50 per week (mostly for non European citizens); or earn at least minimum wage (~Euros 8.71/hour), which is sufficient income to afford local housing (pre-arranged) and living costs (for EU citizens). You are expected to work an average of 39 hours per week, with two days off per week. Each employer has its own working and schedule arrangement that you should be willing to accept. 

Job possibilities will depend on your background, work experience, and knowledge of French. A good command of French is required for all front line speaking employment. If you wish to take French lessons, Cultural Embrace can help you organize this before or during your work placement. Job placements also depend on availability. Participants coming for 6+ months will generally be more appealing to employers, and those working for less than 3 months need to be more flexible about what they are prepared to do and where they will go.

Visa and age requirements vary based on nationality, and work duration can range from 1-6 months. Please note that American citizens can only work in France for a maximum of 3 months due to visa regulations. Please consult with a Cultural Embrace coordinator about the details of your specific country. However, you must be over the age of 18 years old, with an open-mind, and ability to adapt to new situations. Join now so you can have an opportunity of a lifetime to live and work in France!

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Hospitality Work in France Offers:

• Practical experience in the hospitality/customer service industry
• An immersion in French language and culture allowing you to practice and improve your French language skills
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An economical way to live and travel abroad
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: art, cooking, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills
• A reference from your employer at the end of your term of employment 

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Pre-Arranged Job Service 
  Cultural Embrace guarantees a full-time placement in the hospitality/catering industry.  You will either recieve a job offer prior to departure or three interviews upon arrival in Paris.
• Compensation
  Depending on the time of year and your individual placement, you will either be offered a) accommodation and meals included at the place of your work plus a small weekly stipend of ~120-200€/month or b) receive minimum wage at €8.17 per hour. This should be enough for you to afford your basic necessities while in France.  Accommodations are only included for hotel based work such as housekeeping, restaurant or front-desk positions.
• Housing & Board
  If your accommodations are not included with your individual job placement, Cultural Embrace will pre-arrange your accommodations prior to your arrival in France, or have the details to finalize upon your arrival in France. A rented flat in France generally cost between €400-€600, depending on the city location and time of year.  Your wages will be sufficient to afford your accommodations.
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary) from French immigration, but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.  Non European Union citizens are limited to less than 3 months placement. 
• Arrival Assistance 
  An optional airport pick-up and transfer is available.  
• Arrival Orientation
  You will receive pertinent information regarding local transportation, banking, and safety. You will also receive tips on travel, communications, and social and outdoor activities. Finally, you will be familiarized with the code of conduct and expectations for your new job.  
• Travel Insurance Assistance
  Insurance is required to work for a French company. Cultural Embrace highly recommends travel insurance and offers reduced rates on basic and comprehensive traveler's insurance plans.
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides English-speaking representation in the United States and France prior to, during, and after your placement. 

• You must be 18-35 years of age (30 years old Australians & Kiwis)
• You must be studying or have a degree in hospitality, tourism, and/or food/beverage industry or have recent work experience in the hospitality/catering field.
• Intermediate or advanced level of French (French lessons available if needed)
• Enjoy working with and serving others in a busy, fast-paced environment
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High level of responsibility
• Dedication to the full term of commitment

-US citizens maximum 3 months
-EU, Canadian, New Zealand and Australian citizens up to 12 months, please contact us for details & fees

*Please note that prices are subject to change according to exchange rates.
**Application fee credited towards program fee.
***Can$, Aus$, Br£, Euros€ can be accepted with an additional service charge for currency conversion 

1. Obtain the Work Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Work Form (PDF).  Work in France Program Details and FAQ (PDF).

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be emailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to: 

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Work Program Application
• Signed Work/Intern Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• University/College transcript (official please)
• Copies of diploma or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV (in English and French)
• Cover Letter in English and French describing your field of interest and why you want to work in France
• Proof of French language level/skill 
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Four 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee)

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) .  

 Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program.

We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 16-20 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship.

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 12 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 8-16 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received fewer than 8 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.