Europe is known for its lavishly ornate castles, and little on the continent is more awe-inspiring than exploring the grounds of one of these wonders of Rennaissance and Neo-Classical architecture. Cultural Embrace offers an exclusive opportunity for our participants to gain invaluable professional experience while working in - yes - a castle in France! At Château Loire, you'll have the privilege of living on historic grounds, gaining practical work experience, and immersing yourself in the French culture.

This career training program is designed to match your background and interests with positions available throughout Château Loire. A wide variety of training placements are available in most departments within the Château, including but not limited to: business management, accounting/finance, marketing, public relations/communications, graphic design, hospitality/tourism, food and beverage, culinary/pastry, and much more.

Although French language is helpful, but not required, we include 20 hours of French language lessons with accommodations upon arrival in to Paris. This one week orientation will allow you the chance to learn the basics or brush up on your French skills, and allow you the chance to explore and enjoy the French capital. Afterwards, you will be given clear instructions of how to transfer to the Loire Valley, about 2 hours South of Paris, to the Château. Here, you will complete a trainee period in your field of interest in a culturally diverse, stimulating and beautiful work environment. Shared accommodations at the Château are included with your program, as well as access to a kitchen and/or optional meal plans.

Visa and age requirements vary based on nationality, and career training positions’ duration can range from 1-6 months. American/Canadian and other non-EU citizens are generally accepted for placements of 90 days. Please consult with a Cultural Embrace coordinator regarding the visa details/regulations that pertain to your country of residence, and get ready to fulfill a dream come true in France!

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Career Training in France Offers: 

• A valuable work/internship 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 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 globe.
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills.
• A reference or letter of recommendation from your supervisor at the end of your employment term.

Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Pre-Arranged, Guaranteed Career Training Placement
  Cultural Embrace guarantees a full-time placement in your field of interest before your arrival. A wide variety of positions are available from business to hospitality/tourism, to culinary/pastry.
• 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 your department's manager for outstanding work achievements.
• Housing
  All accommodations are included throughout this program. Either private room with a host family or a shared flat are available during your first week in Paris. During the duration of your stay at the Château, you will have shared accommodations with other trainees. You will have access to a kitchen, or optional meal plans are available.
• One Week French Lessons
  20 hours of French lessons (beginner, intermediate, or advanced), housing, and cultural activities are included upon arrival in to Paris.
  
• 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 
  Clear instructions of the public transportation system in Paris and Loire Valley will be included. Optional airport pick-ups and transfers are available.  
• Basic International Traveler's Insurance
  Cultural Embrace includes emergency medical coverage for your time abroad. Premium packages are also available.
• Cultural Embrace Cultural 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. 

• Must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
• Must have coursework or work experience in your requested field of study.
• French language knowledge needed for most placements
• Enjoy working in a professional, culturally diverse environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad.
• High level of responsibility.
• Dedication to completing the full term of commitment.
   

2-3 months

US$1980

US citizens may stay for a maximum of 3 months.

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

(a) Download the forms:  Internship Form (PDF).  Career Training 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 packets should include the following:

• Internship Program Application.
• Signed Work/Intern Agreement.
• Copy of your passport (information page only).
• University/College transcript (official copies only 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.
• 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-size photo of yourself.
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee).

 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 fee.

There is no deadline for applications - first come, first serve. We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 12-16 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your work placement with our local partners.

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