French language and work experience programme



Programme objective

 

This programme is designed for students wishing to perfect their French language skills in a French-speaking environment while gaining a professional experience.

No payment is made to the student so this programme should not be confused with a student job. However, a place on the French in Normandy work experience programme will offer real opportunities and responsibilities in a company environment.



Applicant requirements


Language Level



A good B2 level of French language knowledge is preferred but we will accept beginners, although their work placement choice may be limited if they fail to make sufficient progress in the first part of the course. Clearly students with a low level of French language skills will need to complete a longer period of pre-course language training.

Minimum age



20

Educational qualifications



Current tertiary studies (and preferably work experience) in the nominated field of placement. Applicants MUST ensure that the placement request is fully supported by experience and relevant study background.

Types of placements



Participants may choose from the following areas for their work placement :

  •   Sales, Marketing and Client Relations
  •   Secretarial and Office
  •   Information and Document Management
  •   Human Resources Management
  •   Tourism
  •   Retail Outlets
  •   Hotel and Restaurant Management

    • Course Structure



    The programme is organised as follows: 

    A minimum of a one-month language course (depending on level) for all students in a group of 10 participants maximum. 

    Then the student will transfer to the place of work experience. Work placements are for a minimum of one month and a maximum of 3 months. 

    Participants must understand that while every effort is made to ensure that they have challenging projects to accomplish they may also be expected to perform routine and sometimes menial tasks and at no time will they be in positions of authority or responsibility, nor can placements be made in the medical or nursing field. 
    		 

    Accommodation


    Host Families



    Students may choose to stay with host families. The price includes half-board (breakfast and evening meal) during the week and full-board at the weekend.

    Self-Catering Student Residences or Furnished Flats

    We have a good selection of other types of accommodation. Please ask us for further details.

    Work Placement Duration



    There is a minimum period of four weeks for all work experience placements. The maximum duration for a work experience placement is three months unless a special arrangement is made.

    Visas


    Participants should apply to the French Embassy for a Working Holiday Visa if their country has an arrangement with the French government . This visa allows the participant to work in paid employment should the opportunity arise.

    An alternate visa is that of Student Visa, which requires that the host firm compiles a very detailed account of what the participant will be doing. This visa can take up to 8 weeks to issue, this may be the only option available if France and the participant’s home country do not have a reciprocal arrangement.

    Insurance


    All participants must provide French in Normandy with a copy of their insurance policy in English or French, prior to their arrival in France. The policy must cover accident and injury in the workplace and consequent medical treatment. A covering letter must accompany the policy clearly stating that the applicant is covered in the ‘work place’.

    Alternatively, French in Normandy can arrange a work placement insurance through a French insurance company and add the cost of the insurance onto the programme fee.

    Applications Procedure


    There is a minimum application period of 3 months from the application being received in France to the intended arrival date. This is necessary to ensure that a suitable position is found and accepted by the applicant prior to his/her departure for France.

    Please note that before leaving their home country, applicants receive information regarding the host company and host family (if required).

    Applicants are required to sign a formal agreement with French in Normandy before arriving in France.

    Cancellation Fee


    Once placement has been confirmed, applicants are given 10 days to accept the position offered to them. If during this period an applicant withdraws from the program, no cancellation fee will be charged. If an applicant withdraws from the work experience programme after the 10 days of acceptance period, no refund will be made.

    The price includes



  •   placement with a host family if required
  •   placement with a host firm and tutor
  •   a one-month group language course
  •   pedagogic material
  •   end-of-course examination BULATS (Business Language Testing Service)

    • The cost of organising the work experience placement covers only one such operation. If the candidate wishes to move companies or modify his/her work experience after arriving in France, an additional fee of 100 € is applied for each subsequent variation.

    Similarly, if the participant is dissatisfied with the host family and requests another placement, an extra charge 50 € is applied.



    		 






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