Work and Travel France offers a unique and affordable way to gain work experience and enjoy everyday life first-hand in France. Earn money and learn about France's culture and people, improve your French language skills, and during your days off, travel around the country. Our partners in Paris propose two programs for you to Work and Travel France: the Self-arranged program (if you wish to find your own job or have already found one) and the Full Placement program (if you want us to find the job for you).

** Cost may vary depending upon visa fees, exchange rates and other factors beyond CICD's control.

*** Eligibility requirements will vary and may change depending upon labor laws in the various countries.

TYPES OF JOBS AVAILABLE

Participants in the Work and Travel France program are usually offered entry-level jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry, retail stores, restaurants, pubs, call centers, telemarketing, ski resorts, etc. Other options may be work in basic administration positions or clerical work, promotional work, temporary work for special events or fairs, factory work or teaching their mother tongue as a foreign language.

Schedule/working hours
The legal "work week" in France is 35 hours. Depending upon the job, students may work between 30 and 40 hours a week. We can't guarantee the number of work hours. This depends on each employer. Timetables are normally flexible, depending on position, and usually each employee has 2 days off a week (in case you work overtime and the number of days off may be reduced, appropriate financial compensation is provided).

Compensation
The minimum wage in France is at 8.44 € / hour gross. Income tax is about 25% of the salary, but you should check with local government to get the exact figure. The French government does not reimburse mandatory taxes deducted from your salary. Students may get tips or percentage on sales. Generally, salaries are paid monthly by check or bank wire. Participants should not ask for an advance, and must arrive in France with sufficient initial funds for their stay.

Budget
To make your stay a success, you should prepare your trip with care, and plan to have enough funds for living expenses and housing before receiving your first salary. Salaries are usually paid at the end of the month. You should plan for around 200 € per week on average for food, local transport and entertainment. Housing/Rent varies between 400 € and 600 € per month and landlords may ask for a 2 months deposit. (The landlord normally gives the deposit money back to the students at the end of the stay except in case of damage or early going). Participants must have at least 1500 €, or approximately $2250 equivalent, with them upon arrival.

LANGUAGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Your job possibilities will depend upon your background, personality, work experience, knowledge and skills in French. A good command of French is required for all frontline-speaking employment. Job possibilities also depend on your availability and the seasonality of certain jobs.

ACCOMMODATION

Host family accommodation (single room with self catering, breakfast or half-board options) or Student Residence (small studio, self catering basis). For more details and prices, please click here for accommodation details.

PROGRAM PRICE INCLUDES:

Self placement: Full assistance and ongoing support and advice throughout the program + 2 nights' accommodation upon arrival in a youth hostel including breakfast + Orientation session upon arrival providing comprehensive information about living and working in France + Participant's Handbook + Assistance with obtaining the Work Permit in France + Information on accommodation options and access to housing offers + Unlimited telephone (local/national calls) and fax access in our office + Unlimited access to computers and Internet in our office. Wifi available + Mail holding facilities and message-taking service + Luggage storage + Brochures, maps and guides to familiarize you with France + Possibility to buy a phone card for international calls + some social activities, trips and excursions encouraging participants to get to know one to each other + Assistance with preparing resumes and cover letters, hints on job hunting and job interviews, information on job possibilities and access to job offers.

Full placement: A job offer (we can't guarantee neither a particular region in France nor a specific job) + Full assistance and ongoing support and advice throughout the Program + 2 nights' accommodation upon arrival in a youth hostel including breakfast + Orientation session upon arrival providing comprehensive information about living and working in France + Participant's Handbook + Administrative procedures to obtain the Work Permit in France.

Additional costs to budget:

• International Flight
• Language Course (if requested)
• Accommodation
• Health Insurance
• Spending allowance during stay (a minimum of $600 per month for transportation, food, entertainment in Paris / $450 in other cities is recommended).

PAYMENT AND REFUND POLICY

Payment: 50% of the total program fee including nonrefundable deposit are due to CICD at the time of registration; remaining balance due is payable to CICD a minimum of 4 weeks before your program start date

Refund policy: The total fees and refund policy are specific to each program and options chosen. Fully detailed refund information will be made available in your program information packet and with each program option. Please consult your program information or contact a CICD representative for more information.