Advice on getting a job in France
Discussion
I'm 23 and have decided I'd like to go and work abroad, only so much Watford has to offer!
I love France, and have a basic grasp of French, but I'm struggling with where to start. Currently I'm a Sommelier in a fine dining restaurant, so am confident once I have picked up some more French I can get a job in a hotel/restaurant. However, I'm wondering what to do for the first couple of months while I pick up my French. I'd hoped that an Olive company in Provence I know of would get back to me as it would be ideal with it's rural location, and lack of people to talk English with, alas it's looking doubtful at the moment.
So I was wondering if any Phers have any recommendations of where to look for a basic job, where I can immerse myself, and hopefully get up to a good level of French quickly. Ideally I was thinking somewhere like; Montpellier, Provence, or Annecy, but not picky as long as it's not too rural.
I love France, and have a basic grasp of French, but I'm struggling with where to start. Currently I'm a Sommelier in a fine dining restaurant, so am confident once I have picked up some more French I can get a job in a hotel/restaurant. However, I'm wondering what to do for the first couple of months while I pick up my French. I'd hoped that an Olive company in Provence I know of would get back to me as it would be ideal with it's rural location, and lack of people to talk English with, alas it's looking doubtful at the moment.
So I was wondering if any Phers have any recommendations of where to look for a basic job, where I can immerse myself, and hopefully get up to a good level of French quickly. Ideally I was thinking somewhere like; Montpellier, Provence, or Annecy, but not picky as long as it's not too rural.
Good for you, it'll be the best thing you ever did.
The proper title 'sommelier' comes after a three year school here, so be careful slinging that about if that isn't the case for you. The harvest is a classic, you pick grapes with a bunch of French students and workers, you get fed and watered, but paid very little. Cheap digs probably not hard to find either. SW France good for the weather. I can recommend the Charentes.
After that, maybe working in a restaurant? The high-end places recruit wait staff and front of house staff from proper hospitality schools, so be aware of that. Your main strength (fluent English) will actually hurt your quest to pick up the language, I would think.
I worked in a kitchen washing pots. No pay, but free board and lodging, two summers running. Did the trick
The proper title 'sommelier' comes after a three year school here, so be careful slinging that about if that isn't the case for you. The harvest is a classic, you pick grapes with a bunch of French students and workers, you get fed and watered, but paid very little. Cheap digs probably not hard to find either. SW France good for the weather. I can recommend the Charentes.
After that, maybe working in a restaurant? The high-end places recruit wait staff and front of house staff from proper hospitality schools, so be aware of that. Your main strength (fluent English) will actually hurt your quest to pick up the language, I would think.
I worked in a kitchen washing pots. No pay, but free board and lodging, two summers running. Did the trick
Take a look at these people: http://hcssuk.com
Don't be put off by the unfinished website, they've been going for a while and our daughter took a winter and a summer job with them. They have some largish contracts with a French resorts chain.
French minimum wage paid in pounds in the UK, but board and food provided (and charged for) and you stay a UK tax payer. Get your EHIC health card sorted beforehand and make sure you have a UK bank card to draw euros without paying the earth. There's no real future in it, but it's an easy way to start.
Good luck, Steve
Don't be put off by the unfinished website, they've been going for a while and our daughter took a winter and a summer job with them. They have some largish contracts with a French resorts chain.
French minimum wage paid in pounds in the UK, but board and food provided (and charged for) and you stay a UK tax payer. Get your EHIC health card sorted beforehand and make sure you have a UK bank card to draw euros without paying the earth. There's no real future in it, but it's an easy way to start.
Good luck, Steve
Thanks for the help so far, I have passed some wine exams (only up to WSET L3) and am in charge of a fairly impressive cellar at work, but yes I'm aware I wouldn't be classed as a full Sommelier in France.
I'd Like to stay away from the Eurocamp option as there would be talking English too often. I worked in Chablis when I was sixteen and even though it was only for a couple of weeks I could tell my French was coming on much quicker when there was no one to speak English with.
Would definitely look at harvesting but would like to go out sooner than that.
I'll send HCSS an email, thanks for the link Steve.
James
I'd Like to stay away from the Eurocamp option as there would be talking English too often. I worked in Chablis when I was sixteen and even though it was only for a couple of weeks I could tell my French was coming on much quicker when there was no one to speak English with.
Would definitely look at harvesting but would like to go out sooner than that.
I'll send HCSS an email, thanks for the link Steve.
James
Have a look through the employment section of the Hotels and Catering website:
http://www.lhotellerie-restauration.fr/emploi/Cons...
It will give you an idea of what may be available. You may be able to blag the position of Commis Sommelier ie assistant.
Salary is likely to be the absolute basic - SMIC.
http://www.lhotellerie-restauration.fr/emploi/Cons...
It will give you an idea of what may be available. You may be able to blag the position of Commis Sommelier ie assistant.
Salary is likely to be the absolute basic - SMIC.
Gassing Station | France | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff