About the Organization

The Chateau de Touffou was built and added to between the 12th and 17th century. In 1923 it was recognized as a historical monument belonging to the patrimoine national. The chateau is open to tourists from June 15 to September 15 and welcomes between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors per year. It is also home to a luxury conference center for high powered board, corporate or think-tank meetings. The conference center includes meeting rooms and 20 bedrooms, all painstakingly restored in antique style. The gardens include a rose garden and French style gardens awarded in 2004 with the distinctive label "notable gardens" in France.

Job Description

There are two types of internships available - one as a guide during the summer and one as a horticultural intern in the gardens in the spring, summer or fall (the key season is May to October).

1) Guide: Conduct tours in English (and possibly French) around the Chateau to visitors. Interns will also be involved in other aspects of the Chateau's business, including welcoming participants for meetings and other tasks as required.

2) Horticultural intern: Two main gardeners will supervise the interns. Horticulture interns will help with the maintenance of the gardens, conduct tours of the grounds, and may, depending on expertise, be involved in the planning of three major projects including the construction of an open-air theater, creation of a shaded parking area, and the development of a botanical garden. Two French interns from the school of agriculture will be working on the projects as well.

# of Positions per term

1 of each position each year

Start Dates

Guide: June 15, July 1 or September 15

Horticultural Intern: Spring, Summer or Fall Term

Duration of Internship

Guides: 3 Months

Horticultural Interns: 3-6 Months

Academic Background

French, Art History, European Studies, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, Hospitality Management or related majors.

Skills/Experience

Knowledge of French and European history, culture and art is important for the guide position. Experience with plants and planning is important for the Horticulture internship.

Language Ability

Proficiency in French language equivalent to third year university level required. Prior exposure to French culture preferred.

Other Requirements

Prior experience with French culture (eg. a study abroad) is strongly preferred. Interns should be open-minded, curious, helpful, and outgoing. Organizational skills and communication skills in a professional environment are important.

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee for the first term of any internship is $2,750 - $2,950. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	Approximately $1000
Visa Fees	$500
Recommended Immunizations	None

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	None
Food	160 Euros
Local Transportation	80 Euros
Recreation	200 Euros
Personal Expenses	80 euros

Compensation

Accommodation in an apartment and one meal per day (lunch) are provided. There is no stipend provided by the Chateau, but guides may receive tips from visitors for the tours they conduct.

Additional Expense Information

Visa: Students are required to travel in person to the French Consul in San Francisco to obtain a visa if staying longer than 3 months. Visits of 3 months or less do not require an internship visa.