Centre Animation Jeunesse
Julia Angeles
Spring 2014
During my second semester in Bordeaux, I interned with the Centre Animation Jeunesse (CAJ). The CAJ works with middle and high school youth year-round, offering them a variety of activities, as well as a safe space to hang out, meet new people, and receive support. As an intern, I mainly worked with their education sector. Among others, I helped middle school students with their schoolwork in French and English, I ran the center’s English Workshop (English homework help and a fun activity to help middle school students work on their language skills), and I started an informal English homework help/conversation group for high school students. In addition to learning about different aspects of French culture and education, I gained insight into my identity as an American, and I became more confident in my ability to lead others in French. It definitely helped that the staff members were so supportive and welcoming, always telling me to feel right at home. Ultimately, the internship was an excellent way to cap off my year in France, and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about French culture in a really practical way.
Aquitaine Wine Company
Kristen Meredith
Spring 2014
This semester I interned at the Aquitaine Wine Company, a négociant company based in Bordeaux which specializes in selling wines from Bordeaux and the South of France in the United States. I got to experience the day-to-day of working at a wine company and work on many different projects, including translating informational sheets about different suppliers’ wines, communicating with different chateaux, helping with all of the preparations for wine shipments to the U.S., and contributing to the submission of several suppliers’ wines to be reviewed by Wine Spectator. My internship greatly helped me improve me French: speaking on the phone to clients, speaking with my coworkers, and listening to everything that went on in the office were all very helpful for my speaking and comprehension skills. It was also a great opportunity to gain interesting work experience and develop wonderful relationships with my coworkers. I would strongly encourage any student to consider completing an internship during their time abroad!
Centre Animation Jeunesse
Alex Saunders
This semester I interned for eight weeks at the “Centre Animation Jeunesse” (CAJ), in Talence, which is just outside of Bordeaux. The CAJ is an organization where youths between the ages of 10 and 17 can go after school and during vacations to relax, socialize, and participate in numerous activities. At the CAJ I helped with English homework, hosted several “American” cooking classes, and had the opportunity to go surfing each week—just to name a few of the things I did! During my internship, I felt that I was really able to integrate into the organization; it allowed me to improve my French and also offered me valuable cultural experiences I would have never had elsewhere. Interning at the CAJ was the best decision that I made during my semester in Bordeaux; it was an incredible experience and I was able to form great relationships which I hope will last a lifetime!
Espace Bébé-Maman
Emily Slatter
During my second semester in Bordeaux, I began working as an intern at a Red Cross-Nestlé center for young mothers in need called L’Espace Bébé-Maman. I was working with a team of 10 other women, all volunteers from a variety of backgrounds. The environment was very informal, and I often spent time with my co-workers outside of the center. I had the chance to work in the Boutique section of the center, helping the beneficiaries choose clothing, food and other products. With both my co-workers and the women coming to the center, I had the chance to discuss French society, poverty and social programs. My French improved dramatically through these interactions. This internship was one of the most rewarding parts of my time in France.
http://fondation.nestle.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Dossier-de-presse-EBM-BORDEAUX-6-JUIN-08.pdf