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Welcome to Alès

Alès is an idyllic town and commune in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France – known as one of the sous-préfectures of the Gard département.

The town lies near Nîmes, on the left bank of the Gardon River.
And as the river surrounds half the town, you can spend your days off in a unique and tranquil setting.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, the Cévennes National Park is close by. It’s a maze of valleys, mountains and forests, so remember your best walking boots!

Of course, Alès is not just a great place to live! It’s a great place to work, and a great place for all kinds of French work experience...

Meet Your Host Organisation: Cabinet Gerico
Gerico's office was established in May 2000 by Isabelle Lecourt. Since then they’ve created links with local companies, councils and environmental bodies, creating a wide range of work placements through the Leonardo da Vinci initiative.

So – what can you expect during your 12 week placement in Alès?

Travel
Your air travel will be arranged by ETS. Many UK airports offer flights to nearby Montpellier, but as we book according to price and availability, we find that London airports are generally the best choice.

You’ll be met at Montpellier Airport by a Host Organiser, who’ll accompany you to your accommodation in Alès ...

Accommodation
You’ll be offered half-board accommodation with a host family, or a place in a shared apartment on a self-catering basis.

You’ll be responsible for cleaning your own room, and it should be left in good condition when you leave. Smoking is not allowed in any part of your accommodation.

Language Course
On your first working day in Alès, you’ll head to “I.S.E.C” and begin a 2 week course in French as a foreign language. The course runs for 4 hours per day from Monday to Friday, with homework to be completed for the following day.

This course is a vital foundation for your French work experience programme and a chance to fully benefit from your time in Alès.

Work Experience
Your placement will last for 10 weeks, in and around Alès. Most placements involve some travel, either on foot or by public transport.

Choosing your work placement
There are many opportunities in Alès. Selection is based on your language skills, past experience and qualifications - as well as your personal interests and future aspirations.

At the moment we have placements running in these – and other - sectors:

  1. Tourism & Hospitality
  2. Administration
  3. Translation
  4. Marketing & PR
  5. IT & Business Technology
  6. Import & Export
  7. Retail
  8. Pharmaceutical, Chemistry & Physics
  9. Charity
  10. Events management
  11. Sports Marketing
  12. Office & commercial management
  13. Arts, Culture, Theatre & Music
  14. Environmental organisations
  15. Childcare, Youth work & Social sector
  16. Engineering & Technology
  17. Mechanical
  18. Automotive

These industries can offer you extensive opportunities. And naturally, new market sectors are always being explored...

Don’t forget, your placement is about more than work experience. As you’ll discover here, there’s always something happening!

To arrange a work placement in Ales:

apply here

Work placements in Ales France