Why do an Internship in French?
- Acquire organization and communication skills working in a non-profit organization
- Acquire teaching skills working in international education and language immersion
- Acquire leadership and communication skills in working with adolescents and young adults
- Acquire organizational and advocacy skills in working with and empowering immigrants and refugees
- Acquire knowledge about food systems and advocacy skills related to food security for all
Student Internship Spotlights
Meet Brenna McClellan:
My Internship Experience with CEA Study Abroad
In the Summer of 2020, I completed a virtual internship with the French charity Règles Élémentaires. My program was coordinated through the company CEA study abroad. The CEA internship entailed 6-weeks of a graded course through CEA and around a 40-hour workweek with my company. CEA's course was straightforward and revolved around the NACE professional competencies. Work at my company, Règles Élémentaires, included administrative tasks and communications, as well as three large projects: translation, sponsorship, and fundraising. I would've preferred my internship be in-person, however, I still learned the structural and cultural cues of the French workplace. For example, my experience supports the common cultural notion that the French do not sugar coat criticism and are more straightforward. Although I felt that I was defending my work at certain points during my internship, once I finished a product, I had more confidence and pride in my work. This was a result of the frankness because I knew exactly what to correct. I also learned structurally that the French workplace is much more hierarchical than the American workplace. In addition to learning about the French workplace, my internship signified a milestone in my language proficiency. Upon completion, I translated more than 4,500 words from French to English, conducted three interviews in French with native French speakers, and presented my work in French at a company meeting. I may have never completed these achievements in proficiency without the internship. All in all, I would highly recommend an internship abroad- virtually or in person- to any student, especially language and culture students. The experience gives you hands-on contact with the culture and language, which develops a deeper understanding and higher level of emotional, academic, and professional self-development.
Interdisciplinary Minds: Focusing your Uniqueness Across Disciplines
In this talk, recent graduate in French Brenna McClellan presents helpful suggestions on how to weave together multiple majors and minors into a meaningful research project and how to bridge the gap between college research and the job market. Watch the talk >
Meet Remy Matulewic:
My Internship Experience with Alliance Française of Tucson
During my junior year at UA, I completed an internship at the Alliance Française de Tucson. During my time there, my two primary roles were planning a youth French film festival and helping facilitate a weekly conversion circle for members. The film festival was a great way for me to gain experience in event planning and marketing, and it allowed me to better understand the values of the Alliance Française network as a whole. Although I was unable to actually hold the event due to the pandemic, I was really proud of myself because I planned a relatively large event mostly by myself. In addition to the film festival, I absolutely loved working with the members every week on their conversation skills. I was able to improve my own French skills through sharing my knowledge with others and equipping the members with the comfort and confidence needed for language-learning. I also discovered I really enjoyed teaching, which is something I had never considered before. This experience was ultimately what finalized my decision to apply to serve as an English teaching assistant in France after graduation, which is what I'm currently doing. I am extremely grateful for this internship, and I highly encourage others to apply! Learn more about Remi >
Andrea Lee-Cruz :
My Virtual Internship Experience with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles
Would you like to learn more about an internship that allows you to work with the Consulate General of France in Los Angeles? Andrea Lee-Cruz, majoring in French and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science, has made a recap of what she learned by interning in Spring of 2023. Learn more about Andrea>
Internship Opportunities
Alliance française of Tucson: http://www.aftucson.com/
The Alliance Française of Tucson, a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the state of Arizona, was founded in 1973. It is a member of the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA. Its mission is to promote the use and appreciation of French Language and of all Francophone cultures. The Alliance Française of Tucson wants to promote French language in the community, while providing a space to share French and Francophone cultures, and love of language.
Amphitheater High School: https://www.amphi.com/AmphiHigh
Amphitheater High School is known for its long-standing tradition of excellence in Tucson and the local neighborhood that it serves. Established in 1939, Amphi High consistently prepares some of the most prominent leaders in Tucson, in Arizona, and in the Nation. With a diverse enrollment of 1,200 students, Amphi High School is able to provide the resources and advantages of a comprehensive high school, while still meeting the individualized needs of each student. Specialized programs such as Advanced Placement, the Cambridge Academy, AVID cohorts, JTED/CTE courses, and a range of blended learning labs help ensure that every student at Amphi High School is College & Career Ready.
International School of Tucson: https://www.istucson.org/
The International School of Tucson is a leading international school committed to offering the Tucson community an unequaled world class international education. The school's unique curriculum offers a full language immersion in Spanish, Chinese, French, and German in the preschool, and a dual immersion in Spanish, Chinese, French, and German in the Junior School. It is a non-profit, non-selective, co-educational school that provides a comprehensive and well-balanced education to children of wide-ranging abilities. The International School of Tucson emphasizes learning-to-learn skills, citizenship, and preparation for a successful life in an inter-cultural world.
Iskashitaa Refugee Network: https://www.iskashitaa.org/
Iskashitaa Refugee Network (IRN) creates opportunities to integrate United Nations refugees into the Southern Arizona community while educating the public, strengthening the local food system, reducing local food waste, and increasing food security. Founded in 2003, Iskashitaa Refugee Network is an intergenerational network of volunteers and UN refugees who locate, harvest, and re-distribute local produce which would otherwise go to waste. Iskashitaa has been recognized locally, nationally, and internationally for their work in promoting local food resources and empowering refugees.
TAPIF Program: http://frenchhighereducation.org/teaching-assistant-program
The Teaching Assistant Program in France offers you the opportunity to work in France for 7 months, teaching English to French students of all ages.
Consulat Général de France à Los Angeles: o.ngo@consulfance-losangeles.org
Bureau des Industries Culturelles et Créatives
This is an unpaid internship. Tasks may include the following: general administrative tasks, support, promotion, and communication for various projects and outreach activities. For more information about this opportunity, please contact:
Olivier Ngo, Attaché de coopération éducative et universitaire
For more information, please contact the Internship Coordinator and Director of Undergraduate Studies Lilia Coropceanu at liliacoropceanu@arizona.edu.