FAQ School Trips

⚠️ Important ⚠️

Can the camp provide food for every type of diet and allergy❓

No. Our camp chefs can only accommodate the following three diets:

a typical diet
a no-pork diet
a no-meat diet (vegetarian that eats eggs, dairy & fish)

It is extremely important to understand this before applying. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide alternative meal options for counselors following a gluten-free or vegan diet, or for those with severe food allergies or intolerances (e.g. lactose intolerance or nut allergies). In accordance with French health and food safety regulations, only the camp chef is permitted to prepare food in the camp kitchen. Counselors are therefore not allowed to use the kitchen to prepare their own meals.

Will this job give me a work visa to work in Europe❓

No. We cannot authorise or apply for visas for our counselors. See our Applicant Requirement Page.

- School Trips Program -

What is the weekly work schedule like at School Trip Camps❓

School Trip Camps run from Monday to Friday.
It is a French CDD 35 hour / week contract.
During School Trip Camps, employees have Saturday and Sunday off each week. the only exception is the first weekend, which covers a preparation period.
Once at camp, the counselors are informed of any change to their work location in advance by their site director.
Counselors housing and meals are covered for the entire contrat, including on days off.

What is a counselor's typical day like at School Trip Camps❓

Our pedagogical team (the director and the counselors) run different activities for the school children all day long. Classes, games, activites, evening programs, dinner in English... everything is organized around a set schedule established with the school group. Some parts of the day are common to everyone, for example, Congress. Other parts of the day are managed by different sub-groups of the team : ESL counselors or Activities counselors. Each counselor has one of these specific missions each week. Their teachers and chaperones manage the daily life aspects of the camp (dorms, infirmary, shower time...)

Read A Typical Day at Camp on our blog.

Can I also apply for Vacation Camps❓

Yes! You can work at both our Vacation Camps and our School Trip Camps. Depending on your availability, experience, and profile, you are welcome to apply for both programs. You may submit multiple applications for the camps that best match your availability throughout the season. If you are hired for both, please make sure to prepare for each role individually. Although all American Village camps share the same educational project and values, Vacation Camps and School Trip Camps are two distinct programs with their own specific characteristics.

You can check which dates correspond best on our School Trip Camps Date page and Vacation Camp Date page.

- All programs -

When will I receive the official employment contract to read, sign and return❓

Shortly after accepting the offer, we'll send you a link to a secure platform where you will read and then electronically sign your hire documents, in a timely fashion. You will receive :

a work contract
the list of responsabilities for your position
the company's internal regualtions and code of conduct
the "Counselor Pledge" commitment to our educational values
translations of all these documents
a wire transfer information sheet for your salary

After that, complete, legible, color scans of several documents are required. Read the list on the Application Process page.

How can I obtain a copy of my criminal background❓

If you live in France check here
If you live outside of France, you’ll need to request this document from your country of residence
This document need to be less than 6 months old

What is the European Health Insurance Card, and why do I need it❓

The EHIC is a free card that grants access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during your stay in France. It is essential for receiving coverage, even for work-related injuries. Non-French European nationals must bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Please make sure to request your EHIC from your country's health insurance provider before the start of your employment.

What is counselor preparation like❓

Employee preparation has four axes :

The hire documents clearly outline staff policies and your responsabilities.
The Employee Program Manual presents our educational goals and how to put it into place at camp.
An E-learning training tool on our technical approaches for language-teaching is currently in development. In the meantime, continue your preparation with the ressources on the Counselor Webzone.
Once at camp, your team will work together to plan the session program in detail, establish rules for the campers, and set up camp materials.

How do counselors get to their initial work location❓

Being fully aware of the remoteness of our sites and the fact that many of our counselors do not speak French, we make an effort to make counselor arrival a smooth one. Around 3 weeks before employment, you will receive an email confirming your camp assignment and arrival time. As established on the contract, plan your arrival for the day before the contract starts. Remember to keep your receipts, as Nacel offers a travel reimbursement of up to 100 euros.

Arrival by train/bus : Organise your arrival to the assigned train station, at the assigned time (usually between 5 and 7pm). Confirm your arrival with your director several days in advance. Your confirmation is essential, so that s/he in turn, plans your transportation between the train station and the camp.
Arrival by car : Confirm your arrival directly to the camp with your director several days in advance.

How are the assignments established ❓

The locations are not all open at the same time. That is why, a placement will be determined based on your availabilities and your experience. We always try to respect our counselors' preferences. Applicants should inform us of any specific location preference during the interview.

If I apply at the same time as a friend or loved one, is it certain that we will work together❓

No, employees are hired independantly of one another. There is no such thing as a tandem work contract. We try to place friends/relatives together when requested. But it is not always possible and these employees will not receive special treatment.

Do you provide family or pet housing at camp ❓

No we do not. Additionaly, please know that visitors are not allowed.

Living Arrangements:

Housing & Meals: Provided for all employees throughout your employment.
Rooming: Counselors share bedrooms with other counselors of same sex
Bedding: Provided.
Towels: Not provided.
Laundry: Available at least once a week.

Are the locations near large cities❓

Just like at most American camps, the majority of our sites are located in the countryside. Our counselors must be prepared and excited to spend some time in natural, small town areas of France. Many come to love the local traditions, foods, wines, and people around the sites! Employees can come by car, if desired. Be attentive as to park your car in the designated parking areas of the site. To see our camp locations map click here.