Nationwide French Speaking Tour Leader & Driver

Nationwide French Speaking Tour Leader & Driver

29 Jun 2024
District of Columbia, Washington 00000 Washington USA

Nationwide French Speaking Tour Leader & Driver

Vacancy expired!

SUMMARY

Les Aventures MAKWA is a travel company based in Montreal Canada. We organize road trips for French Adolescents (from France and accompanied by French Directors DAFA) through out the USA and Canada (California, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, DC, Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Cuba, Quebec, British Columbia, among others).

As we are based in Quebec, the majority of our Tour Leaders are Canadian and francophone. However, we are looking to expand and find more French speaking Americans to be Tour Leaders as well.

The job is paid and is mostly during the months of July and August. Tour leaders drive a 15 passenger van around national parks and cities. We want people who are eager to engage with the group of French students, share their culture, travel, camp and speak French of course!

Many positions are available and they will be filled on a rolling basis, please apply soon to be considered for your priority destinations. Once hired you will get a $100 bonus for the first person you refer once they complete two trips, and after that $50 for any other referral that gets hired.

THE COMPANY

Makwa Adventures is a company specializing in adventure tourism that has been organizing outdoors tours for French-speaking groups since 1993. Tours range from 7 to 23 days long and take place mainly during the months of July and August. Quebec, Ontario, the East and West Coast of the United States, and Hawaii are just a few of the many destinations.

OUR GROUPS

Participants: Participants are typically French students between 14 and 18 years old. They come from different parts of France and do not usually know each other. During their stay, each participant will be given an active role in the design of the trip, through group decision-making and daily tasks shared by participants, including doing the dishes, meal preparation, equipment maintenance, etc. Makwa staff are here as a companion, to ensure that the participants have a good vacation and explore a new culture.

The French Counselor: Counselors (Animateursin French) are hired by Makwa client companies and arrive with the group. The Animateurholds a specialized certification, a B.A.F.A(Certificate of Aptitude to the Functions of Animator), which provides both theoretical and practical training to work with children in a variety of settings. They participate in the supervision and animation of the group and collaborate with the director. The team is composed of the director, the counselor/chaperone/s and the Makwa Companion/s.

The director of the stay: Directors are hired by the client company and arrive with the group. Directors hold a specialized advanced certification, the B.A.F.D.(Certificate of Proficiency in Director's Functions) which provides both theoretical and practical training to direct student groups across a variety of ages and settings. The Director is in charge of the participants as well as the supervising team, including the Makwa Companion. The Directors role is to manage the logistics of the group, and ensure the groups safety during the trip and ensure that all French and local regulations are followed. It is also the Directors responsibility to plan healthy meals, a variety of activities, and a safe and open group dynamic for the duration of the trip. The Director is, by French law, legally liable for the groups safety, and thus is the primary decision-maker in the group. Makwa Companions follow guidance from the Director to create a dynamic of trust and teamwork.

ROLES AND TASKS OF THE COMPANION

Accompany a group during their trip

Makwa Companions are an integral part of the management team, providing local knowledge and assistance to Directors and Participants when needed. Under no circumstances are Makwa Companions considered tour guides. The Companions assist in preparing the groups itinerary and facilitating city visits. The Companion is typically prepared with road maps, tourist documents, and other relevant documentation. The Makwa Companions work with the Director and Counselors to ensure that the group has a positive trip. Tasks are shared equally so that the team all has time to rest, and ensure good communication within the group. Makwa Companions assist the group in preparing meals and purchasing food, and possibly preparation and clean up at the end of the trip.

Prepare for the trip

Companions read information given by the Makwa office before leaving for their trip, and research additional information about the destinations (on the Internet, guide books, etc.)

Welcome the group upon arrival at the airport

Plan daily itinerary and trip logistics in partnership with the Director. Companions might also co-design various activities or elements of the itinerary with the Director.

Share and discover American culture

Act as a cultural reference on US history and culture to facilitate integration of the group in U.S. destinations. Companions bring a touch of culture and local knowledge to each trip. Companions may also serve as English interpreters when needed throughout the trip.

Facilitate group activities with the Directors and Chaperones

Companions might lead and facilitate a variety of unplanned activities throughout the trip, and are expected to be active participants in the collective life of the group.

Driving a 15-passenger vehicle

Depending on the trip itinerary and destinations, Companions may be responsible for driving the groups vehicle, typically a 15-passenger van. Companions make sure to respect the hours of driving, work, and legal rest, according to the local legislation of the country in which they are travelling.

Companions ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of the vehicles by carrying out daily required vehicle checks and completing all necessary paperwork pertaining to use of the vehicle.

Companions are expected to use a mobile app, KeepTruckin (LogBook), and ensure that the app is updated throughout the trip.

Plan the schedule of the group based on programmed activities

Ensure that the Director and the group are able to find and connect with the Makwa partners in each destination (accommodation, transport, activities).

Manage a budget

Makwa companions are responsible for keeping up-to-date budget for the duration of the trip for the group.

Companions complete an expense report at the end of each trip.

Other tasks

Ensure that materials loaned to the group from by Makwa remain in good condition throughout the stay, cleaned at the end of the trip, and complete a report any damage to Makwa.

Participate in the mandatory Makwa training session in the summer.

Complete a pre-trip and post-trip meeting with the Makwa Human Resources Manager.

After each trip, Companions must complete a digital trip report and also ensure that all borrowed materials is returned good condition.

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