PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This project is an internship program held at a famous atelier in Paris where handmade leather crafts are created. You will learn and work under leather artisans in a Parisian leather workshop, mastering every aspect of leather crafting. In this unique workshop, which produces all kinds of leather products like watches, handbags, bags, bracelets, decorative crafts, and belts, you can learn directly from artisans how to produce handmade leather goods. Experience a life of learning new skills while enjoying the romance of working in a leather shop located in the heart of Paris!
1. Make the craft skills of artisans your own!
This project takes place in a leather workshop that has been operating for two generations, providing the advantage of learning from seasoned artisans who have been crafting leather products for a long time. The teaching method is not rigid theory-based classes but rather a more hands-on, apprenticeship-style learning where you observe and learn directly from the master, providing detailed and specific education on leather crafting techniques. With an open system that allows participants to learn as much as they are willing, you can vividly experience the entire process of creating various leather products. Experience an internship at a famous leather workshop at a relatively low cost! Even those who knew nothing about leather can acquire professional knowledge and skills.
2. Level up your design sense in the fashion capital!
In the romantic streets of Paris, the epitome of European art and culture, you can immerse yourself in European sensibilities and learn various styles. Paris, a city everyone wants to visit at least once, offers you the chance to fully enjoy its unique culture and atmosphere. While feeling the timeless charm of France, you will witness buildings that harmonize the past and the present, shops you can't take your eyes off, and colorful street scenes that will awaken your hidden artistic sensibilities. Seeing is believing! By observing the diverse designs in the fashion capital of Paris, you will start to feel like an artist yourself. Seize the opportunity to enhance your world-class design sense and artistic skills!
3. Make Your Humble Dream a Reality
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in places in Korea where you can either sell handmade leather products or take classes to create your own leather items. If you've always been interested in leather workshops, you could experience an internship in Paris and return to open your own humble handmade leather workshop. In the streets of Paris, where several leather workshops are gathered, you can experience the unique characteristics and ambiance of each shop, and by interning at a workshop that boasts tradition and skill, you can gain practical experience by observing how a shop operates up close. Challenge yourself to realize your dream of owning your own leather workshop through this experience!
■ Grow with the Project
Week 8 of the Project | Week 12 of the Project | Week 16 of the Project |
STUDY IT! |
EXPERIENCE IT! |
BREAKTHROUGH! |
◇ Learn how to make leather products ◇ Develop your sense of style through various leather designs |
◇ Experience craftsmanship and artistic value |
◇ Enhance your sense of accomplishment by creating handmade leather products ◇ Develop creativity through innovative activities ◇ Strengthen your expression through craft art |
Global Internship at an Artisan Leather Workshop in Paris + Professional Education at One of the World's Top 3 Leather Schools in Florence If you want to experience making leather products through a specialized curriculum at a leather school, we recommend the Luxury Handbag Making Project. Experience both systematic education and traditional techniques at one of the world’s leading leather schools. From a free-spirited internship to professional education, you can do it all! Connect both projects for a comprehensive experience!
▼▼▼ Click on the project image below! ▼▼▼ |
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
■ Activity Details
- This project runs from Monday to Friday (5 days a week), for approximately 6 hours a day (subject to change depending on production progress in the workshop).
- This project is an internship, not an educational project. Therefore, participants with some background in craft studies or leathercraft, or those who can handle basic tools and have foundational knowledge of leathercraft, are preferred. However, if you have a passion for leathercraft and a willingness to take on challenges, you may also participate even if you lack basic knowledge.
1) Assistance with Leather Product Production
You will learn the methods required to create leather products such as leather bags, wallets, passport cases, belts, and watch bands, which are produced for sale in the leather workshop. For products with basic patterns, you will assist in completing them by cutting leather materials and using a sewing machine based on the patterns provided.
2) Utilizing Industrial Machines for Leather Products
Some processes in leather product production require industrial machines. You will learn how to use these machines and produce leather products with their help.
English Proficiency Required ★★☆☆☆ / French Proficiency Required ★☆☆☆☆ Since the main activities involve learning various techniques and producing handmade products, communication with staff is important. Therefore, a level of communication ability sufficient to understand explanations of the production process is required. Communication may be conducted in English or French, and being able to communicate in French, the local language, is beneficial. |
SUPPORT
Local Orientation | Online Orientation | Online Consultation | Local Institution Completion Certificate |
KGY Certification | Pre-Departure Care | KGY Consultation | KGY Mission |
24hr Emergency Care | Flight Ticket Booking Assistance | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project and Participation Costs | KGY Mission Scholarship | OT Documents | Project Progress and Training |
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Accommodation, meals, and transportation costs during the project period
- Other local expenses
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The organization running this project is a leather workshop located in Paris. It is well-known in Paris for producing artisan products in the French style. Having been passed down through two generations, the workshop specializes in handmade production. Notably, it gained international acclaim for its uniquely designed watch straps made from double-sided crocodile leather. The staff at the workshop share an unrelenting passion for leather, meticulously crafting each piece by hand. The workshop is famous for creating leather products with distinctive and diverse designs, and it is a go-to place for Parisian fashion enthusiasts seeking high-quality leather goods.
Located in the heart of Paris, the workshop offers leather products loved by both tourists and locals. The quality of the leather, its lasting color, and its durable texture rival those of luxury brands. The workshop showcases a variety of items including leather wallets, watch straps, phone and electronics cases, stylish belts, and leather bags. It has maintained its position with pride in leather quality, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with renowned luxury brands.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants can choose accommodation in the area of the internship according to their personal preferences and budget. For those having difficulty finding accommodation, Korea Gap Year will recommend nearby accommodations (guesthouses/hotels, etc.).
■ Homestay
Homestays provide the opportunity to live with a local family in a foreign country, learning the culture and language. Living with the family allows for communication practice and understanding of their lifestyle, values, and culture.
■ Guesthouse
Guesthouses are accommodations where facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and showers are shared. Rooms are typically assigned as 4-bed, 6-bed, or 8-bed dormitories, accommodating multiple guests. Staying in a guesthouse while traveling allows for short-term interactions with various travelers, exchanging stories and travel information.
■ Apartment Share
Apartment sharing involves renting a house with 5-6 international students and living together. Depending on the house condition, you can choose a private room or share a room with a friend. Unlike a homestay, it does not involve family life but rather sharing chores like cooking, cleaning, and laundry with friends. This option allows for interaction with friends from various countries.
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location : Paris, France
The Louvre Museum, which houses over 300,000 royal artworks, the iconic Eiffel Tower representing Paris, the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral standing over the Seine River in France, and the opulent Versailles Palace are just a few of the countless artistic and tourist attractions in Paris, France. Paris is a city with an incredible number of artworks and various attractions that cannot be listed entirely. France, with its romantic essence alone, boasts world-class culture, cuisine, fashion, and museums. Additionally, Paris is a compact city where you can leisurely explore the landmarks on foot.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
Eligibility
- Ages 18 to 30, eligible to apply for a French Working Holiday visa
- Able to communicate in English/French
- Persons who major in crafts or know how to use basic craft tools
- Those interested in fashion, design, and handmade products
- Those who want to experience working in a prestigious leather workshop in Paris
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The participation period for this project is at least 4 weeks.
■ Project Fees
Duration | Participation Fee |
4 weeks | 2,470,000 KRW |
8 weeks | 2,630,000 KRW |
12 weeks | 2,910,000 KRW |
16 weeks | 3,400,000 KRW |
* For popular projects, there might be no availability, so please apply quickly to secure your spot.
* If you wish to participate for more than 16 weeks, please inquire separately.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ More details)
■ Installment Payment Guide
If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can prepay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of your initial payment, the process for confirming your participation in the project will proceed, and availability and slots will be checked. Securing your spot quickly is important for your desired dates and duration! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for paying the remaining balance may vary depending on the situation.
■ Early Bird Discounts and Emergency Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date due to the standard processing procedures and preparation period. Applications should be submitted no later than 2 months prior. However, if you have unavoidable reasons or need to participate urgently, you can use the emergency application service to expedite the process for an additional fee.
* While we strive to expedite the process, please be aware that there are basic time requirements for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. All procedures will be conducted in the same manner as for regular participants, so those using the emergency application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operation team.
** Those who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** The emergency application service can be selected from the options above, and inquiries regarding the emergency application service should be sent to koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year Missions and notes / Full provision of OT materials immediately upon confirmation of participation / Additional placement of urgent personnel / Support for preparation of documents if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver Date Calculator >> Go to Naver Date Calculator
**Note: In the case of extremely urgent applications, there may be no available slots due to local circumstances, and the procedure will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant's lack of cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
■ Estimated Additional Costs (per week)
Item | Details and Notes | Amount | Category |
Round-trip airfare (including TAX) | Varies by flight | Approx. 800,000 ~ 1,300,000 KRW | Not Included |
Visa issuance fee | Working Holiday Visa issuance | Free | |
Individual travel insurance | Varies by insurance company / duration | Approx. 10,000 KRW | |
Airport usage fees | - | - | |
Local stay costs | Accommodation and meals during the project | Approx. 300,000 ~ 500,000 KRW |
* Airfare may vary depending on the flight.
* Local stay costs are based on average standards and may vary depending on the participant's preferences.
* Travel expenses and personal spending money for the participant are separate.
■ Reference (Estimated Local Prices)
Accommodation | Per Night | Meals | Per Meal |
Guesthouse | Approx. 30,000 KRW | Local Meal | Approx. 7,000 KRW |
Hotel | Approx. 100,000 KRW | Restaurant | Approx. 20,000 KRW |
* The estimated local prices are based on average standards and may vary depending on the participant's preferences.