Australian abroad praises volunteer programs in south west France

Sam Grace an Australian who volunteered at La Giraudiere in October 2012 .

Sam who had been travelling around Europe during his gap year used the project at La Giraudiere so as to take some time out of his travels. His stay at La Giraudiere surprised him as you will read from his testimonial……,

“This has got to be one of the best French culture immersion programs in France.

Get involved! Staying in hotels and ticking off the tourist sites in the cities is good, but it does not compare whatsoever to living in a village in the middle of the French countryside, getting to know the locals and sharing the whole experience with a bunch of likeminded people. The highlight of my trip would definitely have to be playing petanque in the afternoons and early evenings with a group of beret-wearing, pipe-smoking, red wine-drinking Frenchmen and Madames. It was as French as you can get, an experience for locals, and during my stay at La Giraudiere I was definitely made to feel like a local. Whether it was harvesting the chestnuts, tasting the first jus de raisin of the season, or just enjoying a meal at the local bar come resto, I felt really involved in village life, and I think it’s great that I was a part of rural living because it isn’t a tourist trip, it’s a true French experience. And if you’re not looking for that, why did you come to France!?

I’d thoroughly recommend volunteering or interning at La Giraudiere. Help out with a bit of work and enjoy getting immersed in French culture – you’ll love it.