Choosing the correct volunteer opportunity

an article by Travel Writer Terrance Cremin

Prominently displayed on the Facebook page for La Giraudiere is a colorful poster, brimming with opportunity, proclaiming to STAY CALM, VOLUNTEER and TRAVEL THE WORLD.  It’s a lovely piece of advice but in today’s frantic world of overcrowded airplanes, last minute cancellations, security checks and overstuffed trains, it can feel as if the universe has conspired against the traveler.  For  the La Giraudiere volunteer who has traveled from points far and wide, there is no more comforting feeling when one steps off the train in Chalais than to hear the sound of someone calling your first name.  Behind the call is the friendly face of Program Director Paul welcoming you to this most inviting part of the world.  A short ride away through the rolling French countryside of  grapevines, tournesols (sunflowers -I’m sure I saw Van Gogh painting in the fields) and terra cotta roof farm houses, lies the charming refuge, La Giraudiere.  An imposing building of faint yellow stucco and stone, you almost expect Juliet Binoche to walk out its doors to welcome you with warm bread, cheese and chocolate. Instead, it’s Sal, a lad from Northern Ireland, who rushes to the car to help you with your bags

and get you settled.  He’s just the first of the many international volunteers you meet, who all seem to know your name and have anticipated your arrival.   After a quick tour of the building and grounds, admiring the progress made by previous volunteers in restoring the luster to the ancient rustic walls as you go, everyone pitches in to assure your comfort.  “Would you like some tea?” British volunteers, Marlene and Colin ask you.  The Americans offer coffee and The Australians, Leon and Bridget, most tuned into the rigors of long distance travel, suggest you may like a nap.  That maxim you read on The Facebook page, seemingly eons ago, flashes back in your mind.  A sense of calm is restored and you know your decision to travel the world and more specifically, volunteer at La Giraudiere, was the right one.

 

Page Written by Terrence Cremin USA whilst on his working holiday volunteering in France 

 

 For information on volunteering in France  or A working holiday in France