Volunteering or Interning at La Giraudiere explores a variety of work activities three days of the week. Find out what you can contribute as a volunteer or what you can learn as an intern when you come and visit the Southwest of France.
Grounds, forest, and back view of La Giraudiere where volunteers and interns work at La Giraudiere in Southwest France
At 2.5 hecters, or approximately 6.2 acres, The grounds at La Giraudiere is a mix of rolling topography and a small forest, grassy areas, two rockery court yards (front and back), and many lovely flowers and bushes. In addition, you will find a restored two story maison de maître, or masters house, built in the 1700 along with a 1904 addition.
While the grounds and maison are delightful, there is certainly always something to be done to further develop, beautify, maintain, and promote this non for profit cultural Immersion center, where learning, work, and adventure mingle together as easily as cultures, ages, genders, and demographics.
So, what lies on the other side of those four free days of excursions into Bordeaux, the beach, and elsewhere… that much needed balance of work at La Giraudiere, or the other 3 days of the week.
“Oh far out! It’s been wonderful, exhausting but fun- variety.” – Maree Johns (Australia volunteer, left)
As I mentioned in the Working Vacation post, work and pleasure really do blur here at La Giraudiere. But what might you expect to experience during your stay? Following is a list of top ten activity options for volunteering and interning, as well as quotes from current team members.
Sebastian Costa, above in the bushes, shared this short but sweet quote about the work at La Giraudiere, “…the long breaks” followed by a smile. He is French and is learning to speak English.
“…so many things, its relaxing and fun (the work), the people are brilliant, and Paul (our host) is really good. He get’s you to make the most out of the opportunity. Out of all my volunteering experience. this has to be one of the tops, and I’ve volunteered with gorillas and elephants !” – Michelle Cocker (Australia volunteer)
Top Ten options for volunteer work and internship at La Giraudiere, not limited to just one:
- Landscaping/Gardening
- Household Management: Housekeeper
- Cooking/Meal Prep
- Construction and Restoration
- Marketing/Social Media/Blogging
- Handy Work or Property Maintaince and DIY
- Bookeeping
- Administration/Communications
- Event Organization
- Education
After four days of touring, beachcoming, museuming, eating and drinking, I really enjoyed the balance of work at La G. – Mayra Pena (USA volunteer, left)
Our present marketing and communications team loves Sidney, the La Giraudere mascot, and is working out a way to blog outside with him. When asked for a quote, Maghen Christie (Canada volunteer, right) said, “Sidney was a really great team member. I think her smile says the rest.
“I am having so much fun at La Giraudiere that I am staying an extra week.” – Noemie D’Onofrio (USA volunteer, left)
And from Lisa Quan (USA volunteer right), a philosophical quote, “If you worry too mcuh about completion, there will never be a beginning.” Letting us know to just get started and get here. We promise there will be plenty of work as well as play for you.
Wheather you volunteer or intern, contribute to the housekeeping, marketing, gardening, restoration, or any number of other activities, the work at La Giraudiere is always varied and fun. So don’t hesitate to join us for your next working holiday, volunteer or internship experince in France.
A bientot,
Mayra, (Volunteer)
