Leaving America for a new unique culture

Boston International Airport 2015

On Monday January 26th, New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) was expecting a colossal snow storm. Elizabeth Cattell, student who just finish high school weeks before was getting ready for her 3 month trip to France. Flying out of Logan International Airport in Boston at 8 pm seemed impossible. Luckily, for international flights, the airport would stay open till midnight. Fortunate? Yes I would say so. Avoir de la chance!

Finding La Giraudiere

Months prior, her mother, found out about a volunteering program in France via internet. Accommodations, meals, transportation, French lessons, weekly market trips, excursions, and communities activities seemed like the perfect fit for an active and outgoing girl. With the benefits of volunteering, and helping the community applying was a must! 5 weeks seemed like the perfect amount of time, but after arriving she can see staying longer!

Arriving to a foreign country

Elizabeth has somewhat of an advantage coming to France, she received her dual citizenship at the age of 18. Her mother, Fabienne Cattell was born in France, and moved to America when she was 21 for school. Ever since Elizabeth was born, she traveled to France every 2 years to visit family. But this journey marks her first time traveling alone to a foreign country.

An experience of a lifetime

La Girauiere is open and ready for 2015! Elizabeth, being the first of 2015, will begin preparing the house for future volunteers. On the weekends, she departs with her family. Having Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays as work days, and Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays as the weekends, she finds the perfect balance. Touring France has been an amazing learning experience. She has a very good base of French language, but hopes to become fluent after 3 months.

You to may be interested in volunteering, read more at Volunteering in France