Canadian in France Volunteers at La Giraudière

Posted on March 4, 2015 by La Giraudiere

Canadian in France

Our most recent volunteer is Davida who is from the city of Toronto in the province of Ontario, Canada and she will be spending five weeks at La Giraudière to do volunteer work and to experience the French way of life in the countryside.  This is Davida’s second trip to France.  She has previously spent about a year in France during which time she worked as an English Teacher Assistant in the beautiful city of Bordeaux.  Five years later, she had an itch to go back and have another great experience.

In September, Davida started researching different work or volunteer opportunities in France.  She came across La Giraudière online and found the project and experience to be interesting and very unique.  The flexibility of start dates, the affordable cost and the reviews of previous visitors were also very appealing.  After receiving more information from Paul, the coordinator, she decided to apply for the program.

Canadian in France

The old house at La Giraudière

This new volunteer departed on an Air France flight from Toronto on February 26, 2015 at 6:30 pm and touched down at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris after which she took a connecting flight to Bordeaux.  Although she arrived safely, her luggage did not.  Unfortunately, a luggage sorter broke down at Charles de Gaulle airport affecting the luggage of all flights between 5am and 1pm for terminal E and F and which resulted in many unhappy flyers.  Thank God for carry-on luggage that is well stocked.  Davida was only missing a few essential items which she was able to purchase upon her arrival.

Canadian in France Volunteers at La Giraudière

Despite the mishap, Davida is happy to be in France again.  The weather is certainly pleasant enough, leaving behind the -11°C of Toronto to meet a mild 11°C.  Soon after Paul welcomed her at the station and brought her to La Giraudière, they took a long walk around the village of Brossac where Davida was able to take in the lovely charm of the French countryside.

This Canadian in France is looking forward to helping Paul prepare to host a school group who will be visiting La Giraudière in April.  Stay tuned for more posts.

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A semester Off to Experience French Culture

Posted on February 5, 2015 by La Giraudiere

Leaving America for a new unique culture

Snow Storm Forces Boston International Airport to Close

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

Elizabeth_an_American_VolunteerMonths 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

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Amanda Styles From UK volunteers at La Giraudiere

Posted on February 2, 2015 by La Giraudiere

Project Coordinator Amanda Styles from UK volunteers at La Giraudiere

Amanda chose the second week in September 2014 to come and volunteer her time at La Giraudiere. Amanda main reason for volunteering was to be in the French country side in a real rural community, practice her French whilst contributing towards LG.

Amanda UK volunteer helps Bob with the cycles

Amanda keeping an watchful eye on Bob Canada as they both check and repair the bicycles at La Giraudiere

Amanda was selected for her IT skills and project management but it soon became apparent that Amanda could take on any tasks presented to her.

During her time at La Giraudiere Amanda help prepare for a Soiree Entente Cordiale whereby the mixtures of locals, French, Belge and British, could come along for an evening at La Giraudiere play some cards throw some darts or shoot some pool.

Volunteer-amanda_stylesUnfortunately, Amanda had to leave prior to the event evening but over 40 arrived and a great evening was had by all. Amanda also helped the other volunteers who were at LG during her time.

On the menu was Chilli con Carne with Rice followed by dessert both of which were prepared by the group.

 

“Amanda it was a shame you were only here for a week as you contributed so much during your week so a big thanks is due, have a great 2015 and hopefully see you back at La Giraudiere soon.” Paul – (Project manager and Vice president of the association.)

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Nilou Davoudi Canadian Volunteer helps La Giraudiere

Posted on February 2, 2015 by La Giraudiere

Nilou Davoudi Canadian Volunteer helps La Giraudiere

Volunteer from Canada

Nilou Canadian Volunteer September 2014

Nilou Davoudi from Calgary in Canada a program coordinator with the University of Calgary in Canada chose to volunteer at La Giraudiere in September 2014. Nilou arrived on the 1st of September and was here for a three week volunteers stay.

During Nilous stay she helped prepare for two events, the first was a community event for which an international group arrived yes French, British, Belgium and dutch were among the villagers that live in Brossac and were invited for a Soiree Cordial at La Giraudiere.

A darts and playing cards competition was held and the winners and runners up each won a trophy and a bottle of wine. Nilou was responsible for the bar and keeping the visitors supplied with French wine and beer that night and this was an ideal opportunity for Nilou to practice her French.

On the menu was Chilli Con Carne and Rice again Nilou helped in the preparation of the dinner. This was the first time that Nilou had traveled abroad on her own and for sure the first time she had volunteered abroad.

“A big thank you to Nilou without whom it would not have been

possible to hold these events.”

 

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Queens University Undergraduate chooses La Giraudiere

Posted on January 14, 2015 by La Giraudiere

Volunteering experience abroad

Queens University Undergraduate chooses La Giraudiere for his first volunteering abroad experience. A full time undergraduate music student who was in his second year at Queens University decided to volunteer at La Giraudiere during the summer of 2014.

Salwan Queens University Undergraduate

Salwan Cartwright-Shamoon had never worked in the construction or gardening and never used a washing machine. Sal had to cook for a group of 8, during his term, again a total new experience for Sal.  Sal grasped all the challenges that La Giraudiere had to offer and surpassed all the expectations of myself and the group.

Thank you Sal for choosing La Giraudiere and contributing in the way that you only know it was great living and working with you for sure three weeks I will always remember and thanks again for the testimonial and looking forward to seeing you back here for Christmas 2015.

Bastille day work group

Salwan with other Volunteers from La Giraudiere and the local village of Brossac helped the local community prepare for Bastille Day celebrations – Sal is on the far left.

You can read Salwans testimonial by visiting Salwans Testimonial

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