Calgarian Nilou Davoudi Arrives At La Giraudiere to Jump Start Her Working Holiday Experience 

I first came to France when I was 16 to visit family in Normandy. Instantly I was in love with France and everything French – from the language and culture to the bread, cheese and wine to the kind, proud people who smile easily. Ten years later and I came back again with my husband to visit. The love I had for France was still very strong. So, I quit my cubicle job, left my wonderful husband, friends and family behind for a working holiday year in France.  I decided to come to France to improve my French, learn more about the culture and learn more about myself as a person too.

Heavy snow blankets the city of Calgary AB Canada on Tuesday September 9th 2014 (Ted Rhodes/Calgary Herald)

The day I left my hometown Calgary, Alberta, Canada, there was still snow on the ground and the weather was bone chillingly cold. No this wasn’t the middle of winter – it was mid September. After a long flight from Calgary to Amsterdam, another flight from Amsterdam to Bordeaux, a short bus ride, a train ride and a car ride, I finally made it to La Giraudiere – exhausted but thrilled to be there. I had seen several photos of LG before I arrived but the photos do it no justice. This place is absolutely breathtaking. I chose La Giraudiere to help me transition into my working holiday year. I had never been to southern France so this was a great opportunity to not only see the sights but also immerse myself fully into the language and culture.

Working Holiday at La Giraudiere in beautiful south west France (http://www.lagiraudiere.com/)

So far I have been here for a couple of days and I am living the life! The views are stunning, the weather is a dream come true, Brossac (the village) is like a postcard and the food is to die for. The other volunteers here are fantastic and Paul and his adorable dog (Sidney) are the best hosts you can ask for. I feel right at home! I am hoping that my time at La Giraudiere will give me the confidence I need to begin a year working and living in France.

Everything here has been better than I would have ever expected and I am very grateful and glad I found La Giraudiere!

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