Paid Volunteer Work...

[bertles86]

Does anyone know of any paid volunteer work in France for UK nationals? I'm due to finish uni (for the second time) in September 08, and in the summer of 09 I'd like to do some volunteer work in France. Either Paris or the South where it'll be nice and warm, not too fussed what kind of work so long as I earn enough for a sort of subsistence living! Any ideas would be grand, cheers.

Bert.

[Bevdeforges]

PAID volunteer work? Isn't that an oxymoron?

What you're up against in France is the fact that many university and even high school programs require students to work "stages" (internships) - doing "real" work but not getting paid for it (or only getting paid a pittance). Many employers, including charitable agencies, jump at the chance for getting free (or almost free) workers while being able to feel good about "helping a young person with their studies."

You might check with some French charities (Médécins du monde or Médécins sans Frontiers) but I think most of their work is in places a bit less inviting than the south of France. There is also a once-a-month section in the Guardian Weekly that lists job ads for NGOs and other aid agencies. I'm not sure that they advertise summer jobs, but taking a look through might give you some ideas for organizations to contact.
Cheers,
Bev

[bertles86]

Hi Bev,

Yeh what I meant by paid volunteer work was the organisations which accomodate you and feed you in return for you working. I'm not looking to earn thousands just survive! I'll look into those organisations, I know of MSF it's like VSO in this country. I'll keep an eye out, and see if I can face buying the Guardian

[giantpanda]

Originally Posted by bertles86

Does anyone know of any paid volunteer work in France for UK nationals? I'm due to finish uni (for the second time) in September 08, and in the summer of 09 I'd like to do some volunteer work in France. Either Paris or the South where it'll be nice and warm, not too fussed what kind of work so long as I earn enough for a sort of subsistence living! Any ideas would be grand, cheers.

Bert.

Hi!

there are a lot of " student jobs " for the French holiday period ( now it is the time )- but as said it is for a pitance', and you have to watch that you are not " exploited ".

See the following internet page:

Jobs d'été - Recherche Google

Yours,

giantpanda