Podcast Summary: InnerFrench E150 – Faire du volontariat en France
Date: July 31, 2024
Hosts: Hugo & Ingrid
Overview
In this milestone 150th episode of InnerFrench, Hugo and Ingrid respond to a listener's question about volunteering opportunities in France. The episode explores the vocabulary differences and structures surrounding "volontariat" and "bénévolat" in France, types of opportunities available (both for young people and retirees), the best ways to find these roles, and the hosts’ own experiences. The tone is relaxed, friendly, and informative, aiming to empower listeners with knowledge and practical advice for living meaningful experiences in France while practicing French.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Why This Topic? [01:03]
- The episode was inspired by an email from a listener, Suzanne, asking for advice about volunteering in France.
- Hugo admits a lack of direct experience but Ingrid has volunteered in France and abroad.
- Main aim: explain the French context, clarify terminology, and offer advice for aspiring volunteers.
2. Volunteering: International vs. French Context [03:28]
- Definition of “Volunteering” Internationally [03:28 – 06:16]:
- In the anglophone sense, volunteering typically means work in exchange for lodging and sometimes meals, arranged in advance via a host.
- In French, “l’hôte” can mean both host and guest, which can be confusing for learners.
- Example: “Awkwardly, in French, the word ‘hôte’ can mean both the person hosting and the one being hosted.” – Hugo [04:47]
- Types of Hosts [06:16]:
- Could be individuals, organizations, businesses, or associations.
- “The idea is, you give your time and energy, work a few hours a day, and live on site for free.” – Ingrid [06:16]
3. Personal Stories: Accidental Volunteering [06:54]
- Hugo shares an anecdote of an unplanned “forced” voluntariat in Glasgow: bad hostel, demanded a refund, ended up working at the hostel for compensation.
- “We ended up making friends with the staff… it turned out to be a great experience.” – Hugo [08:47]
- Ingrid notes this resembles common volunteering setups, but usually it's a planned arrangement.
4. The "Volontariat" in France: Very Specific Legal Status [09:51]
- In France, "volontariat" often refers to a regulated status, typically with a small compensation, more like a paid assignment.
- Includes significant paperwork, and limited generally to French or EU citizens.
- “In France, volunteering has a very specific meaning… It’s more like a job, just paid less and with more bureaucracy.” – Ingrid [10:09]
5. European Opportunities [11:59]
- The European Voluntary Service (“service volontaire européen”, 17–30 years old), akin to Erasmus but for humanitarian or ecological causes.
- Travel and basics are covered by the EU.
6. The V.I.E. – Volontariat International en Entreprise [12:54]
- V.I.E. is a French program where young people work abroad in companies under a special contract, usually poorly paid.
- “Doing volunteering in a company doesn’t make sense, does it? In reality, it’s often a disguised work contract.” – Ingrid [13:20]
- Discusses how V.I.E. is often misrepresented as volunteering, whereas it’s actually salaried employment, often in a precarious form.
7. What You’re Actually Looking For: Bénévolat [15:19]
- In French, unpaid, informal voluntary work is called “bénévolat,” not “volontariat.”
- No formal contract, no remuneration, and flexible arrangement.
- “Bénévolat is simply giving your time for free, with no legal or contractual obligations.” – Ingrid [16:08]
- Example: Ingrid describes volunteering for “Whatisat” in Toulouse; informal, flexible arrangements, organized via group chats and meetings.
8. How to Find Bénévolat in France [20:04]
- Recommended directories and sites:
- “Tous bénévoles”, “France Bénévolat”, “Je veux aider” [20:04 – 20:40]
- Approach well-known associations directly, e.g., Croix-Rouge (Red Cross), Action contre la faim, Médecins du monde, UNICEF.
9. Trade-Offs: Bénévolat vs International Volunteering [21:38]
- “Bénévolat” in France usually does not include housing or meals; you must provide your own accommodation.
- “If you want accommodations included, look for international volunteering—through English-language sites.” – Hugo [21:38]
10. Platforms for International Volunteer Exchanges in France [22:10]
- Use sites like Workaway, HelpX, and Worldpackers to find offers where accommodation and meals are included in exchange for help.
- Variety of opportunities: eco-lodge construction, farmwork, childcare, running hostels, etc.
- Ingrid describes her Workaway in Ecuador: everyday tasks, Spanish language, living with a host family. [23:33]
- Caveat: “Be careful—volunteering shouldn’t mean working 10 hours a day!” – Hugo [24:47]
- Check reviews on these platforms, be vigilant about conditions.
11. Fille/Garçon au Pair and Retiree Opportunities [26:08]
- Au Pair: Childcare for room, board, and cultural exchange; popular among young people but not exclusive.
- “You can start as an au pair and end up starting a family here!” – Ingrid [26:54]
- Volunteer opportunities aren’t just for the young; retirees are welcome, often specifically sought for certain tasks. [28:02]
12. Woofing: Farm-Based Volunteering [29:01]
- Wwoofing: Work on organic farms in exchange for room and board, with a broader educational and ecological emphasis.
- “In French, we’d say ‘bio’ instead of ‘organic’ for ecological agriculture.” – Ingrid [29:20]
- Focus on permaculture and sustainable practices.
- Demands more physical effort, but open to all ages and backgrounds, with increasing opportunities in France.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Faire du volontariat, c’est une très bonne manière de pratiquer la langue tout en faisant quelque chose d’intéressant.” – Ingrid [02:17]
- “Le mot ‘hôte’ en français… ça peut vraiment prêter à confusion parfois.” – Hugo [04:47]
- “En France, le volontariat, officiellement, c’est un statut bien particulier, c’est pas du tout le même concept qu’ailleurs.” – Ingrid [09:51]
- “Bénévolat is simply giving your time for free, no attachment, no contract. It’s much more flexible.” – Ingrid [16:08]
- “Le volontariat, c’est pas de l’esclavage !” – Hugo [24:47]
- “Gîte et couvert”—French expression meaning accommodation and food, typically offered in international volunteering. [27:15]
- “Il ne faut pas croire que le volontariat soit réservé aux jeunes… c’est vraiment pour tout le monde.” – Ingrid [28:02]
- “Woofing… ce n’est pas du tout une histoire de loups !” – Hugo [29:01]
- “Permaculture… c’est une manière d’appréhender un écosystème dans sa globalité.” – Ingrid [30:35]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [01:03] Inspiration for the episode and the influence of listener questions
- [03:28] Definitions and vocabulary: Volunteering internationally vs. in France
- [06:54] Hugo’s example of “forced volunteering” in Scotland
- [09:51] France's formal and legal approach to “volontariat”
- [11:59] European Voluntary Service
- [12:54] V.I.E. (Volontariat International en Entreprise)
- [15:31] Defining “bénévolat” and how it differs from “volontariat”
- [20:04] Where and how to find bénévolat opportunities
- [22:10] Platforms for international-style volunteering (Workaway, HelpX, Worldpackers)
- [26:08] Au pair and “granny au pair” options; retirees’ roles in volunteering
- [29:01] Introduction to wwoofing and ecological volunteering
Conclusion & Takeaways
- The French concept of “volontariat” is heavily regulated, unlike the flexible international version.
- To volunteer in France informally (as is common abroad), search for “bénévolat.”
- For housing-included volunteer stints, platforms like Workaway, HelpX and Worldpackers are best.
- Woofing (WWOOF) is a great ecological option, especially for those interested in farming and sustainability.
- Volunteering is open to all ages—retirees included!
- Use specific sites and forums, and be mindful of the vocabulary to find the opportunity you’re looking for.
Further Resources
The hosts promised to include links to:
- Tous bénévoles, France Bénévolat, Je veux aider
- Workaway, HelpX, Worldpackers
- WWOOF France
Listeners are encouraged to share experiences or advice in comments to help others in the InnerFrench community.