France Volunteering

Feel like saving the world this week? Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. Though France is considered wealthy by Western standards, there is no shortage of aid organizations that address the social issues the country faces, and short-term volunteering positions can be found in nearly every city. France offers something to fit your every volunteering preference, whether it is to work with the elderly, to advocate for the environment and work for wildlife conservation, or to help restore Provence’s crumbling ruins.

Most people who volunteer in France do so on a short-term basis at organizations that make use of drop-in or once-a-week volunteers. The best way to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule may be to check with local or national volunteer centers listed below. The most common short-term volunteer activities include community groups that work with the disadvantaged in France’s cities, environmental protection efforts, and work camps that help restore historical monuments. As always, read up before heading out.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system—for a fee. There are two main types of organizations—religious and secular—although there are rarely restrictions on participation for either. Websites like www.volunteerabroad.com, www.servenet.org, and www.idealist.org allow you to search for volunteer openings both in your country and abroad.

I Have To Pay To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations,” but don’t go calling them scams just yet. While such fees may seem ridiculous at first, they often keep the organization afloat, covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing) or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty of creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

General Volunteer Organizations

Care France, CAP 19, 13 rue de Georges Auric, 75019 Paris (☎ 01 53 19 89 89; www.carefrance.org). An international organization providing volunteer opportunities that range from combating AIDS to promoting ...more

Youth And The Community

Community-based projects involve close work with disadvantaged populations in France, including at-risk youth and the poor, elderly, and disabled. A high unemployment rate has left many communities reliant ...more

Environmental Conservation

After oil spills occured in France in 1999 and 2002 and similar disasters took place elsewhere in Europe, both France and the EU enacted strict pollution controls to protect coastal areas. Yet France’s ...more

Historical Restoration

The preservation and reconstruction of French landmarks is an ongoing concern. Volunteers looking for a more labor-intensive experience and an opportunity to learn about France’s architectural history ...more