So many of you reading this would probably be wondering why I haven’t posted in a good few months. The reason for this is because I have spent the last two and a half months working on a campsite with children, in the middle of France.
Application
I decided during October 2016 that I didn’t want to waste the summer at home, partaking in the same activities as I usually would. I wanted to experience something completely different, something that I probably wouldn’t have the opportunity to do again. I searched online for different options and found various summer jobs for students abroad. The position that stood out for me was the role of an Activity Courier because of the type of activities I would be running. I applied for the job online and was surprised by how easy the application process was. I filled in an application form online, progressed further to have a Skype interview, applied for a DBS check and before I knew it, I was on the Isle of Wight training.
Training
I completed a weeks training course on the Isle of Wight, learning everything from child safety through to first aid. Although the early starts were difficult, I met some amazing people and had so much fun – taking part in chocolate parties, body zorbing, raft building and more. Would I have done this at home? I doubt it very much.
Travel
After my training week, I left the Isle of Wight to travel to Les Alicourts Resort in France. This trip was possibly the longest, most tiresome journey I have ever been on. Two ferries, a bus, 2 metro’s, 2 trains and a taxi later and we arrived at the campsite. Typically when we arrived, it was raining, which naturally made me feel rather homesick. Days passed, the weather cleared up and I gradually got the swing of things. Running sessions took my mind off being homesick and the children’s personality and energy helped me power through. It was never going to be easy, after all, I was working in a foreign country with complete strangers for two and a half months.
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Viola (@violahelen_)
It sounds like you had an incredibly productive, fun and enriching summer! Were you paid for this role, or was just accommodation/food provided? Also, what level does your French have to be?
Viola xo | A Piece of Viola