Have you any experience of working as a fruit picker?

Question

I want to brush my French up and i am thinking about doing this over next summer in France, have you any experience of doing it?

My friend says its an awful job, but i think it would be ok and gardening is good exercise, i know its not strenuous but being on your feet and moving about all day is better than sitting at a desk.

Anyways thoughts welcome xx

Answer 1

Try a kibbutz in Israel.

Answer 2

I saw your previous question, and I can't see you practising much French bent double over a grapevine.  You should try Hotel work (but in the provincial towns during the summer)  Towns like Bordeaux, Toulouse, around the Loire Valley etc.  I'm sure that you'll bump into one or two Brits, but not as many as French people.  If you work on reception you'll be speaking continuously.  Also you will get staff accommodation which will be one less worry.  

However, only choose to work in the main group hotels such as Novotel, Mercure, Ibis, Holiday Inn, Hilton etc.  Small private hotels can be known to exploit seasonal workers especially close to the main seaside resorts.

If hotel work doesn't appeal, apply to a local newspaper to do some reporting as a journalist.  You may find it interesting and you would certainly brush up your French.

Answer 3

My fiance travelled around Greece fruit picking.  It earned him enough for a bed and a meal that day.  Plus ate a lot of the fruit.  He picked olives, oranges etc.  Great time.  He also befriended the farmer and it was quite often that his family took him home and gave him a meal and sometimes a bed.

It's a really good way to brush up on the language and the local way of life.  Good for you.  Get out there and see some life and different culture - while you're still young enough AND FIT ENOUGH to do it.  Have a great time.x

Answer 4

It is hard work but you will enjoy it and also the company and new friends. Just be careful and make sure that you do not go alone to work in a foreign country.