On Arrival Training

The European Solidarity Corps also includes an On Arrival Training, which is organized by the National Agency. The aim of the training is to receive information and tools that are useful for the volunteer service abroad, e. g. communication, rights and responsibilities, conflict resolution, goal setting and learning to learn, but also background knowledge about Italian culture and team building between participants.

My On Arrival Training took place in Morlupo, Rome. After 3 months, I am no longer at the beginning of my volunteer service (rather halfway), but I still learned a lot of new things in those 5 days. About my experiences so far and about my possibilities for the future. Strategies to channel my plans and make them happen. Online tools for mindmapping, teamworking, etc. I was able to visit Rome (at temperatures of 38° C 😵) and see a wonderful Italian movie ("Quo vado" - absolutely recommended).

But best of all, I met many wonderful people. Do-gooders, seekers, idealists, adventurers, dropouts, .... . Different in our motivations, backgrounds, experiences and projects, spread all over Italy and yet like-minded. Teambuilding and get-to-know-you games (yes, they really work!) broke the initial ice and brought us a bit closer. Small parties and conversations deep into the night eventually developed into friendships. We exchanged our experiences and expectations and got to know each other and ourselves better.

Once again I am grateful for the opportunities offered by the European Solidarity Corps. The On Arrival Training was almost like the volunteer project itself: in a short time I met many wonderful people, heard many stories that make me think and got many impressions that shape me. And therefore, I would like to conclude here with the wise words of Team Honolulu:

It´s not an issue, it´s a challenge
It´s not a mistake, it´s a lesson
It´s not about the goal, it´s about the journey
We are not late, we are in Italian time

😘

Comments

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