EVS volunteers receive different trainings during their project: pre-departure training, on-arrival training, midterm training and final evaluation.

First of all, the goal of an on arrival training is to provide volunteers with tools and information they might need during their project. We did some reflections about several topics, like what does Europe mean to us. We also learnt many practical tools such as how to start and manage a project.

Our trainers lead all the activities through non-formal education. Thus, we were mainly learning from each other by sharing our ideas and making activities together. We played games, which were actually the way to introduce many topics and reflections.

It was interesting to see how some volunteers have different reactions towards similar situations according to their personality and cultural background. For example, two volunteers working with teenagers had a very different approach to their project. One needed more motivation because she felt lost due to cultural differences and the language barrier. The other one was very excited because she saw every exchange with people as a Czech lesson or as a new life experience.

We also had some time to make our own workshops and share with the rest of the participants our practical skills and some activities we like: yoga, theater and acrobatics, massages, juggling and Czech songs. It was very interesting for all of us.

Last night, some of us prepared a little surprise for everyone. A treasure hunting leaded participants to a clown and fire-juggling performance made by a volunteer from a theater company. We ended the week with new friends to visit and share experiences with.

Mercedes and Mathieu