Aleksandra's long term volunteering in Germany

1. Where are you a volunteer, when did you start your project and what was the most surprising cultural difference you experienced?

Since April 2023, I have been volunteering at the Freie Schule Brigach. As I found myself in an alternative school for the first time, the most surprising things were about the education system rather than cultural differences. However, I experienced a small cultural shock when we were cooking Frädlesuppe with the kids together. There are pancakes in my national cuisine too but I couldn’t have imagined they could be floating striped in a soup. Additionally, I fell in love with the local badisch dialect. 

2. In addition to your day-to-day work, have you had the chance to create a workshop or project of your own initiative at your host organization?

Just as the school allows freedom for students to explore their interests, volunteers and teachers are encouraged to do their own projects. I focused mostly on the English language as well as on arts and crafts. The projects were both individual and for groups. Among English activities, we did regular Listening and Vocabulary classes, Book Club, and Debates. It also helped me to develop my German skills. Craving for some creativity, I also started some art classes where we experimented with colours, materials, and techniques. We also recycled paper and bound a notebook from it. 

3. Have you had the opportunity to travel during your ESC year?

Mostly, I was busy with my studies during the school holiday. Still, I had a chance to explore Germany a bit more, visit Estonia, and France, and drop by Hungary again. 

4. What has been your most memorable experience so far?

After this year when I developed my German and learned so much with and about the children, I can’t help remembering my first two weeks when I still could hardly understand or say anything. It was quite stressful: my brain was vibrating with new information even at night and body turned paralised with fears when I wanted to act, but I kept learning and making mistakes to overcome this state. 

5. How was your second ESC seminar?

My second ESC seminar was more serious and calmer in a sense, not as dreamy as the first one. I was not just settled but already coming to the end of my project, so it helped me reflect on my experiences. I found it helpful to learn more about conflict resolution at this point. We had several exercises and discussions leading to it. It was especially interesting to decide on something together in a very heterogeneous group like ours where people were of “opposing” backgrounds, for example, spiritual communities and politics.