I spent my EVS at Outward Bound Romania. It was a meaningful
experience with lot of adventures.
It was a quick decision to apply for an EVS project and I was
surprised when I found out that I am chosen for the project. The
timing was just perfect I wanted to leave my current job and learn more about the world to broaden my
horizons.
I accepted it and I moved to Romania for 9 months. At the
beginning I was a little bit lost in a strange city. I felt
alone although my colleagues were friendly and supportive. They took me to the
best places where I could meet nice people and learn folk dance. It helped
me a lot to integrate and find local friends and company.
My accommodation was in Marosvásárhely and during the winter I worked in
the office. I helped to write projects and I was making graphic
design, logos, leaflets and posters as well.
After spring the outdoor programs began in the youth center of OB, in
Sovata. At the beginning I was there mainly during the weekends, but from May
when I almost moved there, because of the quantity of programs.
The adventurous and magical journey begins. This was what I enjoyed
the most. I took part in outdoor programs based on experiential education
as a participant and assistant trainer as well.
I attended a Training of Trainers course where I got tools and
techniques to use in experiential education. After the training assisting on
the outdoor programs I deepened my knowledge about non-formal education. I was
involved in planning and implementing activities. I learned how to design a
program according to the group's needs and expectation and I lead activities as
well.
During my EVS project I tried to take part actively in a local
social and cultural life. I have attended folk dance courses where I learned
dances, songs and habits from the local region. I went to theatre, concerts and
other cultural events. I have been in a folk dance camp where I have seen how
substantial is for the locals to preserve their traditions.
Those programs provided me a wide range of possibilities to meet many
interesting people and make new friendships. I have met people from different
backgrounds and nations. Spending more time with them I realized that even
there are differences in our way of thinking and different point of view I
could find the way to understand each other.
The project provided me opportunities and enough time for focusing on
myself and for self-reflection. I have learned a lot about myself
I realized my skills, strengths and weaknesses. I had opportunity to overcome my fear of the
heights, to complete a hiking tour with sleeping outside in winter, which made
me stronger physically and mentally. Overcoming these challenges I realized my
own boundaries and potential.
It was one of the the best periods of my life full of memorable
experiences. I have learned a lot about myself about facing
challenges, problem solving and persistence. I am thankful that
I could share those moments with wonderful people in a familiar atmosphere.
I am glad that I could meet them and I hope we will see each
other in the future.