On-Arrival Training

With the ESC programme, we have the opportunity to take part in this training organised by the Bulgarian National Agency. Its purpose is to help us better understand the ESC programme, meet other volunteers, develop our intercultural and communication skills, and reflect on the importance and impact of our role in our host organisations and in Bulgaria. The facilitators emphasise these values through games, group activities, discussions, and the sharing of experiences, which really helped us bond with the other volunteers and made the experience even more meaningful. The training takes place only twice a year in Bulgaria, and since I am staying here for just four months, I feel very lucky to have had the chance to participate.

Before the training, I went through a period when I was feeling quite low. I felt lonely because, out of the seven volunteers who were here when I arrived, only Peter and I were left. I started questioning everything: why I was here, what the purpose of my volunteering was, and what it would bring to my future. This training really lifted my mood. It helped me better understand volunteering and encouraged me to reflect on my personal goals.

In just five days, I really felt that I had grown a lot. I did things that used to scare me with surprising ease, and I quickly felt comfortable around people who were complete strangers to me. Several times, I found myself at the centre of attention, which is something I usually hate, yet I felt little to no apprehension. We gave presentations, regularly had the opportunity to speak up and share our opinions in front of the group, and took part in many activities that allowed us to get to know every volunteer in the group. Eventually, I got closer to some volunteers more than others.

We also had free time in the evenings to spend with the other volunteers after dinner and do whatever activities we wanted. The organisers trusted us enough to leave us the keys to the conference rooms if we wanted to use them, and we were also free to spend time outside the hostel. We had long conversations in the park, played games such as Mafia, and I even took part in a healing session with my roommate.

All of these moments also made me realise that most of us were in similar situations and were looking for authentic experiences through this volunteering journey. It was reassuring to see that I was not alone in what I was feeling and that many of us were stepping away from the usual path of life to seek something different. At least, this is how I personally experienced it. This training reassured me and gave me the tools to continue my volunteering and make the most of my time here in even better conditions.

Zoé

P.S.: Sofia kept my sunglasses. At this point, losing one pair every summer has become some kind of tradition… or maybe just a curse.