Having grown up on Reunion Island, I was told I was European on paper, but truly had no physical or cultural ties to it. I wondered if there was something that Europeans had that the rest of the world seemed to lack and if I had it too or not, despite having never lived there.
As a matter of fact, on Reunion Island, in mainland France or in Narva, people live similar lives. After five months volunteering in Narva Language Lyceum, I’ve seen many scenes reminding me of my own childhood. Every day I get to help the teachers with their tasks and the children with their work, or even to simply chat or play with them. It’s been interesting seeing the differences in the Estonian and French school system, but these differences remain in the system, children remain children regardless of where they were born. The children and teenagers in Narva Language Lyceum all have a wide range of personalities and concerns that I remember having at their age but a great majority of them share curiosity for a foreign volunteer and a desire to learn more, whether in English or about the world, even if they lack the language to express their interest. I learned (and am still learning) a lot from volunteering. First about the Estonian school system but also about working with children. As someone who loves children, I’m slowly getting the hang of actually making them behave even if they look too adorable to scold. I’ve also learned a lot about myself and volunteering with a school has definitely helped define my career path, which I’m grateful for. And of course, I’m also learning a lot of Russian.
I’ve seen more of Narva than the school, having been lucky to join a Russian folk song ensemble at the local cultural center. It's been a blessing for me to be able to continue my hobby while volunteering, and it’s been an even greater pleasure getting to know the locals, who have all been helpful and welcoming, no matter how much or how little English they know. I was really surprised to see how caring the locals were. I think it is partly because I am a young girl living away from her family but they are concerned with my safety, health, and also company. I had heard many stories of people going for Erasmus or other exchange programs and not being able to spend time with people other than other foreigners so I am happy and grateful that I have this experience here.
I would recommend the European Solidarity Corps to everyone who wants to travel to a country without being simply a tourist. If you want to connect with the locals, work on your language skills and/or learn about a new culture, I think long term volunteering is a great opportunity to do so. For me, the European Solidarity Corps was the first opportunity to go abroad for a long period of time, as I never had the funds to do so before. I think universities and other youth information centers should speak more about it, especially in France where many young people struggle financially and don’t have the opportunity to go on Erasmus exchanges during their degrees which calls for quite an important sum from their own pockets. Furthermore, as a student, I would recommend it to people who are confused about their path in life now. Volunteering in a sphere that is related to your studies (or not!) can be eye opening. I've already discussed ESC volunteering with many of my friends and am looking forward to seeing them volunteering in the upcoming years!
As a matter of fact, on Reunion Island, in mainland France or in Narva, people live similar lives. After five months volunteering in Narva Language Lyceum, I’ve seen many scenes reminding me of my own childhood. Every day I get to help the teachers with their tasks and the children with their work, or even to simply chat or play with them. It’s been interesting seeing the differences in the Estonian and French school system, but these differences remain in the system, children remain children regardless of where they were born. The children and teenagers in Narva Language Lyceum all have a wide range of personalities and concerns that I remember having at their age but a great majority of them share curiosity for a foreign volunteer and a desire to learn more, whether in English or about the world, even if they lack the language to express their interest. I learned (and am still learning) a lot from volunteering. First about the Estonian school system but also about working with children. As someone who loves children, I’m slowly getting the hang of actually making them behave even if they look too adorable to scold. I’ve also learned a lot about myself and volunteering with a school has definitely helped define my career path, which I’m grateful for. And of course, I’m also learning a lot of Russian.
I’ve seen more of Narva than the school, having been lucky to join a Russian folk song ensemble at the local cultural center. It's been a blessing for me to be able to continue my hobby while volunteering, and it’s been an even greater pleasure getting to know the locals, who have all been helpful and welcoming, no matter how much or how little English they know. I was really surprised to see how caring the locals were. I think it is partly because I am a young girl living away from her family but they are concerned with my safety, health, and also company. I had heard many stories of people going for Erasmus or other exchange programs and not being able to spend time with people other than other foreigners so I am happy and grateful that I have this experience here.
I would recommend the European Solidarity Corps to everyone who wants to travel to a country without being simply a tourist. If you want to connect with the locals, work on your language skills and/or learn about a new culture, I think long term volunteering is a great opportunity to do so. For me, the European Solidarity Corps was the first opportunity to go abroad for a long period of time, as I never had the funds to do so before. I think universities and other youth information centers should speak more about it, especially in France where many young people struggle financially and don’t have the opportunity to go on Erasmus exchanges during their degrees which calls for quite an important sum from their own pockets. Furthermore, as a student, I would recommend it to people who are confused about their path in life now. Volunteering in a sphere that is related to your studies (or not!) can be eye opening. I've already discussed ESC volunteering with many of my friends and am looking forward to seeing them volunteering in the upcoming years!
Project number: 2023-1-EE01-ESC51-VTJ-000134063
Project title: „Community Spirit”
Project title: „Community Spirit”