On-Arrival Training in general:
The main objective of the on-arrival training is to introduce the volunteers to the host country, preparing them for the service period and the EVS experience. On-arrival training helps the volunteers adapt to cultural and personal challenges. It allows volunteers to get to know each other and to build a network. Volunteers also received guidance on conflict prevention and crisis management. At the same time, this training equips the volunteers with communication skills, including aspects of intercultural learning. It helps them become aware that cultural differences require different models of behaviour. The training is also a time for the volunteers to plan the coming months and to develop their own personal goals for their period of service, in line with the non-formal learning philosophy of EVS.
(Source: description of one of the projects on SALTO-YOUTH)
It happens once, most likely somewhere on the beginning of your stay. It depends of the country (or region, as the best of my knowledge some partners countries like Turkey have their OAT with other countries in Georgia - or they had when I worked in Youth Centre in Turkey, so basically you may be surprised of the place where your training is organized, don't worry though - they'll have it covered)... So it depends of the country, but they will take care of you. By 'they' we mean National Agency of your host country.
To not bore you to death, our training was in Braga, 9-14.11.2015, in more or less 6 weeks after our arrival. What I like about places like that is... first evening you meet all those people from different countries, is a little bit awkward, maybe uncomfortable, you're strangers one to another. But by the end, whether or not you gonna ever meet again, they become a piece of your heart. And it happened this time again. So many (60!) beautiful people, 4 great trainers and very little time to sleep. A lot of activities and content to cover, all in atmosphere of creativity. We got a little bit of everything: what EVS is (or is supposed to be), communication, cultural issues, Youth Pass, exploring Braga, building network and exchanging thousand smaller and bigger things, and much much more.
As much as I love my project, it was a bit hard to go back to the reality, but from other hand, I came back with open heart and new, bright energy and ideas. And well... maybe some of those other volunteers would like to share something also with you, here.
Now, just enjoy the photos, and if you have any questions, just write them down in comments!
Lots of love!
Hey you,
ReplyDeleteOnce i've have been at your place, visiting some trainings, and getting to know arcos de valdevez. So I know what you writing about ;)
And so, it is really nice for me too see, how you share your experience with other people. I really like the blog, so compliments for the photographs and texts! It seems as if Diana found nice personalities volunteering in the association! I wish you, that you will let some of your magic to the association. ;)
All the best,
Sarah
p.s. the only thing missing is some music, maybe your french musician can help out. ;)
Hello,
DeleteThank you so much for your kind words! It's good to have some feedback. (: We want the blog to be a place where people can find out a little bit more about our experience as well as what EVS is, and what other options Erasmus+ gives to young people. And it's not as scary and difficult as it may seems (:
We are absolutely in love with our Association and the people here, spreading a lot of good energy and creating magic (Emile even literally with his card tricks and contact juggling :D)
Hugs,
Agnes