4 Difficulties you might encounter during EVS and 4 suggestions to overcome them

Almost all the articles you will read about the experiences of volunteers during the European Voluntary Service, will be enthusiastic descriptions of all the new experiences you can make, of all the friendships you can make and the places you will visit. Yes, EVS is also made of these things, but an aspect of which we don't speak much are the difficulties you will encounter on your path. So this would seem an opportune time to take stock :

• Cultural shock: Did you know there would have been a culture shock. Maybe you have already spent periods abroad and you already know what it is: the new language has a strange sound, the stuff at the supermarket is suspicious , the pace of life is very different, there are new social conventions. In addition, living as an EVS volunteer is not like doing an Erasmus or internship : you can not live in a bubble with other students or colleagues, but you will have to interact daily with the locals, which undoubtedly it makes things even more difficult. Tips : feeling homesick, especially at the beginning, is nothing to be ashamed of and does not matter whether you are 18 or 30 years old. Remember also that with you, there will probably be other volunteers and they will probably have the same problems as you; trust each other and be strong, talk to your mentor, also keep yourself busy. Naming the problems is the first important step to address them.
• Solitude: Whether you are in a village of a thousand people or in a capital it does not matter: the risk of feeling alone is there anyway. Maybe break the ice with other volunteers and / or the locals may not be easy, but this does not depend only on others, it also depends on yourself and how you intend to react to such difficulties. Tips: if nobody seems to want to take the initiative and come forward, do it yourself. This could be the right opportunity to become more proactive. Use social media, if you have a whatsapp group try to propose activities to do together, offer to help other volunteers with their work. If you live in a small village try to find out if there are other EVS volunteers nearby and visit them;
• The fifth wheel on the wagon: being alone and in a new city with lots of slow times, without knowing what to do and how to use free time is mortifying.To the laziest among the volunteers this situation can also be good, but for those who came with the intention of making a useful and satisfying experience is a real torture. Tips:  try to bring your proposals. The host organization should allow you to pursue your own personal project, provided it is in line with the association's rules and with the laws in force in the country in which you are located. Launch proposals, communicate, complain.
• Save money: In any EVS project, you will always find the person who arrives at the end of the month practically broke and the one who has saved a lot of money . This, except for unforeseen expenses that can happen to anyone, also depends on the ability of volunteers to know how to organize their own monthly expenses: not only food and essential products, but also free time (pub evenings, travel, cultural events, etc). Tips: set a weekly budget and respect it as much as possible. Learn to cook if you do not already know how to do it ( in this case youtube is an excellent teacher) , you will save a lot of money. As for travel, I suggest  join BlaBlaCar and Couchsurfing: ask for advice from someone who has already used it to travel and, if possible, do not do it alone. Moreover do not be fussy and book hostels.

In conclusion; Finding a perfect project is impossible, but how you will live it depends largely on how you want to live it. Even when you feel you have hit the bottom, try to give a second chance to the project and to yourself and I can assure you that as soon as you find your place, time will flies.

To you who are about to leave, good luck and have a good trip. To you who are confused, full of doubts and lost, be patient, be assertive, and things will sooner or later improve.

 

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