Time flies like in a blink of an eye – it was almost a month since the first day I put my footprint in beautiful France. My life is fulfilling with every emotions go through: surprised, amazed, happy, expected, curious, hopeful and lonely. It’s impossible to forget how warm-welcomed my colleagues in Pistes Solidaires and friends here are with lots of caring, sharing and loving; even we’re from different countries, culture and custom. It makes my very first time in Europe not only challenged but also sweet and appreciated. After getting familiar with volunteer works and daily life, I was sent to Le Chambon for Arrival Training. It was really a good time for new volunteers get to know one another, listen to different stories, experienced intercultural activities and the most important is make our goals clear. Since then, I feel more proud to be an EVS volunteer and can’t wait to join upcoming activities in Pistes Solidaires – my host organization. I started to involve in a school project named Planete Bilingue with kids, prepare for workshops, Animation and So Mobility – a project to help French youngsters find an appropriate position of job/ volunteer/ scholarship/ internship abroad. I also have time for gardening with other colleagues – a very good way to get closer with nature (I love trees!) and my city – Pau. One of the most difficult barrier here is maybe language. Personally, I think French people have big love with their language (absolutely nothing wrong) so it’s hard to communicate by others. However, I don’t have any problem with that because I love French language too! Pistes Solidaires helps us to organized a French class twice a week and I’m really thankful for that. There are more than 5 months left in my EVS volunteer here and I’m ready for challenges as well as joy comes along with because I know everything will be fine.
France through my lens
