EVS stories: The glass half full (V) – by Martina L.

Dear new volunteer,

I’m Martina, from Italy. Right now I’m ending my long term EVS, I’ve spent 10 months in Romania, in a project called “Life skills for Rural Education”.

My personal experience was more than positive, not because everything was all the time amazing, but because I lived every moment completely, trying to keep all the best anytime. I’ve improved some of my skills and learned new ones, I’ve met people from all around the world and I’ve had the possibility to be part of a new community (the Romanian one).

When you’ll arrive here, you’ll realize that a lot of things are different and you could be scared, but don’t be.  Be curious, try to understand the new things and try to take everything in a positive way. In these 10 months I had beautiful and bad moments, but I always tried to learn from them and to see all the time “the glass half full”.

Romanian people are very hospitable and helpful, so when you’ll be here try to get in touch with them. I followed the Romanian lessons and from the beginning I tried to speak. Of course, in the first months I was ridiculous (half Italian and half Romanian and half a fantasy language), but, as I told you before, the Romanians are patient and they like people that try to do their best, so they are going to help you. Still my Romanian isn’t good, but I understand a speech and I can also answer (somehow…). Staying with the local people is not only useful for learning Romanian, but also for visiting all around here and for enjoying special moments in Maramures.

Baia Mare isn’t a big city, so in a few time you can find your new routine with the other volunteers and with the local people. If you like to party the places where you can spend your night here are not a lot, but with the good company you can enjoy. In plus, Steli, Monika and Remus suggest all the time when there is a special event in a club or a special occasion in the city, so don’t worry!

I don’t know what else I can say more. Try to come with a positive attitude, to take every opportunity with a smile and don’t be shy in the activities or with people! It was what I did and I survive, actually I enjoyed a lot. Probably the same will fit you! Good luck!

Martina Lolini (Italy) was hosted in Baia Mare by Team for Youth Association, in the “Life Skills for Rural Education” project, a European Voluntary Service, financed by the European Commission, through the Erasmus Plus Program.