Three questions for a Maailmanvaihto alumni! Meet European Solidarity Corps volunteer Lorenzo who volunteered at the vocational special needs education college Spesia in Finland. We interviewed him six years after.
1) How did the volunteering experience broaden your worldview?
This experience has definitely helped me in multiple ways. As cliché as it sounds, it definitely helps with undoing stereotypes and preconceived notions. For example, some people told me that Finns are all “cold” and shy or not affectionate but that couldn’t be further from the truth, in my opinion. They do like having personal space and they have different social norms, resulting in showing affection in different ways than what I (or others) might be used to. Also, Finnish extroverts and social butterflies are very real and they’re not hard to find! I’ve made quite a few friends during my stay in Finland and a few of them definitely fall into this category. Many of the things I’ve experienced were also small changes in my daily life – things like meal times, or using brushes instead of sponges to clean the dishes (this one surprised me more than I’d like to admit!) – but they are all connected to the Finnish lifestyle and I had to be willing to make these changes to experience life in a new way.
One thing that is specifically connected to my volunteering experience that surprised me was the very existence of of schools made for people who are have disabilities or special needs. I had never come across this type of school before coming to Finland and it was great to see something where inclusivity and accessibility are the key. There were classes of all kinds, and a range of clubs to choose from. No student was made to feel excluded, and the dormitories were quite lively.
Working there showed me that not only are these types of schools possible to build, but that these places already exist and are beneficial to everyone who studies and works there.
In addition to all this, I’ve also had the pleasure to meet many other volunteers from all over Europe through the European Solidarity Corps, and from around the world in the Maailmanvaihto on-arrival training camp. This helped me gain some insight into other countries and cultures that are very different from my own and also made me realize that at the end of the day, we are all just normal people from all walks of life, who decided to embark on a little adventure for 6 to 12 months of our lives.
In short, there was a lot for me to learn in Finland. My volunteering has helped me experience different cultures and understand them by living in direct contact with the people who are part of those cultures, but it has also made me more aware of different education systems and how we can benefit from trying them out.
2) How did this experience affect your future?
First of all, working in a school has helped me understand that a job related to education could work for me, whether it is being an actual teacher or an assistant teacher, a tutor etc., which I wasn’t sure of before. I’ve also volunteered again as a tutor and I’ve given some private English classes after my European Solidarity Corps experience. Secondly, volunteering has strengthened my love for foreign languages and cultures, to the point that I decided to enrol in University and study these two things specifically, alongside didactics (that is, teaching).
Furthermore, after experiencing life in Finland and building friendships and other social connections, I feel like I’ve found another home to go back to and one where I hope to move in the future. Recently I took a trip to Finland and the main reason for it was to see my dear friends and see some of the places I’ve been to before. I really feel like I’ve created lifelong connections that won’t be severed.
Additionally, this helped me become more independent and less afraid of living on my own and away from my family knowing that I can build a safety network of my own.
It is also an interesting thing to share when making conversation with other people! I found out that many people are interested in these kinds of experiences, and they want to know how they can have one of their own.
3) Your greetings for those thinking of applying for European Solidarity Corps volunteering?
To everyone who is thinking of volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps, I say welcome to the family! Before applying, I would simply tell you apply for something you deem interesting and you feel some connection to. I assume you’re thinking of volunteering in Finland if you’re reading this, so remember that you’ll have to learn a new lifestyle and be able to adapt to something that might be very different from what you’re used to, but it will be absolutely worth it.This will teach you a lot about Finland and Finnish culture, as well as give you the chance to develop interpersonal skills and give you some work experience.
Please remember that all the organizations involved are there to help you, so if you ever need any help, don’t be afraid to ask them.
Make the best of it: meet people, make friends, and have fun!