EVS On-arrival training course

Aims & objectives

-to raise knowledge and understanding of concepts and phenomena of culture, prejudices and stereotypes,
- to (re)introduce cultural chock curve and provide space for reflection on dealing with cultural shock
- to develop intercultural competences of participants
to empower participants and support them for their further EVS life
- to provide additional information on EVS roles/responsibilities and give answers to remained questions
- to introduce and explore learning-service philosophy of EVS
- to frame EVS as learning experiences and start developing learning to learn competence of volunteer
- to support action planning of service – contribution part of EVS
- provide individual support for volunteers if needed/necessary
- to provide space for volunteers to get to know each other and possible networking
- to provide participants with the basic information about YiA and EVS, namely about: Aims / priorities, Structures / roles, Administrative information, Rights / responsibilities
- To stimulate reflection on personal motivation and values concerning volunteering (EVS) and service providing in host organisation / host country
- To raise competences of intercultural interaction and learning (with special attention to the specific situation in SEE), in order to stimulate and to raise the quality of the integration into the local community and host organisation

Target group & international/intercultural composition of the group & team

Team was composed of Tadej Pugelj from Slovenia and Lidija Djukes ex Buric from Croatia

Participants were EVS volunteers coming from Erasmus + programme countries to volunteer in SEE countries.

Training methods used & main activities

- discussions
- presentations
- theoretical inputs
- simulations
- small group work
- debriefings
- energizers and icebreakers

Outcomes of the activity

Training supported participants preparation for EVS service; answer their questions about logistical and practical aspects of EVS, broaden their understanding of rights and responsibilities, developed their intercultural and communication competences and quipped them with methods for planing and supporting own learning. It stimulated networking among volunteers and organisations.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

I was equal team member and took responsibility with my colleague in preparing programme of the training and sessions in relation to set objectives, delivering sessions and facilitating group work and preparing final report of the activity

I worked on this training for 4 days as a full time trainer.