EVS on-arrival training

Aims & objectives

The main objective of the on-arrival training is to prepare the volunteers for the service period and the EVS experience. On-arrival training helps the volunteers adapt to cultural and personal challenges. It allows volunteers to get to know each other and to build a network. Volunteers also receive guidance on conflict prevention and crisis management.
At the same time, this training equips the volunteers with communication skills, including aspects of intercultural learning. It helps them become aware that cultural differences require different models of behaviour. The training is also a time for the volunteers to plan the coming months and to develop their own personal goals for their period of service, in line with the non- formal learning philosophy of EVS.

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

Participants: 26 EVS volunteers of various programme countries, mixed nationalities

Training methods used & main activities

Team building activities (ex: treasure hunt)
Individual reflection, "meditation"
Couple and small group discussions
Reflection groups
Team work on projects
Expression through arts, drawing (ex: My journey so far)
Non-verbal activities, expression
Simulation activities (ex: Derdians)
Debriefings

Outcomes of the activity

In their final evaluation, volunteers rated their experience very positively.

Your tasks and responsibilities within the team

In the trainer couple I was the main responsible for having a whole view of the programme and translating expected learning outcomes in activity modules. The implementation of the activities was equally divided between the training couple.

I worked on this training for 5 days days as a full time trainer.