Giulia's experience in France

My experience as a volunteer started in December 2020 and will end in July 2021. It’s a type of experience that isn’t linked to university or school, because both students and non-students can participate until the age of 30. I’m doing it through the European Solidarity Corps.

It’s a wonderful experience because it’s constructive and helps you grow in many ways. At first, I wasn’t sure—I was scared—but then I decided to go, encouraged by Julien and Loic, who told me, “The hardest part is buying the ticket, like it was for me.”

I left with fear, but also excitement.
The journey was a bit difficult—I felt scared and homesick. On the ferry, I met a girl from Sardinia who kept me company from Toulon to Marseille and gave me strength.

When I arrived in Monteux at the MFR, it was cloudy and raining. I was tired, but super happy and excited. Everything was beautiful—even the entrance gate, the French-style cooked pasta, and the ordinary bathroom in one of the school’s rooms.

After a while, I had a bit of a low moment, feeling sad and homesick. Plus, because of Covid, socializing was harder; I didn’t have contacts or relationships with peers here. Luckily, I’m surrounded by intelligent and sensitive people who helped me get through it, even explaining that it’s normal—and scientifically proven—to experience different emotions, alternating between them. Now I feel good, even though I sometimes have moments of sadness and nostalgia, but I know how to manage them better.

At first, the language was difficult because I studied French many years ago, and only for two years. Fortunately, there are people here who speak English, Italian, and Spanish :D! Now it’s better—I understand more and speak a little more than when I arrived. Not perfectly, but better!

I highly recommend experiences like this—they are extremely valuable and rewarding. Otherwise, you might regret not doing it, and by then, it will be too late!