'I was looking for something else'

A point of view of a new European Volunteer in Youth4Media in Germany, Münster. Expectation, impressions and confidences.

For a very long time I was looking for an opportunity to have an experience in another country, where I would have the chance to improve my skills as a video maker and at the same time, where I could experience a new culture.

I was living in Italy, which is such an agreeable country (good weather, great food traditions and incredible landscape) but it wasn’t the right place for me at that time. I was looking for something else, something different from my routine, from what I already knew. The decision to look for a new experience was easy.

I heard about the EVS (European Voluntary Service) project and immediately I had the impression that it would be a great opportunity to reach for what I was looking for. Finally, I would have the chance to get to know new people, to broaden my horizon, to confront myself to a different culture and social system.

I applied at different EVS associations and fortunately I got accepted from the Youth4Media in Münster! I didn’t know anything about the “wild West“ of Germany. I have been sometimes in Germany but just in Berlin, Leipzig and München. So when finally I received the confirmation from Y4M that I will be the new volunteer for one year in Münster, I was really curious.

My first days were very intense. I was so happy to finally arrive. Here I am, in Germany! Actually, I almost forgot all my German I learned at school, but I realized quite fast that I can survive with English. The people here are awesome and quite open (even when I can't exactly understand what they say ;). Münster seems to be a little city full of young people, full of life and – something very important for me - full of nature. Of course, it is a little bit cold - especially for my South’s standard (normally in September I used to go to the beach and not to have ten degrees). Anyway, the city is very organized (everything is orderly and clean) and the mobility surprised me but I really like this new “for me” way to move and live in the city.

The first impression of Bennohaus was very positive. Also the flat is beautiful and located at the canal close to the harbor (an amazing area). I got to know my future colleagues and I felt immediately part of the group.

Hopefully, soon I´m going to speak better German and I’m sure it could help me to feel more integrated in this new reality and society.

What can I say? A great start for the big adventure – an EVS. This can be a very important and amazing experience of my life.

Icaro Orengo