My experience!
When I found out, that I have been chosen for the project in Bologna, I was really, honestly happy. Italy was for me like a dream. Country full of sun, sea, beautiful and open-minded people and so much good food! I was only scared of language, because I have never studied Italian and I heard that people in Italy (also young) do not speak English. Because of travel, I was used to speak English, but Italian was quite problem for me. I started to study before the project, but it was only basic and “easy” Italian. However, I decided to do as much as I could to study Italian and improve my language skills.
From the beginning was everything perfectly organized. I got every information and answers, what I needed. I felt very well and calm. When I arrived in Italy, first day, I have already known the address of my future apartment and I had contacts to my future flatmates.
I have known also lot of information about my work, what Eugenia and Linda told me half of year before my project started. My work is in Montechiaro center, which is one of many centers of Casa Santa Chiara in Bologna. In these centers are lot of educators, who are there to help and support people with mental disabilities. I had a lot of experiences with people with mental disabilities, also from another country (Sweden), so I was not nervous about this job that much and I was looking forward to it.
My center was 18 km away from Bologna city, so we had to use the small buses and go there with groups of clients. At the first day at work I was nervous a lot.But I did not have reasons to be, everything was nice and people helped me a lot. Unfortunately, in the coming days, I found out that the inability to speak Italian would be my big handicap, which will be resolved in the future.
From the beginning, I tried to understand how clients work in the center. I wanted to try everything instead of watching, because I think, that is the best way, how can I learn. I was lucky, because everyone was very nice and helpful. Sometimes it was difficult, because I did not speak with their language, but later I realized, how can help me the body languageand the expression of the faces in the communication with people around me. Italians also use body language so often, so it was even easier to understand. Also, people with disabilities, who usually have the problem to communicate, are more patient if you do not speak their language.Over time, I have built up a way of communication that was most enjoyable to me. Three times a week I went to Italian lessons in the evening and tried to use this language as much as I could. I was very tired, but now I am happy for that work. At this moment, I am able to understand and make also conversation about the world and life!
I love my work, I love Italy. I am happy so much and I appreciated this opportunity a lot! Nobody can take or steal my experience, friendships, moments with lot of smiles, loves and so beautiful feelings. I am sure, that I will never regret my decision to come in Italy and stay here as a volunteer.
From the beginning was everything perfectly organized. I got every information and answers, what I needed. I felt very well and calm. When I arrived in Italy, first day, I have already known the address of my future apartment and I had contacts to my future flatmates.
I have known also lot of information about my work, what Eugenia and Linda told me half of year before my project started. My work is in Montechiaro center, which is one of many centers of Casa Santa Chiara in Bologna. In these centers are lot of educators, who are there to help and support people with mental disabilities. I had a lot of experiences with people with mental disabilities, also from another country (Sweden), so I was not nervous about this job that much and I was looking forward to it.
My center was 18 km away from Bologna city, so we had to use the small buses and go there with groups of clients. At the first day at work I was nervous a lot.But I did not have reasons to be, everything was nice and people helped me a lot. Unfortunately, in the coming days, I found out that the inability to speak Italian would be my big handicap, which will be resolved in the future.
From the beginning, I tried to understand how clients work in the center. I wanted to try everything instead of watching, because I think, that is the best way, how can I learn. I was lucky, because everyone was very nice and helpful. Sometimes it was difficult, because I did not speak with their language, but later I realized, how can help me the body languageand the expression of the faces in the communication with people around me. Italians also use body language so often, so it was even easier to understand. Also, people with disabilities, who usually have the problem to communicate, are more patient if you do not speak their language.Over time, I have built up a way of communication that was most enjoyable to me. Three times a week I went to Italian lessons in the evening and tried to use this language as much as I could. I was very tired, but now I am happy for that work. At this moment, I am able to understand and make also conversation about the world and life!
I love my work, I love Italy. I am happy so much and I appreciated this opportunity a lot! Nobody can take or steal my experience, friendships, moments with lot of smiles, loves and so beautiful feelings. I am sure, that I will never regret my decision to come in Italy and stay here as a volunteer.