"Ah, independence!" - my European Solidarity Corps in Austria

I've been abroad for a month now, far away from my family, my friends and my familiar surroundings and speaking a foreign language. I have asked myself several times why I made this decision. Was it because I was looking for adventure?

Yes, as a great romantic of life, I love to lose myself from time to time. It allows you to discover new turns in the road, meet unknown people and find parts of yourself that were hidden under the thick cloud of comfort. Perhaps the answer lies in this very thought. Didn't I just want to get lost in a new world to discover something new? Probably. But let's leave the questions aside for a moment and look at the path that led me here.

As I said, I've been living a new life for a month now. To begin with, I've learnt an incredible amount in a short space of time - I now know how to do the laundry and cook some of the delicious meals my mum used to make for me. I found out where I work, who my colleagues are, what tasks await me in this voluntary service and, last but not least, what the coffee in the office tastes like! (Luckily, it's good.) I also got to know the other volunteers who are in the same situation as me and with whom I will use the year to discover many corners of Austria and the neighbouring countries. These first experiences were not too difficult for me, as I was full of anticipation for everything new and was accompanied and lovingly cared for at every moment.

It became more difficult when I was gradually looked after less. Ah, independence! It's challenging because you have to find solutions on your own, dare to ask questions and deal with doubts that arise - sometimes that's not easy. Doing the dishes every day? Hm, not so great. But hey, it's more bearable with Beyoncé in your ear.

As for culture shock, I don't think I've experienced it yet. I've even asked myself if I have a culture at all. A very dramatic question that came to me when I realised that I was the only one who didn't see any cultural differences. But on closer inspection, yes, I do have cultural roots - maybe I don't see the differences so much with the Austrians, but I do with the other volunteers. So Ellie, don't worry, you have cultural roots. Phew.

To summarise, my experience here starts in a wonderful way, with the little ups and downs of life.

Updated on Freitag, 09/05/2025