About Me

Hey there!

I’m Lena, the first volunteer from abroad to launch this blog!
Let me quickly introduce myself. I’m a 19-year-old adventurer from Germany with the constant urge to get out of my comfort zone and experience something new. No need to say that after my graduation from college in spring 2017, immediately starting to go to university was definitely not on my agenda!
Thanks to the great invention that is the internet, I found out about the European Voluntary Service (EVS) just in time. To give you just a short summary, this Erasmus+ programme funded by the European Commission aims to break down cultural barriers, develop solidarity and promote active citizenship by allowing young European citizens like me to live and volunteer across Europe. And of course, us volunteers profit from our EVS as well – Not only do we get to travel to amazing new places, we can also improve our language skills, gain all kinds of professional qualifications and make lifelong friendships all over the world. So, what better to spice up your gap year by volunteering abroad, am I right?
After a couple of months filled with applications, interviews and travel arrangements, I finally moved from Germany to Newcastle in May 2017 and worked as a volunteer at YMCA Newcastle’s youth centre Space2 ever since. And although I’ve only been here for a little over a month, I’ve already discovered many exciting places, met loads of inspiring people and collected great memories.
Sounds fun to you? Then let me take you with me on my journey throughout the following year with YMCA!