Zoel Isla Pérez has been volunteering in Graz, Austria, since September as part of the European Solidarity Corps programme. Working at an alternative school, he has discovered a different approach to education, met people who have helped him feel at home, and started exploring the city through its everyday life. Almost two months into his project with LOGO, Zoel shares what his days look like, what he has learned from the children and teachers, and why Austria already feels like the right place to be.
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When I knew I was coming to Austria, I couldn’t have imagined I would be living such a beautiful experience. My volunteering programme has just started, but I already feel this has been the right choice in my life right now.
I’m helping in an alternative school with a teaching method I had never tried before, so I was a bit nervous to see if it was actually something I would be comfortable with. As soon as I arrived in the classrooms, I realised it is an amazing learning experience for the students, the teachers, and everyone else involved.
My colleagues make every effort to ensure the students have fun learning, which really makes a difference. Every day, I discuss with them what the day will look like and the activities planned, we share our ideas for future topics, and throughout the lessons, I assist in everything I can. Honestly, I am also learning a lot.
I am able to participate not only in the classrooms, but also in the garden. It has surprised me how therapeutic an experience it is, helping me connect more with the kids and even learn German.
This positive experience has also made it possible for me to adapt better to the city and the country. I would say meeting new people has been really easy and enriching, since many of them have been here for a long time (some of them used to be volunteers, too).
Listening to their advice and tips has definitely opened up a wide range of possibilities in this new city: hiking, coffee spots, clubs, festivals, new music, new hobbies, food recommendations, places to visit, you name it!
That’s why my main objective for the upcoming months is to continue listening to the city and all its voices. I know they are trying to guide me, so I will try my best to welcome them as they have welcomed me (and luckily, they will tell me how to learn German easily!).
Zoel Isla Pérez
European Solidarity Corps volunteer in Austria
