In mid-February, I attended the Midterm Evaluation Training. This time, I had the opportunity to explore a different region of Spain – Andalusia. The entire event took place in Mollina, near Málaga, at a large facility owned by CEULAJ. The weather was fantastic, sunny 20°C made the stay incredibly pleasant. The well-maintained center, full of charming spots was perfect for relaxation, tennis courts, and sports fields, certainly added to the experience.
I was surprised that the number of participants exceeded 100, which was a huge logistical and organizational challenge, but it was successfully managed. I was one of the oldest participants, and the age difference between me and some of the others was as much as 12 years. This time, I didn’t share a room with anyone, which was a bit disappointing at first, but I quickly changed my mind when I realized that I wouldn’t have to share a bathroom with anyone for the next few days. Despite this, I managed to make many new friends and integrate quickly. I think it helped that I already knew a few people from the On Arrival Training, and there were also a few people from Poland, so it was nice to speak my native language and make it easier to connect with others.
The training was conducted in two languages – English and Spanish. This was very valuable, as some participants didn’t know English, and others didn’t speak Spanish, so everyone could fully participate in the activities. Additionally, we were divided into groups – I was in the Orange Group, which I led. Every day, we had different tasks – sometimes cleaning, sometimes integrating, and on other days, we played the role of paparazzi.
During the training, we had the option to choose the trainer we wanted to work with – some sessions were in Spanish, others in English, but all were delivered at a very high level. The organization and the trainers’ competence left a big impression on me. Even though there were over 100 participants, which could have been a challenge, everything ran smoothly, and the activities were interactive. Tools like Kahoot! were used, making even more theoretical topics more engaging and interesting.
One of the fun highlights of the training was the “secret friend” game. Each of us drew a person to be their secret friend and tried to brighten their day – by leaving a note, a small gift, or simply a kind gesture. This initiative was really fun and made the atmosphere even friendlier.
From morning to evening, the schedule was quite packed, but there was always time for a coffee break and some free time each day. My favorite activities were assertive communication workshops and the session on CV writing and job search after volunteering. The trainers were open, willing to answer questions, and always ready to help when needed.
One of the best initiatives was the “Venetian Carnival” – most participants dressed up, and the trainers prepared a performance for us. There was dancing, performances, and lots of laughter. Every evening after dinner, we organized integrations – we went out dancing to local bars or played card games.
This training was not only an opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills that will definitely help me in the future, but also a chance to compare experiences with other volunteers. I was able to see how their projects and challenges looked, which gave me a new perspective on my own path. I can proudly say that Fundació Catalunya Voluntària stands out from other organizations, both in terms of professionalism and the support they provide to volunteers.
One of the most valuable workshops helped me better understand myself and the challenges I face every day while living in a foreign country. It’s an incredible adventure, but it can also be difficult – especially due to missing family and close friends.
This trip was full of inspiration and reflection for me – I return with new energy, a fresh perspective on myself and my goals, and even greater motivation to act. It’s amazing that more than half of my stay is already behind me, and I’m getting closer to the moment of returning to my old life. This thought brings a mix of excitement and nostalgia, but I know that the experiences I’ve gained here will stay with me for a long time.
