Jonáš Holeček
Volunteer at the Tandem office in Regensburg, Germany
Contact details: ahoj.info[at]tandem-org.de
My name is Jonáš Holeček, and I am a volunteer at Tandem this year. I come from Pilsen in the Czech Republic.
Ever since I was a child, I wanted to travel to neighbouring countries and learn about their culture and history. So when I had the opportunity to go to Germany for a year to work at Tandem, I couldn’t pass it up. I was already familiar with Tandem and its projects through events for young people that I had attended several times. I liked their approach and their work, so I decided to apply for voluntary service here in Regensburg.I had already gained experience in organising events at DEPO 2015 in Pilsen. At Tandem, I can try out and improve my knowledge and skills. I applied to Tandem through the European Solidarity Corps and after the interview, I went to Regensburg.I am looking forward to improving my German this year, meeting lots of new people at Tandem events and gaining new experiences. Choosing Germany as my destination was not difficult, as I don’t have far to travel from Pilsen and getting to know the country will be very beneficial for my future. Even before my voluntary service, I knew quite a lot about Germany, but now I can get to know the country and its people even better.I am convinced that this year will help me progress a lot, and I am looking forward to it.
Matilda motikat
Volunteer at the Tandem office in Pilsen, CZ
Contact details: matilda[at]ahoj.info
Ahoj, jsem Matilda.
That is almost my entire Czech vocabulary so far. Fortunately, that didn’t stop me from taking up the volunteer position at Tandem in Pilsen. The path that led me to Tandem is going to be the subject of this short self-introduction.
Step 1: Why I’m doing voluntary service.
After graduating from high school this year, I needed a break from studying and from Berlin (my hometown). Sitting idly at home was not an option, which is why I applied for voluntary work. This opportunity to do something meaningful, dive into a foreign culture and gain a first insight into the world of work is a great combination.
Step 2: How I ended up at Tandem.
I met a Czech friend on a language study trip and we regularly exchange letters in English. That’s what gave me the idea to look for volunteer positions in the Czech Republic. To be honest, this country wasn’t my dream destination, but the interview with the head of Tandem convinced me straight away. The task of planning, organising and participating my own youth exchange projects appealed to me. I believe that very few volunteers have the privilege of working as creatively and independently as at Tandem. Moreover, I was pleasantly surprised that the Tandem team focusses on the interests and well-being of the volunteers.
Step 3: What enchanted my about Pilsen.
I immediately felt at home in the city of Pilsen during my pre-visit thanks to its lively atmosphere. It is a modern student city equipped with a cute town centre and lots of parks. For me as a book and culture enthusiast, it was also great to learn that there is an English and German library. Another benefit: Prague is only an hour and a half away by train.
Step 4: My outlook for the future.
Regarding my future path at Tandem, I am particularly excited about the big team meeting in Regen. I will get to know the German team and the volunteer Denisa from the Czech Republic as well as learn about Tandem’s goals there. The five-day on-arrival seminar for ESK volunteers in this region is also a highlight I am looking forward to.
However, every day in Pilsen is an adventure that deepens my understanding of the exciting Czech language and culture. Hence, I do not focus on the future, but try to concentrate on the present.