A Portuguese girl from Lisbon in Italy

A story from Cátia Dionísio

Country of origine: Portugal

Country of destination: Italy

pesaroHi there I am Cátia, a Portuguese girl from Lisbon.

Almost three years ago I finished my degree and I decided that it was time to do some experiences abroad… I had already done some short youth exchanges with my youth association but it was time to do something bigger, so why not going to EVS?! And so it was. In August 2012 I went to this Italian small town called  on the adriatic sea.

My European voluntary Service experience was all about youth work, helping in the office of a youth association. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Let’s say EVS is never perfect, and who did it knows what I am talking about: the place, the people, the budget, all are things that are always subject of complaint from the volunteer, but on the other hand that’s exactly what makes that voluntary experience so perfect! You can grow and learn from yours and others mistakes, furthermore in life anything works better.
Well, in the end I learnt so much and if I have to put touchstones in my life, one will be for sure in February 2013, the date when my voluntary service finished. As I left so many things to do in Italy and my italiano was far far from perfect, I had to go back….and so I did! This second time Rome and Forli were my destinations, back then choosing to be “aupair” seemed to me the perfect way to go back with no big deals and paper work to do. So many adventures, so many stories and the most important so many friends I’ve found there. That’s what you gain when you do this kind of experiences. What I add is that mobility have helped me for sure to feel a citizen from the world.

As I am unable to settle now, I am living in London just working and trying to see all the free museums UK has to offer. Probably by September I will finally go back to Lisbon my master awaits for me!

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