Praktikant Frivillige

My YFU journey started in 2010 when I stepped on a plane for the first time in my life to begin my exchange in Chile. Those 11 months in Chile changed me on so many levels. I’m still immensely grateful for the experience I had, which wouldn’t have been possible in the first place without various persons. I’m still amazed by the influence that year had on me. It was my time to grow, mature and think, and I definitely wouldn’t be the same person without that life-changing experience. Thanks to YFU, I went to study law in university, moved to Estonia for a while, traveled to countless countries, and learned more about myself than I thought possible.

I met the some the most welcoming people during my exchange year, I learned to love some many things (school uniform, tea, completos, dance, people), learned to dislike others (hot days in the desert, salty seawater, oysters), and most importantly, experienced so much. I felt my first earthquake, saw my first flood, saw a desert full of flowers, danced like my life depended on it, and fell in love with a country. I would recommend everyone to go on an exchange, especially during high school. That is the time when you will get the most out exchange, and really grow.

I started volunteering for YFU almost immediately after coming back and I haven’t really stopped since. I don’t think I have ever gone through a complete month without doing something YFU related, and I can’t say that is a bad thing. It’s not. Sometimes I joke and say that YFU is my lifestyle at this point, but it could as well be the truth. YFU has influenced my life so much that I can’t really see myself being separate from it, ever. That’s why when I discovered that YFU Norway was looking for an intern, I applied right away. I started as an intern in YFU Norway in January 2017, full of enthusiasm, motivation and joy.

YFU really is a big family and I still feel the same as when I started here. With YFU I meet wonderful people, discover the world, have loads of fun, work for a cause, and I can leave a mark while doing so. I guess one big reason why I continue my journey with YFU is also that there’s always room for development and improvement. I can always find something new to try out. If you ever find yourself wondering, whether to apply for an internship with YFU, just do it! It might be the most amazing workplace you will ever have.