Time is running! I knew it before, but i really realize it here, even more. When I arrived in Helsinki airport for the first time, I was sick, sad, and exited in the same time. It was a very special time for me. Today, we are 5 months after this moment. And today I’m not sick, not sack, but still exited about this experience!
During these 5 months, I worked, I learnt, I traveled and I discovered this country. But first I met a lot and a lot of people. Of course my roommates, who are very very nice and we have very good times together. We like to spend time to talk about our works and our days, and when we have an opportunity we try to travel and discover new things. Also, people who I’m working with, our mentors and coordinators. They are also very kind, and we are lucky to have them because they are very attentive to us and if we need some help, they make there best. And then youngsters. Obviously, it was not easy at the beginning. I’m foreigner, I don’t speak Finnish, they didn’t know me… So much differences. But finally, in my opinion, they accept me, as an other animator.
My work during there 5 month was very interesting. First, until the third month, it was very good for me because it was usually the same schedules every weeks and it was easier for me because I could find a kind of routine. And I needed to have it. And it was also a good time to start to know everybody, learn about Finnish culture, about youngsters… And it was also time for me to create my place in this environnement.
Then, in May, it was more calm, because of summer holidays which were in every minds, and exams. But it was not loosing time because for me it was a good time to know more some youngsters, and exchange with animators about there work. It was also an interesting time because during this month, i could develop some idea that I would want to explore and to realize.
But June was my favorite! I discover Finnish summer camps! And I really liked it. First because it as completely different than what I knew and did before. And second, because I could follow every steps about it, and participate every time. About preparation, organization, animation, evaluation… It was also different to work with children. I liked to take part in this work and of course, I used this time to give some french spirit! For exemple, we made profiteroles (french dessert) in one cooking camp and I think children liked it very much!
And from the beginning of July, I also work in kindergarten! Which is, again, very different, but very very nice.
So, to resume it, I had a lot of different opportunities, discoveries, new meetings, and very good time at work.
But there is not only work in this experience. It’s also question about this new country. Because, before February, I had never been in Finland. And I have to say that I was so many times very surprised about the beauty of it! Of course it’s very different than France, but we already discovered winter, spring and summer, and all of us, we were dazzled! We also visited a lot of cities and towns (Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Pori, Rauma, Porvoo, Kokkola…), and we tried almost every Finnish specialities food. Yes, we can say that we take advantage of our time here!
During these 5 months, I learnt also a lot of things. About Finnish culture, Finnish habits, improved skills and obviously about myself. So now, we are in the middle of our experience. And there are so many projects and things which are going to arrive! I’m very looking forward the rest of this adventure, and to start the new school year. But first some holidays!
– Melise
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