Bericht von Bojana Malinovska über ihren Freiwilligendiienst

My volunteering story started at the end of September 2022. Cold night at Belgrade bus station waiting for the bus to take me to what I saw as a turning point in my life. I was scared and thrilled about journey that lies in front of me. I was a bit worried how I will do my daily activities in a new environment, will people understand me because my initial lack of German language skills and will I be able to integrate in a new society that is in numerous ways different comparing to the habitat that I came from.

Little did I know that few months later I will be so fulfilled with my days in Halle. I realized that language is not a barrier. Is only when you get out of your comfort zone that you can improve and flourish at all fields. I was impressed how easy it was to communicate with my colleagues and kids and teenagers at the Kinder und Jungendhaus. That provided mayor stimulant and opportunity to learn German language at a faster pace than usual. I found that working besides and with young folks is what I really enjoy and the kids can sometimes really make your day better with their sincerity and genuineness. Halle is a very welcoming place where you can find your “place under the sun” with ease.

With my fourth month in Germany closing in I can, without the doubt, say that the decision to apply for this opportunity was the best thing that happened to me. I have met many nice people, saw how beautiful this part of a country is and improved both my English and German skills, but also soft skills (communicational, organizational, etc.). I would like to encourage anyone who have any hesitation about should they engage in this kind of journey to do so. It is a great opportunity to develop and grow in stimulating circumstances, in multicultural and inclusive society that helps you integrate and learn about German way of life from the first person view.