OeAD Training, A Journey of Growth, Connection, and Self-Discovery

The small red-and-white train rolled gently along the tracks, carrying an air of anticipation and adventure. By a fortunate stroke of coincidence, we found our trainers on board a serendipitous moment that felt like a promising sign for the days ahead. Settling into our seats, my friend and I watched the Austrian landscape unfold before us: rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight, quaint villages nestled between valleys, and a river stretching endlessly into the horizon. With an open mind and a heart full of excitement.

Upon arriving in Grünau, we gathered in the “Meditation Space”, a peaceful haven within “Haus der Achtsamkei.” Our trainers welcomed us with warm smiles and fun ice-breaking activities that made us feel instantly connected. A gentle walk around the village helped us familiarize ourselves with the surroundings. Among the 20 participants from all corners of the world Turkey, Spain, Italy, France, Russia and beyond I was pleasantly surprised to discover another Albanian among us, adding a personal touch to this global gathering. By the time dinner arrived, we had already begun forming bonds that felt both genuine and warm. That evening held a special event as we celebrated a fellow Italian participant’s birthday, lighting candles, singing, and creating joyful memories together. Later, as we gathered around a bonfire under the moonlit sky, we shared our life stories and laughter, slowly transforming into a close-knit community.

The second day was dedicated to exploring the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program and our individual projects. Through creative visual exercises, we expressed our volunteer experiences, the roles we played within our hosting organizations, and our levels of satisfaction. Later, representatives from OeAD visited us, providing valuable insights into our rights and responsibilities. A “Digital Statistical Game” made learning about the Volunteer Agreement engaging and interactive. Despite its formal nature, the day ended at evening, and we had all loosened up again, dancing to Latin music in the basement, getting tarot card readings by a Turkish girl, and feeling the friendships deepen with each shared moment.

Each morning, we assembled in the meditation room, sitting on soft cushions, though not soft enough to prevent the occasional back pain. One particularly moving activity was the “Seven-Minute Non-Stop Writing” exercise, where we poured our emotions, reflections, and aspirations onto paper in our native languages. This simple yet profound act allowed us to connect deeply with ourselves.

On the third day, we embarked on a breathtaking excursion to the Im Almtal region, taking a bus to a stunning lake framed by snow capped mountains. Words could hardly do justice to the scenery, though I managed to capture a few fleeting moments on my Instagram stories. Over lunch, we exchanged stories of our cultural celebrations and traditional cuisines, further strengthening our cross-cultural understanding with our trainers and friends.

Later, we eagerly participated in the much anticipated “Community Cooking” activity. Divided into four groups, each was tasked with preparing a course salad, soup, the main dish, and dessert. I found myself on the pizza-making team, which led to an unforgettable, albeit hilarious, disaster. Our dough stubbornly stuck to the counter, and it took five of us working together to free it amid fits of laughter. Even the trainers and nuns joined in, making the moment even more special. Despite the mishap, every dish turned out fantastic, especially the Turkish salad and Spanish soup, but the dessert, with its touching backstory, was undoubtedly the highlight. The dinner setting was nothing short of magical, and as a keepsake, I took a piece of the table decoration to wear as a hair accessory, a small memento of a night to remember.

The final night was spent once again around the bonfire, playing games that took a moment to grasp but ultimately brought us closer. Then, as if in the blink of an eye, the fourth day arrived, the day of farewells. It was an emotional goodbye, marked by tears, tight hugs, and heartfelt words as we realized just how much this experience had meant to us.

One of the most touching moments was our final activity: “Writing a Letter to Our Future Selves” Sealing our words with the date and memories of this journey, these letters will be mailed to us (for me after one year). The thought of receiving mine, reliving these cherished moments, and reconnecting with the emotions of this transformative experience fills me with both excitement and nostalgia.

Beyond the friendships and experiences, this training offered us something even deeper a chance to pause and reflect. All the stress we unconsciously accumulate in daily life, from things big or small, seemed to dissolve during our time there. It was as if the peaceful surroundings and shared moments helped us reset. More importantly, the training made us think about ourselves, our paths, and our future plans in a way that everyday life rarely allows. It was a journey not just of connection, but of self-discovery.

In memory of our shared moments, here are the names of my wonderful trainers and friends: Johanna, Hanna, Mine, Anari, Miraç, Jasmina, Francesca, Giulia, Gülsinem, Anita, Ruth, Naira, Sila, Mireya, Sena, Veronica, Maddalena, Yaryna, Denis, Felix.

With gratitude,

Ajla