Salut 🙂

My name is Elisabeth, I am 19 years old and have been in Nancy, France for six months , where I am doing a nine-month voluntary service within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps (ESK). Before I came here, I did my bilingual Abitur in Dresden at the Romain-Rolland-Gymnasium – so French has been with me for a while now, but living and working in France is a completely different experience.

I work for an organization called CRISTEEL, but what this acronym means I spare you! CRISTEEL has the label of a Europe Direct centre. For those who are not familiar with the term, there are Europe Direct centres all over Europe and they serve to provide information about the EU to citizens within the European Union. This covers everything from political institutions and current developments to practical questions such as how to network or be mobile in Europe. For us, this means that we spend a lot of time in schools, universities and other educational institutions by offering workshops. Or in trains, because we are for said workshops, fairs or events, such as seminars or conferences almost throughout the region “Grand Est” and sometimes even in neighboring countries. When we are not on the road, the next events are prepared or past ones are rearranged. I am particularly active in the field of public relations and CRISTEEL is also involved in European mobility. This includes the organisation of youth exchanges, but also the information and “sending” of French young people to volunteer services within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps.

Nancy is a medium-sized student city with many Erasmus students from all over Europe. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) regularly organises events where students and volunteers can network. Through the exchange with people from different countries, I have gained many new perspectives – not only in everyday life but also during the seminars with other volunteers from all over France. These are organised by the French National Agency and offer the opportunity to share experiences, educate oneself and reflect one’s own commitment.

At the same time, I meet surprisingly many German students and volunteers, among whom I have found good friends. As a result, life in Nancy often feels international, but above all also a little familiar. And if you feel like a change of scenery, the city is ideally located: Metz is only a short train ride away, Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Paris are easily accessible in less than two hours.

Time passes, especially since Christmas, incredibly fast – now I have less than 100 days left in Nancy. That feels strange, to be honest, especially since the first months here were not always easy for me. But that’s what makes this experience so valuable. I have learned to deal with challenges, find my way in a new environment and met great people who I will miss. Above all, my volunteer service has shown me how important and enriching European and international cooperation is. international exchange – not only for your own development, but also for mutual understanding.

My work at CRISTEEL has once again made it clear to me how essential political education is. Many people know little about the structures of Europe or their own ways to shape it. There are so many opportunities – be it through Erasmus, the European Voluntary Service or other programmes. Showing these possibilities and making them tangible is something that will certainly accompany me in the future.

I can only recommend everyone to have such an experience – whether as part of a voluntary service, study or internship abroad. Even if it is sometimes challenging at the beginning and you miss the familiar environment, these experiences offer a valuable opportunity to grow personally and professionally.