The On-Arrival training is a five-day training course, with international volunteers located all over Italy.

While we learned about our rights and responsibilities as volunteers, conflict management, and intercultural learning, one of the most interesting parts was, that we had the chance to meet people from all different backgrounds, and learn about their individual projects. 

This was done through different team building activities, such as speed dating, and fun games, like trying to save all the chairs from a zombie invasion. What might sound ridiculous in theory turned out to be a very fun game, creating a bond between all the volunteers, as we were trying to work together in a team. Throughout the whole week, the team work and exchange of opinions and cultures remained the centre point of the training. 

By coming up with different games and creative tasks the trainers, kept the sessions interactive and engaging, giving us the freedom to be a part of the training, rather than just passively listening to them. 

As the training took place in Rome, this gave us the perfect opportunity to explore the city and, with our early arrival on Monday and late departure on Friday, we had plenty of time to wander through the streets and visit the most popular sights. And what can I say, I am truly impressed and in awe of the city, which had me taking pictures of almost every street corner. However, it wasn’t just the architecture that amazed me, but rather the whole atmosphere, and I will definitely visit again to experience even more of Rome.

To close the training, we had the task to create our personal learning plan, to give us some structure throughout the next few months of our individual projects. This gave us the opportunity to reflect on our experience so far, while also looking into the future, making sure that we find a sense of direction within our projects.