Marija’s Experience at the On-Arrival Training in Orahovica ✨🌸

Od 6. do 11. listopada provela sam nezaboravan tjedan u Orahovici, na On-Arrival treningu za volontere Europskih snaga solidarnosti. U društvu petnaest mladih ljudi iz cijelog svijeta učila sam, smijala se i otkrivala koliko je divno dijeliti iskustva s ljudima koji te razumiju, iako dolaze iz potpuno različitih kultura. 

Svaki je dan bio ispunjen radionicama, razgovorima i trenucima koji su me potaknuli da bolje upoznam sebe i svoj put kao volonterke. Kroz timski rad, otvorene diskusije i puno smijeha, naučila sam koliko zajedništvo može biti snažno.  

Orahovica nas je sve osvojila predivnom prirodom i gostoprimstvom. Dani su bili ispunjeni radionicama, debatama i drugim interaktivnim sadržajima. Slobodno poslijepodne smo proveli šetajući do jezera i planinarenjem do dvorca, dok su večeri bile rezervirane za druženja, pjesmu i ukusnu domaću hranu. Jedan od najdražih trenutaka mi je “svečana večera” i pokušaja da nazdravimo na deset različitih jezika. 

Najljepši dio svega bili su ljudi. U samo nekoliko dana stvorili smo toplu, iskrenu zajednicu punu podrške i razumijevanja. Osjećala sam se viđena, prihvaćena i slobodna. Naši treneri bili su divni – strpljivi, inspirativni i uvijek spremni saslušati nas. Kući sam se vratila s osmijehom, novim prijateljstvima i osjećajem da sam dio nečega većeg. Orahovica mi je pokazala koliko je ljepote u povezivanju i koliko rastemo kad izađemo iz zone komfora. ❤️

From October 6th to 11th, I spent an unforgettable week in Orahovica at the On-Arrival Training for European Solidarity Corps volunteers. Together with fifteen young people from all around the world, I learned, laughed, and discovered how wonderful it is to share experiences with people who truly understand you — even when they come from completely different cultures.

Every day was filled with workshops, conversations, and moments that encouraged me to get to know myself better and reflect on my journey as a volunteer. Through teamwork, open discussions, and lots of laughter, I realized how powerful community can be.

Orahovica completely won us over with its beautiful nature and warm hospitality. Our days were packed with workshops, debates, and other interactive activities. During our free afternoons, we hiked to the lake and climbed up to the castle, while evenings were reserved for socializing, singing, and enjoying delicious homemade food. One of my favorite memories was the “fancy dinner” and our attempt to make a toast in ten different languages. 

The most beautiful part of it all was the people. In just a few days, we created a warm, genuine community full of support and understanding. I felt seen, accepted, and free. Our trainers were wonderful — patient, inspiring, and always ready to listen. I returned home with a smile, new friendships, and the feeling of being part of something greater. Orahovica showed me how much beauty there is in connection, and how much we grow when we step out of our comfort zone. ❤️