As I wrap up my time as a volunteer with the European Wilderness Society in Tamsweg, Austria, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has been far more than just months of volunteering. It has been a period of discovery—of landscapes, ideas, cultures, and above all, myself. What started as a new chapter in an unfamiliar country quickly blossomed into one of the....
The Mid-Term Meeting has already passed, and what an unforgettable experience it was! It was completely different from my On-Arrival Training, and in many ways, even more rewarding. While I got to reconnect with a few familiar faces from the training, I also had the chance to meet some amazing young people from different parts of Europe. Everyone brought something....
It’s hard to believe that 12 months have flown by! My time living in Austria has come to an end, which also means the conclusion of my volunteering experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of it—meeting incredible people, traveling, and learning so much along the way. Volunteering with the European Wilderness Society gave me the chance....
This post is written by Yaryna Misyk. As the first days of spring gently unfolded in the picturesque village of Grünau im Almtal in Upper Austria, a unique and enriching experience began for 19 international volunteers. The On-Arrival Training, which commenced on March 3 and spanned four days, proved to be a vibrant mix of learning, cultural exchange, and exploration....
This post is written by Yaryna Misyk. As the crisp chill of November faded and the festive spirit of December settled in, I found myself immersed in the hustle and bustle of pre-holiday preparations, with one important distinction: I was volunteering. It was a month brimming with challenges and rewards, particularly as I became involved in an incredibly engaging....
This post is written by Yaryna Misyk. My first month in Tamsweg was a serene and memorable experience. November, often considered an in-between month, unfolded with a quiet charm that felt refreshing. It is late autumn, and the festive energy of December has yet to arrive, leaving the streets tranquil and unhurried. This calmness seemed to cover the....
Introduction Starting a volunteering journey with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) was both exciting and a bit daunting. To kick off this experience, I joined an on-arrival training that brought together 20 volunteers from across Austria—Salzburg, Linz, Vorarlberg, Vienna, and Styria. Over four days, we bonded over shared experiences, explored our projects....
Moving to Tamsweg from Germany has been an adjustment. The town is quiet and secluded. Without a car, I walk everywhere, which gives me plenty of time to explore. I’ve found a cozy spot by the river. It’s become one of my favorite places, though I usually save my visits for the weekends when I can relax more. Volunteering at the European Wilderness Society has been....
Believe it or not, I’ve already completed six months of volunteering, which means I’m halfway through my project. It has been an incredibly interesting and memorable experience so far, and I’m hopeful that the next six months will be just as fulfilling. At the halfway point of an ESC volunteering project, volunteers participate in a mid-term training session. This....
This post is written by Aurélien Rinaudo. My name is Aurélien Rinaudo, and I am a French student. I completed a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program for three months, from May to August 2024, in Tamsweg, a small town located in the heart of the Austrian Alps, in the Lungau region. Context I was with the NGO European Wilderness Society. The....