Emilie Gallier (France)

Physical Project Activity Assistant 03-NO-15
November 2003 -august 2003

Why are you a volunteer?

I am volonteer because I have just finish my dance studies in France, I didnt want to start working like the others, I just wanted to have a special first experience. And , be a volonteer gave me a good opportunity to get a first work experience, human experience too, to travel, live in a new and so different country, meet new people, get new friends…

Why did you choose Norway?

I have’nt choose Norway, first I have choose the project : dance project (that was what I need!!). Then I enjoyed the fact it was in Norway, cause I was searching differences from my country, (and the nature, climat and language are important differences!) And I can’t say why, but I was attract by this country…

What do you do?

As I said, my project is a dance project in Førde. I participate in all dance subjects in Førde, I attend courses with other young girls, and I give two or three moderndance courses by week, in different organisations in Førde. But my work isn’t only in Førde, I have to travel in the area, in Sogn og Fjordane, to meet people, to work with schools, sometimes be an assistant in french course, and of course, be a dance instructor.

What is bad about being a volunteer?

One bad thing, in beeing a volonteer, (maybe it is a good thing too!) is that (of course!) you don’t have too much money!!

Three typical norwegian things?

The ”ostehøvel” to cut the cheese! It was the first time a saw something like that!
The sheephead…. (what can I say about it… yeark… but really funny…and something you never forget)
The ”å ja” when people are talking, when you are interested or ”også… også…” It was the first thing I could capt, people are using it so much!

What was your first phrase?

My first phrase, when I arrived in Norway, was: ”you are volonteer too! It’s incredible!!” because I was with another volonteer, Anna, in the airplane. And my first phrase in Norvegian was : ”kan du snakke engelsk?” (sometimes it can be useful!)

Your best norwegian experience?

My best Norvegian experience was the week end with the other volonteers, because it was my first ”cool week end” I was in Norway since only two weeks, and we really had fun. My first dance course in english with a few Norvegian words, was a really really good experience too!!

Your favorite norwegian food?

There is no really favorite Norvegian food, actually, but I tast Kjøtt Kaker, and I can say it is my favorite Norvegian food, yes!

The most important phrases in your job:

Ein too tre fire fem sechs sju åtte!
Og…..”be careful to your knee!” (I know it can seam strange, but…)
”vil du har hjelpe?” (of course! I’m volonteer!)