Kristel Janssens (Belgium)

Haugland Rehabilitation Centre, Flekke, Fjaler
Email: kristeljanssens@yahoo.com

Why are you a volunteer?

Well in the future I would like to work in development aid. It seemed to me that a year abroad as a volunteer would be good preparation for my future plans.

Why did you choose Norway?

I chose Norway more for the project than the country. As a graduated nurse the opportunity to work in a Red Cross Rehabilitation Centre appealed to me. Living alongside the United World College has been a brilliant introduction to multi-cultural society

What do you do?

Mainly I assist the physiotherapists and the sports pedagogs with their tasks. Such as: water confidence, gym, fishing, walking, crafts … In general the clients are competent and I am there to encourage them.

What is bad about being a volunteer?

You don’t really belong in any group. A lot of people interpret the word "volunteer" differently. In my opinion sometimes you can end up doing menial things.

Three typical norwegian things?

Expensive
Hiking with staver
Bathroom floor heating
Always removing your shoes when entering a house

What was your first phrase?

Unnskyld eg forstår deg ikkje / Eg heiter Kristel og eg er frå Belgia.

Your best norwegian experience?

I have had a few fantastic moments:
The first fish I caught.
My first plunge in the fjord.
When I reached the summit of a mountain for the first time.
Seeing the Northern Lights.

Your favorite norwegian food?

Homemade fiskekaker

If you had optional things to do, what would you do?

Have my own boat
Skiing
Climbing

The most important phrases in your job:

Skal du går på tur?
Strek beine og presse ankle og hofte i pølle
Du kan gjere … gange på kvar bein.