Malin Bakke Hole (Volunteer in England)

Project: Upton Warren Outdoor Education Centre, Bromsgrove , UK
E-mail:

Why are you a volunteer?

I didnt really fancy more schooling when I finished college, and decided to go for something that I knew I really enjoyed. So, I applied to become a volunteer at a outdoor centre in the UK . That way I got to travel, I gained work experience and got to do my hobby!

 

Why did you choose this project ?

I chose the UK out of mainly one reason; my english. I wanted to improve my english a lot and decided that the best way is to learn from the Englishmen themselves!

What do you do?

I worked at a outdoor centre in Bromsgrove, south of Birmingham, where we taught children and young people mainly how to sail, windsurf, kayak and canoe. They also have some landbased activities such as archery, low ropes etc.

In the quiet periods, I also help maintain the site and all of the equipment

What is bad about being a volunteer?

Bad? Hmm.. well, you are not exactly rich, but you do alright. The problem is though, since you are in a new country there are so many things you want to do! But mostly people feel sorry for you since you work for free, and most of the time people do a lot to help you out.

Three typical English things?

“Bacon Butties” for breakfast, tea breaks(think I normally had 5 during the day!) and not to forget the socialble pint after work!

What was your first phrase?

“Hi, My name is Malin and its NOT like the fish (Marlin is like a big tuna\swordfish, and supposedly Marlin and Malin is very similar.. but only in the name!)!”

Your best EVS experience?

My best EVS experience was my leaving due..then I realised how many friends I had made this year and how much I was going to miss them when I went home. It was also very nice to see how much I had really mattered for them as well, it made me feel that my entire year had really meant something

Your favorite English food?

The Hickory Chicken served as a 2for10 at the Swan across the road.

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

I would hope it was windy and fly a kite on the hills, if not go for a chat in our second livingroom; the Swan or if it was a Wednesday, go on my scheduled date where all of us went out to try a new, cheep place to eat and then a movie!

The most important phrases in your job:

“Hi guys, if my english is abit odd then it's because I'm foreign!”

“Ok then.. tell me your names and repete them politely when I forget them..deal?”

“If you capsize, just hold on to your boat and I'll get you back in within 2 seconds..I promise!”