APV is an Advanced Preparation Visit organized by our Host Organization Egyesek. Not to be confused with on-arrival training organized by the National Agency.
During the APV we got to know the future team, the past team, and the team of all times, as well as the location, the brief introduction to the stores in the town, and the vibe in general. I think it’s the best thing ever to do such an APV. The dreaded anxiety level goes down, the excitement goes up. Especially it’s useful and needed when you are a big team. I imagine it would be awkward to suddenly just be in a house full of strangers, to share room with total strangers. Of course, as time progresses, it gets easier, but still.
What did we do during our APV?
- Ice-breakers. I lost count to them, really. But as a teacher, I absolutely love them! The sillier, the better!
- Getting to know the locations. The APV’s main location is Hollókő, the scenic village, where all vowels are kinda same, but very different. The project’s main location is Szécsény, a peaceful town almost at the border with Slovakia.
- Taking a look at our future home. Which is very exciting, and it was amazing that we had the ones who were living there before us, the volunteers of the previous year, to show us around!
- Having fun and talking business. In our case, it was about both things at the same time. Talking business while having fun? Having fun while talking business? Take it the way you want, really.
I felt like it was very important to mention an APV. Even if our project would start later, this was the point of true beginning. This was the point when we would know that this decision and this idea is the best thing in the world. This was the point when I really started to be in the “can’t wait” mode.
And actually, I’m still in this mode. And I don’t plan to drop it any time soon.
Love,
Catherine
Adventures of a random volunteer 