Our
STORIES
1. What was your motivation to come and what have you expected from this experience?
My motivation in coming to Bratislava for the Me, Myself and I project was that it looked like a new and exciting opportunity that I had never experienced before. I knew I wanted to travel this summer, volunteer abroad, grow as an individual and professional, and meet new people. I knew that this opportunity would help me to accomplish all of these things.
I expected to leave this project as a new person, but I didn’t actually know how much it would change me until I was living in Bratislava and experiencing life with people from around the world.
2. What was your experience about, how the project has looked like, what were the main learning points of it?
Our project was to teach 12-15 year olds personal development, as well as teach them about our cultures. Throughout the two weeks, we also helped them become more comfortable in their English and public speaking skills.
Firstly, I learned a lot from presenting to a younger audience. Previously, I had only presented to students my age or older, so this summer taught me a lot about engaging audiences and finding interesting, engaging topics to talk about. I also learned about countries from all over the world and their traditions. However, as I learned about these different cultures, I realized how similar we all are and that we can all be friends if we just take the time to know and understand one another. Most of all, I learned to never stop following my dreams and believing that I can do anything I set my mind to. This is a lesson that I heavily stressed on our students, and I ended up teaching myself this as well.
3. Why this leadership experience was unique for you, and why you would recommend it to someone?
I’ve never taught younger students before, so this was my first time leading such a young crowd. We taught them about role models and following their dreams, so it was extremely important for us to serve as good examples for these students. Also, as these kids presented to us their goals and dreams, I saw the innocence and excitement in their eyes. They reminded me that life is only as difficult as we make it, and our dreams can be easily reached if we just believe in ourselves. This was the most fulfilling leadership experience I’ve ever had. Teaching these teenagers was incredible in every way, and they taught me more about myself than I would have ever thought they could. This is truly the best experience any college student interested in becoming a leader and growing as an individual can have. It changes you in more ways than words will ever be able to explain, and I can promise you that every single intern leaves Bratislava with a better outlook on life.
Jessica Carnprobst, 21, United States of America, MMI
LC COMENIUS UNIVERSITY
* Short story:
I taught English for kindergarten children (between 0-6 years old). This project was a big challenge for me, because I’m not teacher and I’ve never worked with kids, the biggest problem was to find a funny and interactive way to get the attention the kids during the classes.
I was very well received for all (AIESECers/Slovakia, teachers and children of school) when I arrived in Bratislava, I liked the city and all people I met during the project. I can say that this project changed my way of being and my vision about the world. I learned to respect different cultures and opinions, I met new people from the whole world and I met amazing places. After this experience, I became a simple and humble man and learned to valorize the actions, words and smiles of the people. I miss the joy and sincerity from children. It was a single experience into my life.
1) What was your motivation to come and what have you expected from this experience?
I chose this project because I've never worked with children and, therefore, would be a big challenge for me. Since 2005 until 2015 I had a heavy daily routine; I worked all day long and studied at night, my routine was helping to become a selfish person. I felt the need to get out of my comfort zone, get new challenges and open my mind, because I wasn't satisfied with what I was doing anymore.
I wanted to think different so I´d like to help people who lives on a different reality than I was used to (culture, weather, economy, mentality). I expected to change myself, to help people and to learn everything possible with them, to meet new persons, new cultures and new ways of thinking.
2) What was your experience about, how the project has looked like, what were the main learning points of it?
The job description was good, I didn’t have surprises during the work and Veronika Mišíková (from AIESEC) provided all necessary support. I learned with this project to appreciate the little things, to be simpler, to work with the children and to respect different cultures and opinions. In addition, I improved my communication skills, improved my English and expanded my networking.
3) Why this leadership experience was unique for you, and why you would it recommend it to someone?
During the internship I had the possibility to change a local community through English classes. It was amazing and scary to thinking about this responsibility, because those kids will be our future. My contribution was minimum (just 6 weeks), and other people must helping to continue the change in the world. The AIESEC's social works are very important for growing a planet more human, and so I recommend this experience to those who want actually work for better world.
Gustavo Rozário, 28, Brazil, IK
 |  |  |
|---|