I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

I have been living far from home for more than two years - where I have always wanted to. Hence It's high time I tried to put into words why an "emerald" dream keeps me here.

I am from Hungary and my first experience abroad began in 2007 when I spent a month as a journalist trainee in Bray, only a stone's throw away from Dublin. It was obviously love at first sight!

I was mesmerised by Ireland’s wonderful natural treasures. Every day there was something exciting to experience. For example, you can drive through isolated waving hills of green that will create indelible memories, visit those fabulous castles where time stands still or walk on the very edge of the ocean and feel the rush of the adrenaline. This isle simply never seizes to amaze me. The strangest thing is that I realised, I felt like home here more than I have ever felt at home. Since this short experience, I was desperate to return to Ireland. I had to wait for 6 years to find the way, though...

I started by searching for opportunities to do voluntary work abroad and came across the European Voluntary Service (EVS) programme. In a nutshell, the European Voluntary Service enables young people (aged 18-30) to carry out voluntary work for up to 12 months in a country other than their country of residence. The main purposes for this experience are to foster solidarity and understanding among young people from different countries and learn about other cultures. The benefits are significant to both the volunteer and the host country, Indeed, the local communities will receive invaluable services from motivated young individuals - hopefully. Volunteers, on the other hand, can develop new skills and improve their professional experience. In fact, this learning experience is formally recognized through a Youthpass.

I started the process in January in 2013 by contacting many organisations in different countries. I prepared my applications that consisted of a CV and a cover letter according to the particular organisation and job requirements. Obviously, I sent most of my applications to the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, but I found a great project in Iceland and some others in Spain too. Actually, the United Kingdom appears to be a highly desirable destination for many young people - obviously because of the language.

Frankly, it was a lengthy and a nerve-racking process that taught me that persistence is a key for success. In many cases, I got a negative response for various reasons. However on April 10th 2013, I received good news from a charity called Tools for Solidarity located in Belfast, Northern Ireland that was interested in having me. What a relief!  

(If somebody is more interested in the EVS process or needs some peaces of advice how to apply, where to start, what to do, etc. don't hesitate to drop me a line. I am more than happy to help) 

Eventually, on a sunny Sunday afternoon I found myself at the airport with two hyper green suitcases heading to Dublin (there is no direct flight between Hungary and Northern Ireland, yet luckily, you can take a cosy Aircoach bus from Dublin to Belfast). The rest is history (or something like this. :-) )

I spent a wonderful year at Tools which meant the world to me. Please, folks, check out this remarkable NGO run entirely by local and international volunteers! They basically refurbish unwanted hand tools and sewing machines and send them over to Africa. The tools and sewing machines enable the people who receive them to establish small co-operative and community businesses. TFS also provides training in vocational schools and opportunities for employment for disabled and women’s groups particularly in Tanzania and Uganda. This unique charity has other great projects, you can find out more of the work that they do here.

In spite of the fact that I hadn't even used a hammer or a screwdriver before, I learnt how to fix a sewing machine from scratch as well as gaining loads of practical skills. Other than that, I was so lucky to get to know some brilliant people whom I can still call my friends. I have always got so much support from them (even nowadays). I cannot be thankful enough for their friendship and help!  

Beside my work, I took advance of the beloved place and I explored Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with my friends as much as I could. Since I love music, needless to say I fully immersed myself in the buzzing music scene of Dublin and Belfast. As most of my favourite musicians and bands are from Ireland  and the UK, I could attend several gigs that I have always wanted to. I can't help mentioning (because I am so proud of this one) that thanks to a nice Irish girl, I had the great privilege of meeting and taking a picture with my absolute favourite musician, the outstanding singer, songwriter, Glen Hansard, who is simply the best. On gloomy days I just dig up this fabulous memory and it always puts a smile upon my face. 

Since I finished my voluntary service. I have been driven to find a job on this isle. I have Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Communications and Media Studies from Hungary. However, I am completely aware of the fact that it would be really difficult to find a job in my field abroad, Speaking the language of the certain country where you wish to live is one of the most important aspects and even if I try to do my best to improve my English, it will always be far from perfect. Having said that, I must admit, I have just passed the Cambridge Advanced Exam and I am just about to start an interpreter training. But I still strive to find a job to get my foot in the door. Unfortunately, I haven't got any joy yet...

I do not have anything else on this beautiful island but a dream to fulfill. At the same time, it's not easy to put all my eggs in one basket... So I would really appreciate if any of you (who is reading this "babbling" right now) could give me some pieces of advice.