My name is Emi, an ESC Volunteer at AFS á Íslandi, and Iceland has been my home for the past 8 months. I started my AFS journey in 2019 when I became a volunteer in Hungary in my local chapter, in Szeged, and later I was a part of the Biobook translators team. I’m currently doing my ESC (European Solidarity Corps) program, here, at AFS á Íslandi, supporting the Hosting department. Having been a volunteer this far, it was very interesting to see how things work “on the other side” and to see the processes and what goes into hosting exchange students from around the world.
It has been amazing being a part of such a huge organization of people, ideas and opportunities.
Even though our office in Iceland is quite small, I still feel connected to the big network of AFS, due to all of the help and training events they have offered. I have to say, AFS International really supports all of their national offices and provides us with all the help and guidance we need to succeed.
I didn’t have too many expectations before coming to Iceland but I knew it was going to be an amazing adventure, filled with new experiences and knowledge. And it has definitely been just that so far! I also feel really fortunate to be working with my partner Sólveig, the Hosting Coordinator, she’s the best!!
Despite having grown up in the Great Hungarian Plains, I’ve always gravitated towards the mountains, and for this reason, I felt at ease here from the first minute. Adjusting, like always, takes time and by January Reykjavík felt like my home. I am so grateful for the experiences and memories I’ve gained so far, getting to see the wonders of Iceland, enjoying its nature, being in a choir full of amazing ladies, learning Icelandic, meeting other ESCs and gaining friends in the most unexpected ways. I already know I’ll always look back on this year fondly.
I’m excited for my last 4 months here!
I’m looking forward to supporting families in their hosting journey, saying goodbye to our current exchange students, enjoying the long summer nights of Iceland, getting to attend this year’s AFS Volunteer Summer Summit, deepening my friendships and hopefully finishing my Icelandic lopapeysa.
Við sjáumst!
-Emi