an.mari.na

hi:) I'm 19 years old and I'm spending a year in ireland with the european solidarity corps

[an-mari-na]

my project

🏡Thomastown, Ireland

🕞 august 2025 - july 2026

💼 assisting teachers in the kindergarten and participate in the community

🌍european solidarity corps🌍

The ESC is an initiative by the European Union that supports young adults (18 to 30 years of age) from all backgrounds to volunteer in a project and support a local community within the EU. Perfect for anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone.

[an-mari-na]

a few days in Belfast

the best trip I've taken since coming to Ireland. It was such a great experience especially since it was my first time travelling solo...

I had so much fun and saw sooo many things. The Titanic Museum, the City Hall, a tour around West Belfast, the impressive architecture and of course the food. Kultur geht durch den Magen😝 is what you would say in german

during those days I learned... to trust myself and the choices I make, embracing my lack of knowledge in some topics and not feeling ashamed of it instead reaching out and trying to learn (especially from natives), calming down and thoroughly enjoying even the smallest bits in life; not everything is a race just enjoy your time

16th - 19th of Feb

[an-mari-na]

biodiversity🌻🌲

we are officially part of a project centered around protecting and inviting biodiversity into the town

it feels great to help with making a change and improving the town with a long lasting effect; even after we leave

[an-mari-na]

Galway🚉

we spend the bank holiday in Galway at another volunteers place and we had such a good time...

i ate amazing food, especially the chips from Prátaí and a bagel from the market

we spend a lot of time with young people which was amazing after such a long time without meeting a lot of younger folks

I learned to... set boundaries and find compromises, improved my socialising skills

30th - 2nd of Feb

[an-mari-na]

my first ever concert

i saw Mon Rovîa with two friends and it was an amazing experience

we did almost get stuck in the middle of nowhere since the bus didn't stop in town but we managed to get back safe

lesson learned: trust others and take responsibility for mistakes

20th of Jan

[an-mari-na]

NORTHERN LIGHTS🌌

what a once in a lifetime experience

[an-mari-na]

🎄christmas time🎄

Christmas time in Ireland was a very different experience. Not that it was worse just different. maybe that also has something to do with it being my first christmas outside of school.

the christmas markets are definitely not as good as the ones in Germany but I didn't really expect that either🫢

I had lots of concerts with the choir during November and December and they were all so much fun and almost always a success

[an-mari-na]

new achievements☀️

we went on a hike! (this time it was a real hike). Coastal Walk in Dunmore East.

We saw so many things... a seal, peregrine falcons, cliffs, fluffy grass, beautiful seashells and of course the open ocean the most beaufitul sight of all

I missed some choir rehearsals but that happens. I'm going back to my creative side. I enjoy making music again, writing, drawing...🎀

I learned to trust myself and my body and to speak up.

favorite movie: shrek (+frozen)

favorite song: the hand by Annabelle Dinda

8th of November

[an-mari-na]

things have happend...

(only good things)

i got catching up to do for this blog🥴🫠

After our training one of the volunteers came over to visit us. We had so much fun and it was easily the best weekend yet. I learned to trust others, pay better attention to the people around me and just to let go sometimes and enjoy life...☀️🌙⭐️

I cut my hair, I got fancy clothes and I felt whole and content.

autumn is beautiful around here which I'm very happy about since it's my favorite season. Halloween was cool. We had plans but in the end we just spend the day together(me&my roommate) which I enjoyed.

We went to the local pumpkin "exhibition". there was free hot chocolate🤭 there were some amazing pumpkins! Ours was rotting already so we couldn't bring it down🥴

I'm watching lots of movies atm: current favorite But I'm a Cheerleader

favorite song: Lover, You should've come over by Jeff Buckley

18th-1st of November

[an-mari-na]

on-arrival training

the on-arrival training was so much fun🌞

the workshop leaders were amazing and found the perfect balance between fun and "work". we were a really tight-knitted group and everyone tried to make the others feel included💖

dublin is not my fave city but nonetheless it's still worth visiting. I found some people who I will definitely wanna see again🫂

most of the other volunteers were older and I was a little apprehensive at first but in the end everything turned out fine

made plans to go to protests and some nights out🌙

9th-12th of october

[an-mari-na]

in my feels...

i'm so happy for this opportunity and i'm so proud of myself for following this dream even though it seemed impossible at first.

i'm just relieved and happy and excited. i escaped all the negativity and hopelessness which was brewing in my hometown.

i'm proud of myself that I pushed through and did all of this. About 1½ years ago I couldn't even speak up in class without shaking and choking on my words and now I'm in a new country speaking another language daily with strangers!

it does get better<3

29th of September

[an-mari-na]

last few days☀️

the weather has been incredible. We went on a few walks. Especially Woodstock gardens is astounding. You have a great view of the village from the top of the mountain⛰️

the air in the forests is just different

Inistoige in general is just soo adorable🏘🏡

the weather is making me miss my hometown. especially the cycling routes, my bike, the lakes, the forests... just the air🌦

I went to the choir for the first time and I was the only soprano >_<

it was fine though! the choir director is really nice aswell as the other members🫶

it did make me miss my vocal teacher... god she is just the best. i play a lot of songs here that we did together which helps a little

21st-28th of September

[an-mari-na]

culture night

such a fun experience!😝

we went to a café with a live dj and lots of board games🎲🃏

i was taught new games and taught others games from home... sounds like cultural exchange to me!🌍

19th of september

[an-mari-na]

the next bigger city is Kilkenny

a gorgeous city with a beautiful park and sooo many small shops that have so much to offer!!!

the library looks pretty and has so many good books📚📖

easily bought more than 5 things from the charity shops already📚👕🛍

[an-mari-na]

🌊visiting Tramore🌊

the weather was terrible in the morning but it cleared up during the day☀️🌦

the ocean was a beautiful sight and the bus ride from Waterford to Tramore only costs 80ct with a young adult leap card!

there is a surfing school in town... I will definitely try that out! (would be my second time surfing in the atlantic ocean)

we stopped in Waterford on our way back sadly most shops were closed since it was 6pm on a sunday. still a beautiful city🌸

every new city or town convinces me that Ireland is indeed the most beautiful country🇮🇪

14th of september 2025

[an-mari-na]

this is ireland baby

everything went well while travelling. the flight was actually very fun✈️✈️✈️

the family we are staying with is amazing! we got everything we need and even more than that. they have two pets and two lovely kids aswell

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

A past volunteer from two years ago who is currently doing au pair for three weeks has helped us settle in. I'm very grateful that she is here.

me and my roommate have our differences. but i will get used to it

the landscape is captivating out here

28th of August 2025

[an-mari-na]

day before the flight

a normal dose of excitement and fear. it's my first time flying so this is all very new to me.

I wasn't able to see my best friend before leaving. I will miss her very much.

5am wake up

5:45 driving to the train station

6:12 train leaving...

-25th of August 2025