Hi, my name is Oliver, and I’ve been living in Cardiff for just over two months now. I moved here from Austria to take part in an EVS (European Voluntary Service) project, and I’m currently working with a fantastic charity called ASH Wales.

One of my main responsibilities at ASH Wales is supporting their youth project, The Filter. This was actually one of the major reasons I applied for this placement – the opportunity to work closely with young people and contribute to a cause that’s making a real difference.

I’m lucky to live close to my workplace, in shared accommodation with six other young people from different countries. Interestingly, I’m the only guy in the house, living with six girls! It’s been a unique experience, and we’ve built a great bond, even though we’ve only known each other for two months. It’s fascinating to learn how people from other cultures approach everyday life. For example, I’ve discovered that in Spain, it’s common to use scissors to cut food like bacon or pizza – and then just pop them in the dishwasher. It might sound unusual, but I’ve tried it myself, and it’s surprisingly handy!

Most of my time here is spent either with my housemates or my colleagues at work. Before coming to Cardiff, my sending organisation in Austria warned me that I might experience culture shock. However, I haven’t felt anything like that so far. Life in Wales feels quite similar to life in Austria, with a few small differences. For instance, I’ve noticed how incredibly polite people are here – they say “thank you” for almost everything, even in situations where we Austrians might not think to say it.

One cultural experience I won’t forget is the Rugby World Cup. I had no clue about the rules of rugby before coming here, but the passion of the Welsh fans is contagious. Watching a match at the fan zone was an unforgettable experience – the energy and excitement were incredible, especially when Wales was playing.

In my free time, I’ve also started playing football at a nearby sports centre with one of my colleagues. I try to play once a week, although sometimes work and other commitments get in the way.

Volunteering with ASH Wales has been an amazing opportunity to learn, grow, and immerse myself in a new culture. If you’re thinking about taking on an EVS placement or volunteering abroad, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s been a rewarding journey, both professionally and personally, and I’m excited to see what the rest of my time here will bring.