Данас сам се изгубио. Дошао сам кући из школе врло уморан,
InterCOOLtura News Edition 2 IN
Jul/Aug/Sep/Oct 2011
THIS ISSUE :
With Teena and Gillo at Obedska bara 9
InterKULtura Space
2
First Training for Contact Persons
10
Danes Really Know How to Have Fun
3
Working with Kolektiv Pozitiv
10
First Days in Belgrade
4
EFIL News
11
Stars Are Made for Us Tonight
5
In Portugal!
12
A Weekend in Becej
6
From All over the World to Karlsruhe
13
Intercultural Dialogue Day
7
Kassel Summer Language School
14
We Felt Like a Group of Enthusiasts
8
Brazil!
15
Stefano and Luka
Nora from Finland - First Days in Belgrade
InterKULtura Space In Interkultura’s annual cycle, autumn is the season in which a lot is going on, or so it seems to us – numerous activities and ambitious plans for the rest of the year. Autumn is particularly important also because Interkultura’s anniversary is at the beginning of November. All the exchange students and their host siblings are invited to a Cultural Weekend in Belgrade from November 3rd to 6th. The weekend will include a sightseeing tour of the city, visits to the Ethnographic Museum and Nikola Tesla Museum, visits to theatres and socializing with the hosts and Interkultura’s volunteers. The highlight of the weekend, which will also close the event, will be Interkultura’s birthday party scheduled for Sunday, November 6th, to which all the friends of Interkultura are invited. This may be the most important weekend for the exchange students this autumn, but it is certainly not the only one. The first one took place in Bečej from September 22nd to 25th and the following one will be in Sombor from November 24th to 27th, when we will bid farewell to Luca Ciaramella, our ECTP participant from Italy. The weekends are the opportunity for the exchange students to socialize, exchange their experiences, get to know different towns in Serbia and make new friends there, which adds to their intercultural experience. They are also the opportunity for the hosts to get some first-hand information on the
exchange programs. Other interesting activities ahead of us this autumn include the training for new volunteers, school presentations and activities for the candidates and host families who wish to apply for the exchange programs. Eventually, autumn will slowly give way to winter and the winter highlight is the mid-stay camp for the exchange students in February, where we hope to be joined by the exchange student from Germany who is spending her year in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the volunteer training and the midstay camp, like at all our events, special attention will be paid to the educational aspect of the exchange programs in order to ensure that all our volunteers and exchange students realize that the exchange programs are a tool which helps them acquire intercultural knowledge and skills. Ivana Gazikalovic Pavlovic
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Danes Really Know How to Have Fun Anica on an Exchange Year in Denmark Hmm…my exchange year so far…I am in Denmark by the way. First of all, this is an enormous change! Everything is different! Since the first day I came here I am fascinated by the nature and the houses, because they are built in a completely different style from the ones I know. Houses like these I was seeing only in fairy tales, and now all of a sudden, everything around me is like one of those fairy tales I read about. My school is also adorable; I can see the bay from my classroom window. There is no see in Serbia, so it is strange for me to see the sea so often, especially from my classroom! And although it is too cold to be in the water now, it is also a beautiful experience to walk by the water and enjoy it. I live about twenty kilometers away from the city where I go to school. I live in a village. At first I thought it would be really hard to adapt to a completely different way of life, but it is actually not, I am doing well so far. I tend to help when I can, which means that so far I have chopped wood, fed horses and cows, hammered nails into boards, collected straw, cleaned the hen-house etc. I also collect eggs every day. Someone would think I am not having such a good time, since I am working that much, but I am really having fun. My Danish family is pleased about it too. And they are lovely. I try to call my host parents - mom and dad - , although it is still a bit strange. I have a host brother, Gustav, who is the same age as I. He goes to a school for future farmers, he likes to go hunting, and three days ago he got his driving license. Now beside from tractor, he can also ride a car and a motorbike. I also have two host sisters. Marlena is sixteen and she is very mature. She is also adventurous like me and we get along very well. A few days ago we were camping in the backyard; actually we made fire and then ate bread and sausages. It is really cozy to sit by the fire when it is so cold. We also go shopping together and I am proud of myself, because I can survive her shopping tours, not everyone can do that. The youngest of all is Amalie. She is only eleven. It is sweet to have a younger sister. We often cook together, listen to music or just tickle. There is also a dog Cooper and everybody in the family loves him! I try to speak Danish as much as I can, but it is not easy at all. Most of the things I can’t even pronounce properly. Nevertheless, I am trying and everyone is telling me how great I am doing, and I am so happy when I hear it, because I know that my hard work is giving some results. I don’t think it makes sense to spend a year in a foreign country and not to learn the language. And besides, as soon as you learn the language everything gets much easier. My school friends are helping me and correcting me if I say something wrong, but often they are just having fun and laughing about my Danish. And as for them, they were not so friendly in the beginning, but I feel like it is getting easier by the day to talk to them, make jokes, laugh so that gives me strength. Of course I also miss my Serbian friends, but I just keep telling myself that I will get so much more from this year, than I will lose. What I should also mention is Danish food, yes food! I like Danish food. They have thousands of strange meals, and those famous Danish cakes and tarts, I love them. I will just say- I need to practice a lot in order to keep my shape. And I was impressed by the Danish night life! Danes really know how to have fun. They also drink a lot, but I don’t mind it. Sometimes it’s wonderful, sometimes it’s hard, but I always say to myself: I must be strong. I try to concentrate on present moment and use everything I am given here, because otherwise I would regret it. So I enjoy this year, I am trying out some new things and I hope that one day when I come back, I will be able to say that I had a crazy and unforgettable year! Anica Rimac
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S e r b i a n
T h e
W o r S t l u d d e n t s a r o u n d
First Days in Belgrade On-arrival Orientation Interkultura volunteers welcomed a second generation of exchange students, who will spend this school year in Serbia. The students came on Friday, August 19 th and had a three-day orientation in Jelica Milovanovic students’ home in Belgrade. Our volunteers waited for the students at the Belgrade airport and then drove them to a place where they would be staying, and a few volunteers also stayed during the whole day to help the students. We also had a guest, a volunteer from Turkey, Bugra Abdallahoglu, who participated in our workshops and contributed to our organization. Students had many workshops: introducing themselves, energizers, lessons about Serbia and a walk around the city. We tried to prepare them for their stay in the host families in Serbia through many games and workshops. On Sunday, August 21st families came to pick up our students from Russia, Italy, Paraguay, Mexico, Germany, Finland, New Zeeland, Thailand and take them to their new homes in Belgrade, Zajecar, Negotin, Ivanjica, Leskovac, Becej, Zrenjanin. Serbian national television was also there and made a short report about this event, which was published in the daily news. We are really proud of this success and also of an excellent organization. Students will now have one long year to spend in Serbia, in which they will adapt, learn Serbian language, culture and customs and what’s most important, make friendships and experiences that will last forever. Milica Vranic
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E x c h a n g e
i n
S e r S b t i u a d e n t s
Stars Are Made for Us Tonight Italian Exchange Student in Serbia Today I got lost. I came home from school and I was very tired, the endless summer days made me forget how awful it is to get up early in the morning. I left my bag on the floor, I closed the door of my room and I fell asleep.
I saw the image of myself reflected in a showcase. I pointed the camera and, to remember this day, I took a photo. Seeing the picture, I remembered that I’m a terrible photographer: the light of the blitz was hiding my face.
After a few minutes the rays of dying sun lighted the dream that I had. I woke up and I came to the window and, in the naked light, I saw the sun starting to sink. It was so beautiful, that I knew - even if I closed my eyes I would see it anyway.
I kept on walking down the streets that I had never seen, and that I will probably never see again, not knowing were to go and, step by step, curve by curve, I got to Trg Republike. Finally my eyes were looking at something familiar.
I was happy like a little child. I went to the nearest bus station and I noticed with huge enthusiasm that it was a stop of the bus 26 too. I looked at the time: I have been roaming for almost an hour. I decided to go back home, I went to a kiosk and bought a ticket: getting lost in Belgrade one time a day was more than enough. The bus came I waited for the bus 26 for a couple of after ten minutes and, after marking minutes and as I was taking my seat, my ticket, I took a seat. Iggy Pop started to sing “The Passenger” in my ears. Just like the I was listening to Arcade Fire staring main character of the song I was at the sky, and I realized that, thanks seeing the beauty of the world to this experience, Belgrade was becoming my home city. through a window. I felt free, as the only limit of my life I leaned back myself on the seat and was the horizon. I was dancing with I closed my eyes, in thirty minutes I those thoughts of freedom when my was in my neighborhood again. No eyes caught a glimpse of the typical controller came to check my ticket. Suddenly, I decided to go to Kalemegdan to take some pictures. I took my camera and went down the street. I was walking towards the bus station and, in the fading light, I noticed that the shadows were starting to get away from the objects they belonged to in order to meet in the deepest night.
yellow jacket of the controllers. I put my hands in the pockets, looking for the ticket, but I could only find a pen and a bill. I avoided a bad situation the easiest way: he got on the bus and I got off. I took a look around and I realized that I had no idea where I was. I was a bit afraid but I decided to trust myself. I took out my camera and I started to walk: sometimes it is better to find yourself, than the way back home.
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The sunset was ending, although a piece of sky was red the sun wasn’t visible anymore, and all of my fears, like the sunlight, were fading away. Luka Caramela
Weekend in Becej The orientation in Bečej lasted from September 22nd to 25th, 2011. These four days have passed very quickly. The exchange students’ mood was great – we were all enchanted by the beautiful city of Bečej. Professor Svetlana Kovačev, Interkultura’s volunteer, organized a cultural program that was both instructive and enjoyable. Families in Bečej were very hospitable by welcoming their new members. Students attended classes in Bečej High School. In the afternoon they participated in an art workshop, during which they were able to impress us with their artistic talents. Those who weren’t into art enjoyed a challenging basketball game. In the evening, Bečej High School students found out more about Interkultura and AFS during a presentation held by our volunteers. Later on, the exchange students introduced themselves and showed their hidden vocal talents. The next morning we had an orientation and many workshops for the exchange students and their host families. Later that day we all had a lesson on Serbian national dance. Our exchange students really loved the dance and performed it very well. We also visited the city center and its large Serbian orthodox church, built in the first half of the 19th century, which altar was painted by Uroš Predić, one of the greatest Serbian realistic painters. Every host family had the opportunity to show its guest some of the attractions they thought were interesting. Our exchange students are looking forward to their next orientation and, of course, their next visit to this beautiful town on the Tisa. Stefan Ubiparipovic
Alina in Leskovac I was sitting in the living room with my mom, watching TV, when reportage about Interkultura caught our attention. Children from all around the world were telling about their impressions at the end of their year in Serbia. Everyone was pleased about it - both the kids, and the families whose members these kids became in the last 10 months. My family is very adventurous and always ready to try out something new. So we decided to do it- to be the first family from the south of Serbia to host an exchange student! I sent the application that same day, although we didn’t expect the return call immediately. But the very next day, we were offered to host eighteen-year-old Alina Maklakova from Russia. We didn’t need much time to think about it, so I soon sent the confirmation letter which stated that my family was ready to host Alina in August. Everyone in Leskovac was fascinated by our decision because it was the first time that something similar happened in our town. The anxiety grew stronger each day, but there was no need for that, because the first time we met her, we were amazed! The next few days we had so much fun together, I was showing her my town, and teaching her Serbian. Now, after almost two months, I feel like I’ve known her for much longer. All of us are very happy and thrilled because she is now a member of our family, and especially me, because from now on I will always have a “sister” in Russia.
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Dina Stankovic
Intercultural Dialogue Day - IDD Intercultural Dialogue Day in Serbia was this year an event that united volunteers, AFS returnees, our hosted students and high school students in five Serbian schools. Everybody worked on the same goal: promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding through intercultural learning. It was a day full of AFS balloons, T-shirts, leaflets and most importantly, talks about AFS and exchange programs.
dents also actively participated - they prepared a little quiz about their country and culture and talked about their intercultural experience.
In some schools we even had media coverage, so IDD indeed helped us increase our visibility. We managed to realize two great goals - firstly, to get all Serbian AFS-ers to work together as a big team and secondly, to bring AFS closer to high school students in SerThis year our aim was to promote inter- bia. cultural learning and AFS programs among high school students and use Congratulations to all volunteers and the opportunity to develop our coopera- exchange students who on Sept 29th tion with schools. Our volunteers went brought AFS closer to Serbian high to five schools which our hosted stuschool students. dents are attending and did workshops and presentations with students who Dunja Zivanovic wanted to learn about AFS. They talked about what intercultural learning is and what opportunities there are for students to get involved in intercultural learning programs. Our hosted stu-
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We Felt Like a Group of Enthusiasts First Teachers Seminar in Cacak On September 18th there was a basic teacher training organized in Cacak in the language school ETC Nucleus. It was a bright and cold day and about fifteen teachers from Cacak, Ivanjica and Gornji Milanovac gathered. Our president, Ivana Gazikalovic Pavlovic and a volunteer Gabrijela Rimac talked to them about Interkultura, how it is organized and what our principles are. In a relaxed conversation after the workshops, teachers could ask Ivana and Gabrijela everything they wanted to know about receiving foreign students and sending Serbian students for an exchange year. There were some questions about organization too, but since we were all high school teachers, we spontaneously came to analyzing our school system: everything that was good and bad about it. We talked about how we could help exchange students to adapt to our school program. We considered very precisely how we could prepare the schools for exchange students, how to provide support from the school principals and how to get our colleagues interested in additionally helping exchange students. After some time we felt like group of enthusiasts, who are trying to turn our schools into places where children would not learn just from books, but gain some other skills , which
would be much more related to the world they are living in. Those would be schools were culture and intercultural experiences as well as tolerance, respect and friendship would be priority. After many wonderful ideas, we came back to reality. Our conclusion was that a transformation process like this happens really slowly in Serbia, but also that it is possible to maintain it and develop it with constant care. We also concluded that in every school on Serbia we can find at least one teacher, who accepts our ideas and who would be ready to promote them in his or her school and town. Teacher trainings in different Serbian towns are one of the best ways to inform people about Interkultura and promote its values. Our volunteers will try to have as many of these seminars as possible in the future.
S e m i n a r s I n
Gabrijela Rimac
S e r b i a
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With Teena and Gillo at Obedska bara First Volunteer Training The National Volunteer Training of Interkultura Serbia took place at Obedska bara near Belgrade from October 7th to October 9th, 2011. The list of participants included active volunteers, new volunteers and returnees. The work was organized in two groups and there were parallel sessions for the experienced volunteers and the returnees/new volunteers. The returnees first had their re-orientation and later, together with the new volunteers, learnt the basics of AFS programs and volunteering. The active volunteers attended workshops on communication skills. In the final phase of the training, all the participants were divided into teams consisting of some experienced and some new volunteers. Their task was to devise action plans for the forthcoming activities such as AFS weekends, selection of candidates, mid-stay orientation, mini stay, etc. This resulted in some very good plans and we hope that the volunteers who were not able to attend the training are going to join forces with the teams in the implementation of these plans. The event was organized by Milena Miladinovic and Marija Kolundzija from Interkultura's Organizational Development team, who also acted as trainers for some of the sessions. Interkultura Serbia had the pleasure of using the services of two international trainers, Teena Ihmels from EFIL’s European Pool of Trainers (EPOT), and Gillo Baldazzi whose presence was sponsored by AFS Italy. AFS Serbia extends its sincere appreciation to the trainers who were all very professional and inspiring, and a special word of thanks goes to EFIL and AFS Intercultura in Italy. Milena Miladinovic What do you think about Interkultura? Teena: I can’t compare it to the German AFS, because our organization is huge. You are in a very special situation because you are building something. People here have to work much more, in Germany a volunteer starts with a very small task, he can be a counselor maybe, but even if he can’t do it, there is always someone who will do it instead. Gillo: I also can’t compare it to the Italian AFS because of the same reason, but Interkultura reminded me, that AFS in Italy too started in a living room many years ago! I am joking, but you should be proud of yourselves because you are making history. You were part of the first volunteer training and you will remember it in ten years and you will say- hey I was there! Have you ever met some other Serbs, before coming to Serbia? Teena: No. But I was in Slovenia and Croatia, so I was missing one more ex-Yugoslavian republic. I thought that people here make a lot of parties and drink a lot. I realized that everything is here about the food. Gillo: No. I knew almost nothing about Serbia before I came here. I didn’t even have prejudice. I didn’t want to ask too much about Serbia and come here with prejudices, I wanted simply to come and experience it. How do you like Serbia now? Teena: I really like your country. Gillo: I enjoyed it, and I felt very welcome. I was actually considering whether I should come or not, because I have a lot of work to do at the moment, but now I am really glad that I did come! I found many passionate people. I don’t know if it’s AFS, Serbia or individuals, but I was really impressed by that.
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First Training for Contact Persons .This year, the second generation of students from all around the world is spending their exchange year in Serbia. From the impressions that the former exchange students notify, we conclude that we were great hosts. We did our best to make their year unforgettable and we are about to keep that tradition. However, until now things in Interkultura have always moved forward because we are an organization that is learning from its experience and is always trying to improve its work. We have therefore introduced two significant novelties this year – we made Handbook for contact person and in the beginning of July we had our first training for contact per-
sons.
standings. This way they would learn how to improve The purpose of the training their relation, so that they was to explain why the contact person is one of the most would spend more quality active participants in the ex- time while they are together. change program: the link be- Our contact persons are peotween students, families and ple who are older than exAFS. In the first part of the change students. We thought training, we run through the that can be useful because contact persons’ tasks and their life experience and maobligations, instructions for turity could make them more writing monthly reports and reliable and sensitive to all, resources the contact persons could refer to if they feel more or less visible, probthe need for support. In the lems. second part, through discusMarija Kolundzija sion and play roles of potential problem situations, we came to different solutions of effective acting, which should help students and their families to adapt to each other, surmount potential misunder-
Working with Kolektiv Pozitiv Interkultura Presentation With the motto “Don’t dream about the world, live it!“, Interkultura volunteers presented their organization on Saturday, September 24th as part of the Kolektiv Pozitiv’s project. Kolektiv Pozitiv is a group of young people, who want to promote informal ways of learning and activism by the young. Four Saturdays in a row about twenty high school students spent their weekends with Kolektiv Pozitiv learning, but also getting information about various organizations they maybe haven’t heard of, but that could interest them. These students were very interested in volunteering, exchange programs, they wanted to be active, but they did not have enough information about the organizations they could join. The presentation was held by us, Interkultura voulnteers, Ivan Milenkovic and Bojana Ilic. First we talked about Interkultura, then about our experiences and later we did some workshops. Continue on next page >> 10
We were very satisfied with the presentation, but I think that the key to it were the students, who actively listened to us, interrupted us with questions and were really interested, which fortunately did not lead to a famous closing line:” Does anyone have a question? Anyone? Well, then that would be all from us.”
introduced them to almost only high school exchange organization in Serbia, and definitely the only one with such a great choice of countries to go. Many students at our presentation were sorry, they found it even strange, that they hadn’t heard of Interkultura earlier, because they would have certainly joined it, but since our organization is a very young one, it is one of the most important asAt the beginning Ivan and I told them, as always, signments to introduce it to young people. And this to feel free to ask questions any time. So they realis why this presentation was a very positive experily did. Their question were: how can you be in anence- we were talking to the right people. other country if you do not speak the language, would it be possible to have an exchange year af- In the name of Interkultura, I would like to thank ter the high school graduation, how can you beKolektiv Pozitiv on such a positive young people come an Interkultura volunteer, what tasks would they gathered, and I do expect to see some of you have as one of he volunteers… them as future Interkultura volunteers. We were glad to work with people, who could actually use our help in finding what best suits their interests and we are especially grateful that we
Bojana Ilic
EFIL News This time Interkultura was noticed by EFIL too: in the October issue there was a report about volunteer training at Obedska bara at the beginning of October, as well as weekend for exchange students, which took place in Becej at the beginning of September. The strongest impression seems to be, that this event got network coverage, and Luka from Italy said: ''One of the good things about being an AFS student in Serbia is that you get to be on TV at least once a month!'' Intercultural Dialogue Day, IDD, took place on September 29 th. In Serbia we had presentations about AFS in many schools. But there was also a contest for the most original idea of celebrating IDD. Among Catania from Sicily, Maribor, Rome, Prague, Hamburg and many others, the winner is Catania! They made a huge puzzle at the city central park, representing Sicily- meeting point of cultures. About 200 students participated in this event, including AFS exchange students, host siblings and volunteers and the whole event was also supported by UNICEF. Now we have a new assignment until next year- to be even more original in presenting Intercultural Dialogue Day!
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In Portugal! Volunteer Summer Summit - VSS This year’s Summer Summit was held in July in Portugal, in eco camp Zmar. If the organizers wish was to arrange a holiday in this beautiful place – they certainly succeeded in it. Zmar is in the south of Portugal, about 300 kilometers from Lisbon and near to a marvelous holiday destination on the Atlantic Ocean, Zambujeira. It is not easy to find it, but when you do, you will find yourself in a small heaven on Earth. Spacious camp and wooden houses can be related to Serbian traditional villages. They are simple on the Paul Claes, Interkultura’s volunteers - Tanja outside, cozy and functional on the inside. Dabic and Vukica Karadzic
Five volunteers from different countries shared one house with two bedrooms, a small kitchen and a living room. This was a five star camp, which meant great comfort, restaurant with variety of tasteful meals, press center, a few rooms for our free time, very originally designed big white tents where we worked, swimming pool and a gym.
Sometimes creativity turned into interesting intellectual and amusing games, what contributed to the diversity of experiences on this event. After the work we had evenings we will remember by the food bazaar, Portuguese dance evening, meeting Portugal at the round tables, where our hosts presented their country through history, politics, music and sports. Also going to a Portuguese village was a special event, because volunteers were able to paint and cook with the village people. At the end of the day, the work was rewarded by a nice musical program of a local musicians and a big dinner for the guests as well as the hosts.
Work conditions are important for a successful work, but still the success is guaranteed by volunteers and well chosen team of trainers. Topics were well chosen and interesting, so that volunteers listened carefully. Special quality of this kind of work was also the possibility for every volunteer to show his or her knowledge and creativity on the specific topic. There was also a bit Organization was exquisitely good in of competition: who will do the project all the segments and should serve as better and represent it best, which also an example. gave a positive note to this summit.
Learning, friendships, fun, seeing old friends, meeting new ones – that is what all participants will keep in their memory and wish for it to continue in Lithuania, for it will host the next Summer Summit. Serbian representatives Tanja Dabic and Vukica Karadzic were lucky enough to enjoy this summit in Portugal. Thanks to the organizers form Lisbon, Portugal. Good luck until the next meeting in Lithuania! Vukica Karadzic 12
I n t e r n a t i o n a l S e m i n a r s
From All over the World to Karlsruhe The Summer Academy on Intercultural Experience took place at Karlshochschule International University in Karlsruhe, a town in the southwest of Germany, from August 1st to August 12th, 2011. As an Interkultura volunteer I got the opportunity to participate in the program and gain unforgettable experience, to meet many lovely people and spend two weeks learning about intercultural communication, but also applying all of the acquired knowledge in everyday interaction with other participants. The seminar was designed in a way that in two weeks you should attend two courses, so I listened to lectures and participated in workshops Đ°bout intercultural communication and intercultural conflicts. Most of the knowledge I gained is useful and interesting, and the lecturers, who were great experts in this field, gave their best to adapt their teaching to us, young people from all over the world, so that we could realize the importance of intercultural learning and adaptation, but also ways of solving conflicts if they occur.
organize a number of activities for all participants. So we had: open cinema evenings, traditional German dinner in German families and visits to the most interesting places of Karlsruhe. We also had the opportunity to visit Strasbourg and Heidelberg, as well as bowling center and climbing center in the nearby town. However, in my opinion, the most interesting and beautiful part of the entire two -week experience are the people I had the opportunity to meet and live with during the seminar. Of almost seventy participants, there were people from all over the world: Brazil, Chile, Argentina, USA, Germany, Egypt, South Korea, China, India, France, Spain‌ Certainly this is something that each of us will remember best, and the Summer Academy was a great way to gain intercultural experience, as well as new friends.
Apart from this main part of the program, where we attended lectures and after which we got the certificates, the organizers, AFS – Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.V. and Karlshochschule International University, managed to
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Marija Simic
Kassel Summer Language School From July 24th to August 20th 2011, there was a summer language school held in Kassel. The intensive German language course was organized by a well-known international organization - the Council of Europe.
Serbia was working on a successful project called "Kassel in your backpack". This was a map and a brochure with all cultural, sports, entertainment and some other activities.
Intensive German language course was held in Kassel - a city in Hessen province (Germany is divided into 16 such regions). Kassel has around two hundred thousand Council of Europe sent the of- inhabitants and has a rich his- The result of the whole profer for this course to all organi- torical past. gram was exploring, researchzations that are known for The Council of Europe had ing and learning German lanworking with and helping prepared a detailed program guage, country and culyoung people. The offer came so the participants were not ture, new friendships, cooperato Interkultura too and it was only attending language tion and working with members forwarded with detailed instruc- course. of various organizations, positions to her volunteers. We had workshops and key tively promoting AFS and InterAll the applicants had to write a themes were: intercultural dia- kultura Serbia, and presenting motivation letter and a CV of logue, human rights, team- Serbia to Germany... a beautithe volunteer activities, which work, so participants heard a ful experience. would justify his or her pres- lot of useful advice and instruc- I advise everyone to apply for ence and participation in this tions. all projects and programs ofcourse, and of course it was fered by AFS and Interkultura clear that solid German lan- They also offered organized Serbia, and to nurture their talvisits to nearby cities. At the guage skills were necessary. end of the course (last couple ent for intercultural dialogue. But there was one problem - of days), participants presentthere were only 24 places and ed their own organizations, so several times the number of there was a presentation about Stefan Ubiparipovic applications. AFS and Interkultura Serbia. Previous work and effort of In- Participants had another proterkultura, as an organization ject on which they were workworking with and helping ing since they arrived to Geryoung people, was essential, many, the aim of which was so the jury who had applica- the improvement of young peotions from 47 different coun- ple’s lives in Kassel. tries chose a volunteer from The volunteer from Interkultura Interkultura Serbia. 14
Brazil! Brazil! I arrived on October the 6th after 20 hours of long trip via Budapest and Frankfurt. The first impression was heat and their hectic airport. After talking to the taxi driver who drove me to the hostel in Gloria where I am staying we concluded that I was a Slovak as he hadn't heard of Serbia. Although Rio is a huge city, it gives the impression of a big botanic garden as there are many hills arising in the middle of the city abounding with many tropical trees and animals. There are colorful birds and monkeys all around the city! Copacabana, Ipanema, Santa Teresa (a pacified favela), Gloria and of course Flamengo that has the name of Flamengo football club which is one of the essential things in Carioca lives (people who are born in Rio). No need to say that our football player, Dejan Petkovic Rambo, who was playing for this team for years, is a walking legend. There are about twenty people working for AFS Brazil. They are all very nice, very emotional and extrovert, which sometimes is unusual for me. They always kiss twice, even with people they hardly know. I am going to Fortaleza next weekend, a city in the northeast, where they will have their National Convention. My task will be to present Interkultura and Serbia in the best way possible. I took it seriously so I will even be wearing the Serbian national costume! Big thanks to volunteers of Interkultura for the beach props they gave me on the farewell party. As you can see I have used them well... Nemanja Stancic
Until next march!
Interkultura Serbia
Until next march we are expecting to have Interkultura birthday party, as well as Cultural Weekend in Belgrade in November, as well as weekend for the exchange students, which will take place in Sombor this time, and of course training for new volunteers.
26 Lomina, street
November 3rd to 6th- Cultural Weekend in Belgrade
Programme Director
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November 6 – Interkultura´s birthday party th
11000 Belgrade Serbia Ivana Gazikalovic-Pavlovic E mail: ivana.pavlovic@afs.org Tel: +38164 3567 971
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November 24 to 27 – weekend for exchange students in Sombor Training for new volunteers. Find us at www.en.afs.org.rs
Contributions by: Marija Kolundzija, Tanja Dabic, Bojana Ilic.
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