Get to know our ESC Volunteers - Aline

The ESC programme is much more than an internship: it is a life-changing experience requiring participants to open their minds by experiencing other cultures. It also enables volunteers to become socially involved in a new culture and committed to a professional organisation.

We interviewed one of this year's ESC volunteers, Aline, to get the scoop on her experience so far with her European Solidarity Corps experience with Galway Community Circus. Read on to get to know Aline!

Where are you from?

I’m French. I spent my first 18 years in Normadie, and then I lived in Paris, Toulouse, Berlin, Vienna et now, Galway!

What is your training or background in circus or the arts?

I don’t do circus myself, but I’m trying to learn how to juggle and to walk on the tighwire at the moment. I was involved in theatre as an amateur for some years and I studied cultural project management with a specialty in circus and street arts.

What made you want to volunteer at Galway Community Circus?

After getting my diploma, I spent one year in Austria as a French teacher. I didn’t like it so much and I really wanted to get back to circus. I didn’t have much experience and I didn’t want to return to France so I looked for somewhere to volunteer in circus. I found Galway Community Circus and it seemed like an exciting opportunity to develop my skills, learn about circus in another country and be involved in a really cool project.

What do you love about working with Galway Community Circus?

I love my colleagues! Even though I saw them more online than in real life because of the Covid-19 pandemic, they are all interesting people and because of them I’ve been able to discover what circus and youth work is like in other countries. I like all the different projects the Circus is involved in, especially Wires Crossed, because it’s nice to see a not-so-popular circus technique be promoted.

What do you love about Ireland?

At first, I was attracted by the huge cultural and festive life in Ireland and by the landscapes. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to experience much of that with the lockdowns. I really love living near to the sea and going to swim every week and I like the Irish mythology and folklore.

What are a few important things you have learned while volunteering with GCC?

I learned how to spend time with myself! It has not been easy, but it allowed me to do things don’t normally have time to do like learning languages, sewing and cooking. I also learned how a youth circus works and about the youth theatre network in Ireland. I feel more confident in the different tasks that I would have to do in my professional life and I’m more aware of the different steps for a project.

What is one thing you love about circus in general?
I love that circus is accessible for everyone and everyone can find something they like. I also like the values that circus brings and the festive atmosphere after a show or a festival.

Why do you think a programme like European Solidarity Corps is important?

I think it’s a great opportunity for young people to gain skills, have the chance to discover what it’s like to be a working professional and to live abroad without financial restraints. For organisations, it’s a good way to have feedback on their projects by people from other cultures and to develop relationships with other countries.

Would you recommend that other people apply to volunteer at organisations through the ESC programme? Why?

I would totally recommend it because I think it’s important to live abroad. It really helps you learn different languages, meet people, reflect on your own country and culture and be conscience of your freedom to move around Europe. It’s also looks really good in a CV and it’s accessible for everyone.

You can learn more about the European Solidarity Corps here.