Sophie Matysek

Why did you decide to be EVS? What was the reason? Why Czech Republic?

Acctually I was really cold during the winter, I wanted to go to the south. I already learned some czech before so I also checked the projects in Czech Republic, found some applied and left.

What did you do before EVS?

I was a grafic designer in the Opera in Vienna.

Where you did your EVS project?

In the beginning I was in a small city in Czech Republic, after 2 months, fortunately I changed to Prague, to Duha office.

What was project about?

I was responsible for the communication with people interested in doing their EVS. Designed some leaflets and of course in the end I was very involved in the organisation of Meet the freak!!

What was your first impression in first few days in your project?

In Prague – thank’s a lot!!!!! My previous project was really horrible so I was really thankful I was in Prague and not back in Vienna.

What was the biggest surprise for you?

That Prague is my second home town now and I will move back:)

Did you have any problems during EVS?

Yes, lots of problems. I couldn’t understand the people, I was alone, didn’t understand the way things work in Czeck Republic,… but all of them dissapeared after a couple of months.

What did you like or dislike?

I love the office, the people there, the projects we worked on. I like that I have many more freinds, all around europe and of course in Prague.

Did EVS change your life?

Yes, definetly. It was the best desicion I ever took, to do it. I’m much more relaxed, I got back the feeling that I can change the world. Every painful minute was worth the wonderful experiences I had.

What would you suggest to young people who would like to do EVS?

Ask a lot of questions before you choose a project. Ask exactly about your tasks, your room, your holidays your mentor, language course, ask previous volunteers how they liked it. If there are no or strange awnsers take care. I didn’t get the awnsers from my first project and it was horrible. Duha gave my all the awnsers, it was wonderful. Ask, ask, ask!!!