These curves and lines visualize the emotional process a volunteer might be passing through during and after the service period:

According to the model, in the beginning person is likely to feel some kind of initial excitement. EVS Volunteer n is fascinated with everything in the new culture, new country.

However, a few weeks after arrival the phase of ‘Culture shock’… Note the lack of knowledge of the language the host country may amplify these feeling…

Possible symptoms of culture shock:

Physical: Lack of hunger, sleeplessness, tiredness, minor aches etc…

Psychological: Homesickness, anger, frustration, fear of being cheated, resentment towards local, impatience, defensive or aggressive behavior etc…

However, after a certain period of time, EVS Volunteers might start to miss their friends and family, feeling that ‘life out there is happening without me’

Approaching the end of EVS (departure time), some people might feel afraid of what comes after their return home, others might be sad to leave.

To return home after the service can be both pleasant and challenging. Especially after a longer and intensive EVS, ex-volunteers might face some problems in readapting to their original environment and culture.   

By the way, I guess that I’m in the phase of ‘acceptance and integration’

Tomorrow is another day.

Arrivederci.