A Month into Volunteering: A Ukrainian Student’s Enriching Journey with the European Wilderness Society

HelIo, I’m Olha Krahel and I’m very excited to share that I have been volunteering with the European Wilderness Society for almost a month now!

I am a 19-year-old marketing student from the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine. I’ve just finished my second year of bachelor degree and as soon as I started my holidays, a month ago, my journey with the European Wilderness Society began.

My motivation

Nature protection became incredibly important to me, because recently as a result of the Russian attack, the dam of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant broke, flooding 600 square kilometers of incredible natural landscapes and the habitat of hundreds of fauna representatives. For 1,5 year I was in Poland and could help only financially, but as soon as I saw an opportunity to gain valuable experience in nature protection abroad I’ve immediately applied!

My contribution to nature concervation

The work of the European Wilderness Society plays a pivotal role in preserving our natural landscapes and resources for future generations. It fosters a culture of respect for nature and promotes its conservation. Being a part of this mission has been an enriching and rewarding experience, and I eagerly look forward to the journey ahead.

Marketing has always been my passion, and here, I am investing it into my volunteer work. I am actively involved in writing posts and newsletters for the website, contributing to podcasts and have also been managing numerous social media accounts for various Wilderness projects, creating posts on diverse topics that raise awareness about the current state of ecology. In just a month, I have gained hands-on experience with WordPress, SEO, Meta Business and various audio editors.

Dream team

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to fulfill my aspiration of gaining international experience as an ESC volunteer, especially within such a warm and welcoming team.

Upon my arrival after a long trip from Poland, I was greeted by Iryna, who provided unwavering support throughout my trip. Together with Lisa, they guided me through the intricate aspects of management, introducing me to the numerous projects undertaken by the Wilderness Society.

Anni was instrumental in assisting me with administrative tasks, guiding me through everything from comprehending office rules to initiating a bank account. She went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, making certain that I had everything necessary for a pleasant stay.

Morgan, apart from showing me around Tamsweg, also introduced me to the world of podcasting. Together with Robin they went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, preparing my apartment for my arrival and even found a bike for me. Max conducted an extremely engaging tour around Lungau, showcasing its rich historical and natural sites.

Cultural experience

This first month has been a rollercoaster of new experiences and adventures. I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in the local culture, attending a medieval festival, hiking in the breathtaking Alps, exploring the serene Lake Prebersee, and visiting an organic farm. I’ve also had the chance to delve into Austria’s rich history, visiting castles and churches, and sampling traditional Austrian cuisine.

And I believe that my adventure only began!