Nicole Osmenda bei der Klimakonferenz in Katowice, Poland

I'm currently on a plane and I'm on my way home from Katowice and I'm a bit sad. In the last 2 weeks I've experienced so much and met so many great, nice people that I could have stayed even longer.

But from the beginning: Two days before departure to Poland, things looked quite different. Actually, I was far too busy for the university, so I did not really want a completely new environment with completely foreign people and a different language. And that was precisely why I applied as a volunteer at the climate conference in Katowice, Poland (COP24). I wanted to prepare myself for the obligatory semester abroad in my degree program.

My assignment was set to last for more than two weeks and it started right after arrival: during a mandatory training we learned about communication, cultural differences, the city of Katowice and its sights and important safety information. Afterwards we got all sorts of work clothes and picked up our IDs, with which we had to prove our identity in order to enter the grounds of the COP24.

The first week I worked at the airport in Krakow, where we previously received a short briefing on the key facts. At our COP24 info point we have informed the delegates who have arrived about transportation to the city center, the hotel or the conference hall. In the second week I worked in front of the conference hall and informed the delegates about transport possibilities. There were several shuttles, taxis we often ordered. The exciting thing about the work, however, was the international experience I was able to do, because the delegates came from all over the world. So I was allowed to find his Uber with an disoriented Sweden, I am now in possession of 10 Kenyan shillings (= 0.08 €),

But not only the delegates, but the volunteers and the atmosphere made the 2 weeks a unique experience. It was always always spoken English, so that everyone understands something. The atmosphere among themselves, including four coordinators, was very exuberant and there were many opportunities to get together. Already on the first day after the training I spoke more English than in my last year of high school and met people from all over the world (France, Italy, Canada, Mexico ...). During the time in Krakow we also experienced a lot after or before work and again some cultures were represented (Macedonia, Portugal, India, France, Italy ...). Krakow is a beautiful city with a beautiful Christmas market. We visited the castle and also in the ski resort 2 hours away I was hiking in the snow and marveled at the Tatras. Even the police, who felt that they were around the conference hall every 20 meters, were very hospitable. Just like the taxi drivers from the free electric taxis.

For the "volunteer work" we got no money and the cost of the flight and the accommodation were not taken over, but there were many helpful locals who offered accommodation, the work clothes were provided, during the work we were sufficiently fed, we could Using our IDs 95% of the public transport and best of all: to visit the conference hall itself.

In the conference hall there were many interesting lectures on the topic of climate change and what you can do about it. But there were also interesting speeches, such as that of Greta Thunberg. Some countries showed in their pavilions lectures, information boards and all sorts of things to try. The most exciting thing I found was the Indian Pavilion, where modern methods and developments were digitally presented. But also traditional music with the Fijis or food from Senegal to taste were highlights.

Although I did not want to go there at first, I have to say now that it was a great two weeks that I will never forget. I have improved my English, made good friends and am really looking forward to my semester abroad.