"Working together as a group made the time very meaningful. The relationships with all the other coworkers are also very special, since you don’t just work together, but live together. That is something I will probably never experience in a similar way again and I’m very happy how it all went…The experience as a whole is so important. I worked a rather intense year in a job that I had never worked in before, it was such a great thing to do. And my English got a lot better too, which is great since I am now studying to become an English teacher."

At High Spirit, I had the opportunity to build a special relationship and friendship with our residents, characterized by a unique sense of humor and sincerity. This special experience encouraged me to pursue a career in this direction and to work long-term with people with intellectual disabilities, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.  

In addition, the year has helped me form many international friendships, with whom I still stay in touch today. I have learned a lot about life, gratitude and appreciating one another, and I would say that this year has significantly contributed to making me the person I am today. 

It has been some time since my year at High Spirit, but there is hardly a day that goes by when I don’t think back to that special time, which has enriched my life in so many ways.

“This year has shown me where I belong and that I want to continue working and living with people with disabilities. I have created special relationships and have decided, not least because of this, that my journey here is not over yet!”

“I loved the opportunity to make new and unique connections and relationships with a variety of people. High Spirit also gave me a lot of freedom in my work, which meant a lot of responsibility but also fun. Because of this, there were always new challenges that pushed you to your limits. This meant that funny and exciting situations quickly turned into stressful ones and stressful situations could turn into funny ones. High Spirit is a unique place that allows individual growth and accompanies every single person on their way somehow.”

"High Spirit has been one of the best years of my life so far. High Spirit has given me the opportunity to think outside the box in many different ways. Not only did I make lifelong friends and improve my English during the year, but I also learned a lot about myself. I would highly recommend volunteering at High Spirit to anyone.

When I arrived, I knew immediately that High Spirit was the right place for me to volunteer. I was warmly welcomed, everything was explained to me and a lot of consideration was given to me as an individual."

"Thinking about the year I spent there, if I had to summarize it in one phrase, it would be: Broadening my Horizons.

I grew up a lot and learned so unbelievably much in that one year alone, I honestly find it hard to put into words. Be it hikes with Rory, baking or cooking with Bar, the various projects and field trips everyone had or helping out in the garden, it feels like every day had something new to offer.

One particularly positive memory is of when I first started learning my daily tasks and routines and I noticed I wasn't adjusting as quickly to them as I would like. When I approached the house holders about this I was, of course, nervous, but bringing this struggle up was no issue at all. I was given more time and help and was able to work much more efficiently and with more self-assurance afterwards."