A New Chapter: From Normandy to Terrassa

My name is Thomas, I am 25 years old, and I am originally from Normandy, France. After completing my studies and gaining my first professional experiences, I felt a deep need to broaden my horizons and step out of my comfort zone. I therefore made the decision to get involved in this international volunteering project. My main goals were clear from the start: to develop new professional and personal skills, to immerse myself in a new culture, and to make my own contribution by sharing the experience I had acquired in France. That is how my adventure brought me to Catalonia, to the beautiful city of Terrassa.

First Impressions and Cultural Immersion

Since my arrival, everything has been going wonderfully well. From the very first days, I took the time to explore the city of Terrassa. It is a town with a fascinating architectural heritage, marked by its industrial history and magnificent Modernist buildings such as the famous Masia Freixa. Strolling through its streets and discovering its parks was a great way to start. One of the first things that struck me—and feels fantastic—is the climate: the sun is out almost all the time here, which is a welcome change from the weather back home in Normandy!
Of course, one of the biggest challenges during these first few weeks has been the language barrier. Switching from French to Spanish and Catalan on a daily basis requires a real adaptation effort. During the first days, it was not always easy to find the right words or understand everything immediately, but it has been an exciting challenge. To address this and speed up my learning process, I joined a local theatre group. It is a fun and incredibly effective way to unblock my speaking skills, work on pronunciation, and build confidence, all within a friendly and supportive environment.

My Involvement at La Fact Fupar

The core of my volunteering takes place at the La Fact Fupar. It is a wonderful organisation that works every day for the inclusion and fulfilment of individuals. My main role consists of accompanying people with disabilities during their daily activities, both manual and sports-related.
Every day is different and filled with valuable lessons. During manual workshops, we work on various creative and craft projects. This requires patience, active listening, and a pedagogical approach to adapt every task to each person’s capabilities. On the sports side, we organise exercise sessions and group games. Sport is an exceptional tool for inclusion: it helps boost self-confidence, develops motor skills, and allows everyone to share moments of pure joy.
Working alongside the members and the support teams, I aim to pass on the skills and methodologies I acquired in France. In reality, however, the learning goes both ways: I am learning so much from them about empathy, adaptability, and kindness. The professionals working at La Fact Fupar are remarkably kind and welcomed me with open arms from day one. In fact, the center’s warm atmosphere extends all the way to its social integration restaurant—a cozy spot I highly recommend to anyone visiting Terrassa!

Sports, Dance, and Local Life

Outside of my volunteering hours, I continue to pursue my passions: soccer, running, and dancing. Sports have always played a central role in my life, and they serve as an excellent way to integrate into the local community.
Running allows me to explore the surrounding areas independently. Terrassa offers an ideal setting for running, especially thanks to its proximity to the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac Natural Park, where the trails offer splendid panoramas. As for soccer, it helps me stay active while enjoying team camaraderie. Finally, dancing brings a touch of creativity and energy to my week while allowing me to meet new people.

Looking Ahead: Three Weeks In and So Many Memories Already

Time is flying by so fast. I have been here for three weeks now, and it feels like I have already lived through several months because the days are so dense and rich with discoveries. All the activities I participate in are extremely fun and stimulating.
I believe it is essential in life to try new things, step into the unknown, and seize every opportunity to learn. This volunteering experience is living proof of that. And this is only the beginning of the adventure! Over the coming months, I fully intend to travel across Spain to discover the diversity of its landscapes, regions, and traditions.
Between the meaningful human experience at La Fact Fupar, the steady progress in learning the language through theatre, and exploring this new living environment, these first three weeks confirm that choosing to go on a volunteering program was the best decision I could have made.