Meet the amazing humans behind the Volunteer Summer Summit 2026!š»
Coords Team
The Coordinators Team is responsible for the overall management and quality of the event and each member has a separate area of responsibility. During the VSS, the Coords Team, ensures the smooth implementation of the programme, coordinates and supports the volunteer team, and helps with logistics and content.
Meet Arlind, our Plenaries Coordinator!
Hi everyone! I am Arlind from Italy, and I’ll be your Plenaries Coordinator at this year’s VSS in Ireland. If you struggle to remember my name, think of the country you’re in, the pronunciation is quite similar!
My journey with AFS startedĀ with my exchange in Hungary, since then I’ve been a volunteer.
I now live in Italy, in a small town close to Rome, and I’m a pharmaceuticalĀ scienceĀ student. I’m very passionate about art, cooking, music and nature. And of course, I love travellingĀ and I can’t wait to be back to Ireland afterĀ seven years! I’m very excitedĀ to Ā meet all of you, ci vediamo presto!
Meet Cat, our Logistics Team Coordinator!
Hello everyone!
Iām Cat, your Logistics Team Coordinator, and Iām absolutely thrilled to be part of VSS 2026!
My AFS journey began back in 2014 when I travelled to the Governorās Institute of Vermont to study leadership and activism. That experience had such a lasting impact on me, and Iāve been part of the AFS Ireland family ever since. Over the years, Iāve had the privilege of getting involved in so many different ways ā serving as a Board Member, contributing to AFS Ireland Global Education Committee, leading workshops, supporting student arrivals and departures, and helping out at Welcome Home weekends.
Professionally, I work in procurement and events, so Iām completely in my element when it comes to managing logistics and making sure the behind-the-scenes magic happens seamlessly. Outside of work, I absolutely adore musical theatre and am actively involved in amateur productions in Galway, which is another space where I love being part of a team and bringing big productions to life.
Iām absolutely thrilled to be leading the LT this year and I genuinely canāt wait to welcome you all for what I know will be an unforgettable VSS 2026!
Le grĆ” (with love),
Cat
Meet Rivka, our Participants Coordinator!
Hello everyone!
I am so excited to be the Participants Coordinator this year (meaning you will be getting many emails from me :-D)! I participated last year as a participant and am happy to be coming back. I am also now currently doing my ESC volunteering year at the EFIL office in Brussels, coordinating not only VSS, but also the PEACE Camp.
I come from the Czech Republic, and did my exchange with AFS and also my Erasmus in Germany:de:. I study to become a teacher at primary school and of German<3 I love to do a looot of things, like learning languages, singing, watching shows, reading, listening to music, hanging out with my friends, have a great conversation, exploring nature, collecting leaves in autumn, organising my photos, writing postcards for my friends’ birthdays, and most of all, enjoying life š
Looking forward to seeing you all in Connemara!
Meet Kerry, our Trainers Team Coordinator!
My AFS journey began with my exchange year inĀ Reno, NV, USAĀ (2005/06), and Iāve been volunteering ever since. Today, Iām active withĀ AFS Germany, mainly as a trainer āĀ I love being involved in the full process: designing sessions, delivering workshops, mentoring trainers, and creating spaces where volunteers can learn from one another. For me, training is not just about sharing knowledge ā itās about empowering people to grow, question, and connect.
Professionally, I hold a Masterās degree in International Management and work as Manager for Business Development and Sales, serving as Deputy Director. Iām passionate about combining strategic thinking with people-centered leadership.
This yearās VSS theme,Ā Active Digital Citizenship for Resilient Volunteers, feels especially relevant. In a world where digital spaces shape how we communicate, engage, and lead, resilience and responsible citizenship are more important than ever.
Ireland is a special place for me āĀ The incredible landscapes, the warmth of the people, and especially the music scene inĀ GalwayĀ have truly captured my heart. There is something uniquely inspiring about this wonderfully green island.
LookingĀ forward to working with all of you, exchanging ideas, challenging perspectives, and building a strong community together!Ā
Meet Bruno, our Camp Coordinator!
Hi all! Iām Bruno from Brazil š My journey with AFS started in 2011 when I went for a year to Friuli, in Italy and became a volunteer when I came back. I was a volunteer for 6 years in Brazil; lived for 15 months in Australia; 13 months in Portugal; and now living in Belgium working for EFIL and will be your Camp Coordinator for this VSS. Iām a travel lover and passionate about cartoons and animation, all things I bring tattooed in myself. See yāall in Irelandš
Meet Phoebe, our Content & Media Coordinator!
Hey everyone! Iām Phoebe, and this year Iāll be your CMC, meaning the person usually holding a camera, asking you for ājust one more photoā, or quietly capturing moments you didnāt even realise were happening!Ā Iām from Greece and AFS has been a big part of my journey, starting as an exchange student in Serbia and continuing as a volunteer, trainer and host sister. Storytelling is also part of my everyday life since I work at a cinema, so being behind the lens and sharing emotions through photos and videos feels like home to me. I canāt wait to meet you all, capture the little moments that make VSS special and create memories weāll keep revisiting long after Ireland. See you soon
Meet Andrew, our Venue Liaison!
Hi! Iām Andrew, and I canāt wait to see you at the VSS in Ireland!
This year will be my 5th VSS, and my 4th year on the volunteer team. I’ve been trying to bring the VSS to Ireland since I first attended as a participant in Austria in 2019, and my plan has finally worked! Iām the Venue Liaison this year, so I’ll be making sure everything is ready for you when you arrive in Connemara in July. This is where I grew up, so you can trust me when I say it’s the best part of Ireland!
I now live nearby in the beautiful city of Galway on the west coast. Itās a city full of artists, and I work for a childrenās arts festival, managing creative projects in local schools. Outside of work, I like hiking, baking, reading, and swimming (only in the sea).
See you in Connemara!
Logistics Team
The Logistics Team will be working together with the Logistics Team Coordinator to take care of logistical arrangements, evening programme and leisure activities for participants, facilitate reflection groups, etc.
Meet Candela, part of our Logistics Team!
Hi everyone!
My name is Candela, and Iām originally from Spain, from the beautiful city of Granada.
My AFS journey began in 2019, when I spent an exchange year in Finlandāan experience I completely fell in love with. After finishing high school, I knew I wanted to keep discovering the world, so I moved to Cork, Ireland, where Iām currently studying nursing. And who knows where Iāll go next!
Iāve always been passionate about exploring new cultures and languages. At the moment, Iām learning Italian and Norwegian, and I love connecting with people from different backgrounds and hearing their perspectives. During my time in Finland, I discovered something very different from what I was used to: the value of silence. Whether itās going for a quiet walk or simply sitting with someone without speaking, thereās something very special and comforting about it. Coming from a culture where we love chatting, it definitely took some getting used to!
Experiences like these are what make intercultural exchange so meaningful to me, and theyāre a big part of why I wanted to be involved in the VSS.
This is my first year at the VSS, and Iām really excited to meet you all! Iām looking forward to sharing experiences, learning from each other, and creating great memories together.
Meet Dara, part of our Logistics Team!
Hi everyone!
Iām Dara, part of the Logistics Team for VSS 2026. My AFS journey began with the EIL Explore Youth Activist Award in Vermont, where I explored global issues, active citizenship, and youth leadership alongside people from different cultures.
That experience had a big impact on me and encouraged me to stay involved with AFS. Itās what motivated me to be part of VSS this year and help create a positive experience for everyone attending.
Alongside this, Iāve been involved in youth work in Ireland through ForĆ³ige, where Iāve gained experience in leadership, teamwork, and organising activities and events. I really enjoy creating spaces where people feel comfortable, included, and able to be themselves.
I first got involved with EIL Ireland through my local youth project, ForĆ³ige. In 2017, I took part in the Ireland/Hong Kong Youth Exchange Programme, which focused on āYouth Engagement and Social Innovationā. Since then, Iāve been actively involved as both a participant and a leader. Helping with the selection and preparation of participants, welcoming international students, chaperoning and supporting the programme in all sorts of ways.
In my professional life, I work with people with intellectual disabilities. I graduated with a Bachelorās degree in Youth and Community Work. I’ve taken part in advocacy workshops: art, people who seek asylum, refugees, education etc. I also facilitate a group of young people on a committee focused on boats and rowing as previously mentored young people on tall ships.
Iāve volunteered and studied abroad on several short trips, and I absolutely love meeting new people, having the banter, and making new friends. Iām really looking forward to meeting you all!
Oh, and donāt forget to bring something to trade at Bazaar Night!Ā
Best wishes,
Darcy
Meet Jennifer, part of our Logistics Team!
Dia dhaoibh (hello in Irish!),
My name is Jennifer and Iām from Cork, Ireland. This will be my 3rd VSS, but my first as part of the team, and Iām so excited for it to be in Ireland!
I have been involved with EIL since 2019 since my exchange in Japan, and have volunteered in both local and international events, and it is amazing to be able to tie these two together and welcome all our international network here in Ireland! š
Outside of EIL, I am a final-year nursing student and currently working in a hospital here in Cork! I love singing and playing piano, baking, painting and having a yap over coffee. š
With best wishes until we meet in Connemara,
Jennifer
Meet Lorcan, part of our Logistics Team!
Dia daoibh, (Hi guys)
My name is Lorcan and I am very excited to be part of this years logistics team. My AFS journey started in 2017-18 with my study abroad exchange to Belgium. Fast forward nine years and I have VSS 2023 under my belt and canāt wait to bring VSS 2026 to all of you.
I currently live in Galway City, just an hour away from where VSS 2026 will be held. Iām originally from Kildare, just outside Dublin and love to spend my weekends travelling in my van looking for surf or kayak spots.
So if youāre travelling before or after VSS come say hi and ask for recommendations!
I have served on our Board for a number of terms and I look forward to meeting you and supporting you at EFIL VSS 2026.
We are delighted to host you and promise you loads of craic (Irish word for fun).
I work as a Civil Servant and am also an active volunteer in the Irish Red Cross.
You will enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the west of Ireland, but be warned it can rain sometimes.
Regards,
Paul
Trainers Team
The Trainers Team will be working together with the Trainers Team Coordinator to design and facilitate workshops offered to participants, including some plenary moments, facilitate reflection groups, etc.
Meet Ege, part of our Trainers Team!
Aloha VSSers!
Iām Ege, originally from TĆ¼rkiye and currently based in Sweden. This will be my third VSS and my first time joining as a trainer.
My AFS journey started with an exchange year in Hungary in 2015ā2016, after which I volunteered with AFS TĆ¼rkiye. For the past three years, Iāve been actively involved with AFS Sweden.
Along the way, I have been engaged in intercultural education through Erasmus+ projects such as Erasmus Mundus Masters Programs and youth exchanges.
In my real life, I do research in biology and evolution. Also, I enjoy hiking, reading, and anything that connects me with nature.
See you in Ireland!
Meet Felix, part of our Trainers Team!
Hi everyone!
Iām Felix from Germany and Iām really happy to be part of the Trainers Team for VSS 2026!
My journey with AFS started with my exchange year in Latvia which had a big impact on me and really shaped my interest in international exchange and intercultural learning. Since then, Iāve been involved in AFS in many different roles ā mainly as a trainer and moderator, facilitating workshops on intercultural learning, participation and personal development.
Over the past years, Iāve also been active at European level, working on youth participation and advocacy, including representing EFIL in the European Youth Forum and the EU Youth Dialogue. Through this, I gained a strong connection to youth policy, active citizenship and European cooperation ā experiences I now enjoy bringing into my training work.
In my professional life, I work in youth information with Eurodesk, supporting young people in finding opportunities to go abroad and making these accessible and understandable for everyone.
This will actually be my first VSS, so Iām especially excited to experience it from the inside and to contribute as part of the Trainers Team.
Outside of AFS, I enjoy travelling, rowing and cycling, modern art and going to the theatre.
Really excited to meet you all and share a great VSS together!
Meet Irina, part of our Trainers Team!
ŠŠ“ŃŠ°Š²Š¾! My name is Irina and this year I have an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Trainers team on this VSS!
My AFS journey started back in 2020 when I did my exchange year in Italy. Ever since I came back, I became a volunteer in my country, participating in numerous events on national and international level, meeting amazing people from all around the world and fulfilling my curiosity for new cultures. Besides AFS, I like volunteering in general, mostly working with young people and children. I am also a law student trying to find some spare time for reading, cooking or hiking. I’m looking forward to meet more people and hear different opinions on relevant topics, but I also can not wait to experience the beautiful nature of Ireland!
Meet Laura, part of our Trainers Team!
Hi everyone!
Iām Laura from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Iām so excited to meet you all this summer!
I actually just came back from an Erasmus exchange in Cork (southern part of Ireland), and I am beyond thrilled to return to the most amazing country. Ireland definitely has a part of my heart, and I canāt wait to be back.
This is my third VSS, but itās my first time on the Prep team, which Iām so excited about:) I started volunteering in Denmark after my exchange in Costa Rica 2019-20, and have (probably) done every possible thing in the Danish organisation, so Iām looking forward to bringing my experience to a larger, international group!
When Iām not doing AFS work, I study at the University of Copenhagen, where Iām in my final year of a Bachelorās in Molecular Biomedicine. I love biology, the human body and have a weird affinity for mitochondria – yes, the powerhouses of the cell! So I can assure you: You will definitely learn a fun fact or two about the human body if you come to my workshops;)
Looking forward to a great week of learning, hugs and fun! Lots of love from Denmark<3
See you in Ireland!
Meet Natalia, part of our Trainers Team!
My name is Natalia! I live in Germany and itās going to be my 4th VSS. This year I am joining as a trainer once againĀ
I have a Masterās degree in Media and Communications, so I love to create a lot! This year I want to bring more creativity and skills to my workshops and share my knowledge about video editing and design.
I work at a university now and help organizing events for students and faculty members. I love art, traveling and cinema. See you soon!
Meet ZaĆÆ, part of our Trainers Team!
Hello! I’m Zion (or ZaĆÆ) and I will be one of your trainers!
I am 26 years old, I’m from Switzerland, specifically the francophone region of Vaud! (If you want to learn insults in French, feel free to ask)
I went on exchange in Germany in 2016/17, I have been a PCP, camp counselor and chairperson among other roles, and I am a trainer for my fellow and aspiring volunteers today!
I love games, ice-skating, improv theater, chess, drawing, writing, and a lot more things that would have gotten me labeled a nerd or a dork in an American movie’s high school.
I have spent my last years studying law, am now working in a boardgame company and my ambition is to be a Conflict Mediator.
Ireland! Beautiful Ireland! I am so excited to be a trainer at this camp, which will be my 5th. I cannot wait to give y’all some knowledge in my workshops (:
Content & Media Support
The Content & Media Support will be working together with the Content & Media Coordinator to document the VSS through photos and videos, etc.
Meet Anastasia, our Content & Media Support!
Heyyy š
Iām Anastasia from Greece and Iām really excited for this VSS! I did my exchange year almost 3 years ago in the Netherlands and I still havenāt gotten over it (not even close), so Iām trying to stay as involved as possible with the amazing AFS community for moments like the ones weāre going to have in Ireland.
Currently, Iām trying the freelancing life as a social media manager, video editor, and I also do some graphic design and branding for fun. I love traveling, and whenever I do, I create cinematic videos capturing all the highlights of my trips and this is exactly what Iām planning to do with all of you, so we can look back and remember how much fun we had.
And with just around 4 months to go until Julyā¦get ready for some niiiice content from the CM team!Ā
