“My experience with the European Solidarity Corps began on September 1, 2022, when I arrived in Malaga. On that day, I met Malvina, who would not only become my colleague at work but also my adventure companion…”
The full story unfolds across several months of engaging, challenging, and deeply personal experiences at IES Pablo Picasso, including:
English conversation classes with youth aged 12 to 18
Co-leading a school-wide project on gender-based violence and women in art
Supporting the Erasmus+ project “Make your school greener, and yourself too”
Translating, organizing cultural exchanges, and leading beach clean-up days
Taking part in Halloween events, excursions, and exhibitions
“Despite the challenging days due to the workload and responsibilities, I believe it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life…”
From learning how to live independently to gaining confidence in teaching, organizing events, and working under pressure, Chiara reflects on the many ways ESC shaped her future.
“I am absolutely proud of myself for not backing down, despite the initial difficulties… Most of all, I am grateful to the pupils, the real protagonists of this project.”
My experience with the European Solidarity Corps began on September 1, 2022, when I arrived in Malaga. On that day, I met Malvina, who would not only become my colleague at work but also my adventure companion. The next day, our tutor, Laura Moreno, an English teacher at Pablo Picasso, welcomed us to the school, giving us a tour of the institute and introducing us to all the staff, unfamiliar faces we would gradually come to know. The first few days were not easy; I was practically alone in another country, filled with fears and insecurities, unsure if I could make it. However, these fears soon dissolved. Finally, on September 15, 2022, with the start of classes, my adventure at Pablo Picasso truly began.
The daily activities I engaged in included: These were my regular activities, but no two days were the same. I often had to liaise with associations to organize events and conferences, and I had to initiate initiatives to raise awareness on issues like women’s violence and the environment. Regarding women’s violence, we actively contributed to a project that the school runs every year, focusing on co-education. This year, we explored the theme of violence in art and the portrayal of women in it, a project proposed by Malvina and me. With the guidance of Professor Elena Picón, the students created living paintings that were exhibited first in our school and later as a traveling exhibition in other locations. As for the environment, the number of campaigns and activities we carried out was endless. One of the most significant but challenging ones was the Erasmus week, where five students from each participating country (Greece, Italy, Germany, and Lithuania) visited us for a week under the Erasmus project “Make your school greener, and yourself too.”
It was a very demanding week, but I remember it with great pleasure as I learned a lot and pushed my limits. For example, on the day we cleaned the beach, I had to translate what the beach cleaning association volunteer was saying from Spanish to English in front of more than fifty people. Before and during the week, we brainstormed and implemented contests and recreational activities during downtime, aiming to foster socialization among the students as much as possible. We formed working groups, managed and accompanied the students at all times and in all activities from day one to day seven. I also had the opportunity to visit Cordoba as a chaperone, ensuring that the students were carrying out the activities we assigned, such as creating a short film with a recycled object as the protagonist.
Despite the challenging days due to the workload and responsibilities, I believe it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. It was a small piece of the puzzle that helped me grow and understand who I am. Furthermore, all the effort we put in was repaid by the students and foreign teachers who recognized our dedication, and their smiles and gratitude will remain in my heart forever.
We didn’t only focus on important issues but also aimed to liven up the long school hours. For instance, on Halloween, we organized a competition for horror photographs and scary pumpkins, which the students greatly appreciated. I also had the opportunity to visit Gibraltar on a trip with the students. It was a lovely day where I discovered “llanito,” the language spoken there, a mixture of British English and Andalusian Spanish.
In conclusion, this experience was anything but easy, but I grew and discovered a lot about myself. I realized who I am and who I want to be, and I found out that I am stronger than I thought. Teaching is what I want to dedicate myself to. Specifically, I learned how to manage a class, speak in front of many people, organize an event, listen to students and understand their needs to help them better. I learned to live alone, far from my family, became much less shy, and made friends more easily. In conclusion, this experience has been anything but easy, but I have grown and discovered so much about myself, realized who I am and who I want to be, discovered that I am stronger than I thought and that teaching is what I want to dedicate myself to. Concretely, I learned how to manage a classroom, how to speak in front of many people, how to present an event, how to listen to kids and understand their needs to help them the best I can; I learned how to live alone, away from my family, I am much less shy and I can make friends more easily, I improved my Spanish and my English so much; I learned how to use many tools like Canva, PowerPoint, I created a guide book and I learned how to work in teams and under pressure. I learned how to create a blog and publish content on it and improved my video editing skills. In addition, my organizational skills have also improved and my sense of duty has increased.
I am absolutely proud of myself for not backing down, despite the initial difficulties, I am grateful to all the people who were part of my adventure, to professors, friends, but most of all to the pupils, the real protagonists of this project, who never failed to show me their affection, I will never forget them.
🇮🇹 My Experience with Arrival Training
Rome, Italy – ESC Volunteer Reflection
“Personally, I was so excited to go to this training in Rome since I knew that it would have been a really nice time to meet different people…”
The arrival training brought together ESC volunteers from all over the world in a dynamic week full of:
Ice-breaking games and energizers
Film-making and video storytelling workshops
Presentations on ESC rights, Youthpass, and project planning
Cultural exchange and new friendships
Podcast and radio skills workshops
“During the day we had to separate in groups and each group had to make a story through video… I also had the chance to share my knowledge with a couple of other participants interested in video making.”
Despite cultural and generational differences among participants, the training became a milestone in both personal development and intercultural learning.
“We laughed, joked, worked together and it was amazing for me… I became friends with so many beautiful people from beautiful cultures.”
🇮🇹 Coming Back Home
Italy → Georgia → Italy – Mariam from Tbilisi
“It’s eleven months I have been living in Italy, and now in a month I am going back to my country and I want to share my feelings, emotions and the way I passed during this project…”
Mariam reflects on her emotional journey of adapting to life abroad, living with flatmates from six different countries and cultures. Her service included:
Working with adults with disabilities and children
Engaging with migrants and listening to their stories
Traveling across Italy monthly, exploring cultures, challenges, and adventures
Learning both Italian and improving her English
“Now I am stronger than before I came to Italy. I am very happy to go home… but I am sad at the same time, because I will miss everything and everyone.”
Personally, I was so excited to go to this training in Rome since I knew that it would have been a really nice time to meet different people. When I arrived in Rome I met one of the trainers and some of the other volunteers. After that, we had to settle down and to attend a welcoming party, with different activities such as Ice-breaking and energizer, a presentation by ANG explaining the program and asked us how much we knew about our rights. After the lunch break, we had a reflection moment about why I am here. So this was the first day. The second day started with many energizers, I had the chance to meet one of the training that is a Film Producer because our activity was also based on film-making. I was already familiar with video editing, etc but during this activity, I learned some few new things like technical details that are going to be useful for me in the future.
So, during the day we had to separate in groups and each group had to make a story through video, then recording and editing. I can tell that in my group it was not easy at all to share the ideas because it was hard sometimes to confront and discuss with everyone. But after 2 hours and more, somehow we achieved to choose the topic for recording, how to record, where and why, and after all, everything had to be done in the group not individually which for me was super but for some not.
However, we started recording and, after, I did the editing because I was the only one in our group who knew how to do it and I also had the chance to share my knowledge with a couple of other participants interested in video making. At the end of this day, we had to finish the video editing and present our videos in Cine Premier event in our hostel, but other groups didn’t achieve to accomplish and I understand them because it takes time first to record than to edit, it’s not easy.
We proceed with Storie d’Italia, where we watched some short movies made by Italian movie- makers. During this day and the day before, I had the chance to meet so many different people, so many cultures in one place, so many different languages which for me was the best thing I ever participated because you can meet all of them share the culture with them and create new friendships. It was a bit shocking with these volunteers but not with Italians because more or less I was familiar a little with Italian culture because it was not the first time I went to Rome and working with Italians. In a group of 30 people, unfortunately, I was not able to talk or to become friends with all, especially with some of them because they were very young and inexperienced but I understand that as it was for me the first time to meet so many different cultures, also for them was the same.
The next days were super intensive with activities but also in our free time. I became friends with so many beautiful people with a beautiful culture where we were laughing, joking, working together and it was amazing for me. During the training we had the opportunity to share and evaluate the projects and increase the motivation, to have more information on the program, to be supported in the reflection upon the personal and non-formal learning process.
Concerning the activities, next days we learned so many things: youth pass, future plans after ESC, Inter-Cultural Learning, Conflict Management. We learnt how to make our own Podcast also because in my project, the main aim is to work in radio, to tell stories, explain benefits of protecting the environment so it was really nice occasion to work on this, and many many other activities about the radio
🇮🇹 Memories from My Service in Bari
Bari, Italy – ESC Volunteer Reflection
“It is already seven months that I am here. I passed the great part of my time in Bari and I am still in love with this city…”
The volunteer shares her growth in language skills and confidence:
Helping locals with translation and directions
Acting as an English-Italian interpreter on trains
Enjoying local Italian classes filled with laughter and cultural sharing
Presenting about her home country and engaging curious teenagers
“I hope that they enjoy our Monday mornings as I do. I love when people are interested in my culture and traditions.”
It is already seven months that I am here. I passed the great part of my time in Bari and I am still in love with this city. Bari is the city, which welcomed me with open heart and friendly attitude.
Now everything is easier, I know the city, I can find everything I need very fast. I know a little bit more Italian and it helps me to involve in the society easier than at the beginning. Sometimes when I prepare what I am going to say at shops, people even do not notice that I cannot speak Italian. Once a woman asked me about some bus stop and I answered her in Italian.
I felt very proud that I could help her.
The other time I was a translator in the train between a passenger who spoke only English and a train guide who spoke only Italian. I noticed that now there are more people speaking English, than first months of my project. This lets me think that I was not the only one, who was shy to talk in a foreign language.
I hope that the reason they started to talk is that they trust me more. Sometimes they ask me something to children from my English lessons.
The idea of travelling and going abroad has always been a dream and a mere idea for me, I just didn‘t know when or where I will go. But, since I have learned about EVS in 2016 and that you can have this experience of going abroad as a volunteer I realized that this dream can come true under the frame work of Erasmus+ program.
And, what motivated me in the first place was this exploration of new culture and people, to learn about other traditions and new ways of life, and at the same time to learn more about myself and my culture.
Moreover, after I graduated university in 2015 I was not sure what I will do. And, this is the second reason which motivated me to choose this project at the library, where I can work with librarians and learn about their work, where I can gain experience in teaching, lesson preparation, to understand more about non-formal education, workshops and games as well as to turn knowledge and ideas into concrete material and practice. Now I have many friends among colleagues, with whom we discuss many topics.
Now I know them better and they know me better too, so the communication is much easier. I feel that they like me and it is a great pleasure, because I liked them from the first days.
I really enjoy my Italian lectures, because women there are very interesting. At the same time they teach me Italian, correct my mistakes in translations, tell me a lot of information about local traditions and habits. We make many jokes at lessons and share our experience about everything. It is so important to start a week with positive emotions. They give me a lot of these. I hope that they enjoy our Monday mornings as I do. I love
I am very happy when I see that people are interested in my culture and traditions. I did several presentations and one after another, I was asked to do once more. It is a great pleasure for me to do them when I see that teenagers listen to me and ask me many questions. I want to tell them and they want to listen.
🇬🇧 How Volunteering Transformed My Life
Reading, UK – Emily’s Story
“When I first stepped foot in the shop for my induction, I had no previous experience of working in a shop…”
Emily’s ESC journey began in a charity shop and unfolded into much more:
Gaining retail, organizational, and teamwork skills
Boosting self-confidence and overcoming shyness
Starting a writing career, publishing blogs and articles
Learning the power of giving back through time and care
“Now, I love shopping in charity shops… Volunteering made me feel as though I was giving something back to such an amazing charity.”
I was a volunteer in Krakow, Poland from October 2019 until July 2020. I worked in a kindergarten with kids from three to seven years old. Sometimes I also had the possibility to work in the school connected to the kindergarten to help older kids in English class. Moreover I participated in activities that my coordinating organization offered, for example helping the homeless, helping with sawing masks because of covid-19, entertaining seniors etc.
During my stay in Poland I also could participate in a polish course. From October 2019 to April 2020 I attended polish classes and learned a new language. At the end of the language course my level of polish is still A1- but I am able to have basic conversations and I know some basic polish vocabulary. Thanks to my coordinating organization I also participated in different trainings, where me and the other volunteers could discuss the meaning of solidarity, play games to better get to know each other etc. Not to mention the on arrival and mid-term training where I had the opportunity to meet different volunteers in Poland from all over the world and share experiences, thoughts and reflections.
In Krakow I was part of an international group of 19 volunteers in total, that belonged to my coordinating organization. I lived in a flat shared between four of us. During this project I was confronted with many difference cultures and had the pleasure to learn more about them. Because of the similar experience we were sharing, me and the other volunteers grew really closer and we became family. We shared a lot during these ten months and I am so thankful for them.
Sadly during this volunteering we encountered a challenge, which was bigger than us: covid-19. I was in Krakow when the virus started spreading and we were in quarantine for approximately two months. It was hard not having the possibility to see other people, not going out, not going to work but somehow we managed. Living with three of my fellow volunteers gave me the strength to stay in Krakow and not leave the project, which was an idea that many of us took in consideration, due to the circumstances. The quarantine made our friendship stronger. We were also able to help our hosting organization from a distance, for example organizing activities online for the kids, recording videos for them, giving them creative ideas on how to spend time at home etc.
My volunteering lasted ten months, which flew by. It was such a revolutionary experience for me and I would suggest everyone to take part in it. This project allows young people to live abroad, to meet people from all around the world and to confront yourself with different cultures. It allows you to step out of your comfort zone and to conquer your fears. In my experience I lived everything I could have expected and much more. I laughed until crying, I sobbed when it was time for the others to leave and I loved every second of this experience. It was at times a roller coaster of emotions, it was full of challenges that I didn’t know I needed, it was discovering my fears and overcoming them knowing that I had my peers by my side. There are no words really to describe how amazing this project has been and I invite all of you to take part in it. Pamela P.
🇬🇪 Peacebuilding by Youth Workers in Georgia
Gori & Tbilisi, Georgia – ESC at Civil Forum for Peace
“In these uncertain times amid the outbreak of Covid-19, volunteers play an important role in the local community…”
During the pandemic, EUROSUD volunteers:
Delivered food and medicine to people in isolation
Moved workshops and youth activities online
Used social media and Zoom for continued engagement
Helped write new Erasmus+ projects
Attended online training to continue learning
“ESC volunteers continue to do their role to help the community, hoping that things will get back to normalcy in the future.”
Iam Mariam from Georgia, Tbilisi. It’s eleven month I have been living in Italy,and now in a month I am going to my country and I want to share my feelings, emotions and my way which I passed during this project.
I am very happy to go back to Georgia, to see my family, relatives, friends, but it is not easy to say goodbye to all of the things that I loved in Italy, especially my house and room-mates who are part of my daily life.
First step for me was to get used to live with totally different people from different countries. In my case, we are from six countries: Georgia, Germany, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Palestine. We all have different religions, habits, language ,also we had different lifestyles. The most interesting part was how we were trying to combine everything and started to live like a one family. There was little problems of course, ups and downs but we managed to create one little community.
Second step was for me to realize where I am, why and for what? I started to work with disabled adults and with children. I discovered a lot of lovely personalities. I am sure that they are the special part of our life, which really needs to take care of, also to gain much love from us as well. I met migrants, I heard interesting stories from them and I saw their hard life. My third step of my service was travelling every month, meeting new people, living new environment, enjoying new culture, facing new challenges, for example, travelling alone sometimes , on the other hand with friends and having lot of adventures together.
To sum up, I improved my English language skills as well, because it was a big part inside the house and I learned Italian language from my work places and my social life outside, but I want to improve it more and never forget it, but I can remember first two months when I didn’t know anything and I was trying to communicate with Italian people somehow. How was my path during these eleven months? full of emotions, sometimes also with tears because of missing family, full of happy moments and adventurous stories, full of new people and new environment. What did ESC give me? Friends! Who will be always in my heart, life experience! Which will be useful for a life time, unforgettable memories and strength. Now I am stronger, than before I came in Italy.
I am very happy to go home, to see everyone who I love, who are waiting for me, to use all the skills which I gained through this service, but I am sad at the same time, because I will miss everything and everyone, but it’s time to go already ,everything has end in our life, nothing is eternal. ESC programme is the opportunity to see the other world, diverse culture and people from you. In my opinion it is something that everyone should do it at least once in life, everyone should use this opportunity to discover the world; people, places, cultures, and life far away from you. Every person should make little contribution for people, who need lots of love from us.
🇨🇿 ESC Stories from Czech Republic – Wissem
Ústí nad Labem – Tunisia to Czechia
“I am going to stay here for seven months… my main tasks in the library would be to help in the different departments…”
Wissem contributed by:
Animating children’s activities and English & French clubs
Hosting public presentations about Tunisia
Launching an Arabic language and culture club
Discovering Czech traditions, food, and nature
“The Arabic club would be more of a non-formal place for exchange and bridging up between our cultures.”
When I first stepped foot in the shop for my induction, I had no previous experience of working in a shop, and no knowledge of anything to do with retail or charity shops. This was a terrifying thought because I had no idea what I was letting myself in for. It turns out that I had absolutely nothing to worry about. The shop managers and the other volunteers were lovely and patient. It took me a while to get used to things in the shop, but after a few weeks, I was serving customers, using the till, and ensuring that the shop was kept tidy.
At the same time, I would also help out in the back of the shop where I was able to sort through bags of donations, and price check books, DVDs and CDs. Once a week, on a Monday morning, I rotated the stock in the shop. Volunteering taught me many transferable skills; numeracy skills, organisation, teamwork and efficiency as well as providing me with a valuable insight into how charity shops work, into working in a retail environment as well as how to use a till. One of the main ways in which volunteering really helped me is that I have grown in self-confidence.
When I started volunteering, I was shy and nervous and quiet. I still am shy and quiet, but I definitely feel a positive difference in my self- confidence since starting to volunteer and now. I know that I can start something new and make it work, and that’s helped me enormously, particularly at university and now on my year abroad. Another brilliant thing about my volunteering is that it started my writing ‘career’. In June 2013, I had written an article about volunteering just to show to friends and family.
My former A-Level French teacher suggested that I send the piece into the local newspaper in Reading, so I did, not expecting anything to happen, but to my intense surprise, less than a week later, I was having my photo taken for the Reading Chronicle and I was told that a piece about my volunteering would be published. When I bought the newspaper a couple of days later and started reading it on the bus, I had to stop myself yelling in pleasant shock when I saw my photo on page 4 and a full page spread of the article that I had written largely unedited in the newspaper. I was over the moon. Since then, I’ve written for a few websites, the university newspaper in Swansea, and I now write two blogs and another blog for Swansea University (year abroad-based), and now also for The National Student. I have also had writing published both on the Sue Ryder website and the Sue Ryder blogs. So, thanks to volunteering (and to my old French teacher), my writing has climbed from strength to strength. Initially, when I began volunteering, I was in the charity shop for two mornings a week.
Over time, I started to volunteer more as I grew to fall in love with volunteering. I spent a few months volunteering for another Sue Ryder charity shop in Reading as a social media volunteer, which involved updating social media sites (such as Facebook and Twitter) in order to promote the shop and the charity. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience too as it taught me how important the internet is for businesses in modern society. Before I volunteered in the charity shop, I don’t think I had ever stepped foot in one.
Now, I love shopping in charity shops. I’ve found some great stuff in charity shops, including all of Il Divo’s CDs, some brilliant DVDs and books, and two huge dictionaries (French and Italian – the languages I am studying at university) which were originally over £20 each but I got them both for £2 (thank you staff discount). I think I’ve saved a fair amount of money by shopping in charity shops and I would certainly recommend shopping in them because anyone can find something special at a great price and the money spent goes towards a great cause. Finally, volunteering in the Sue Ryder shop made me feel as though I was giving something back to such an amazing charity, which felt extremely important to me.
Sue Ryder run hospices up and down the country, one of which is called the Duchess Of Kent House in Reading, which I know very well because my Dad spent lots of time in their towards the end of his life in March. The nurses and the volunteers there were amazing and nothing was ever too much for them. Not only did they help my Dad when he was ill, but they also looked after the family when we visited, offering us drinks and food. I would certainly recommend volunteering to anyone. To students because it’s extra experience and something great to have on your CV, and also to older people because no one is ever too old to start something new. And there’s nothing more special than donating something very valuable to amazing charities: your time.
🇬🇪 A Land Apart: Reflections of a Sardinian in Georgia
Georgia – Sardinian Volunteer’s Perspective
“When I first stepped into Georgian airspace… I felt like I had landed on another island, this time placed in the middle of the mountains…”
This volunteer’s reflection touches deeply on:
Cultural depth and diversity in Georgian society
Western misconceptions and internal/external cultural connections
The importance of hospitality and the Georgian way of life
“Georgians consider themselves unique… yet, at the core of their way of life is a deep respect and openness regarding outsiders.”
ESC volunteers from EUROSUD at CIVIL FORUM FOR PEACE to help vulnerable people in Gori and Tiblisi during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. In these uncertain times amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, volunteers play an important role in the local community.
This role involves collecting shopping, medication or other essential supplies for someone who is self-isolating. The volunteer would also deliver these supplies to their home. In many countries also social networks are playing an important role in these days of lockdown and isolation. It is certainly a new way of saying that we should help each other to overcome this pandemic, trying to share what we can both with neighbours and with strangers.
Since coronavirus puts older and weaker people at a particularly high risk, the best solution is to limit their exposure to the outside world by staying at home as much as possible. So many young volunteers give their willingness to buy food and drugs and deliver them directly to their home. In just a couple of weeks, many help groups were born, especially on Facebook.
“It’s a nice mutual aid initiative,” said Lali Omiadze. “It’s a way of organizing during these times of pandemic, but it’s also a way for people to remember the ability to be kind, empathetic and collaborative. People are desperately looking for to help each other. “
Mutual help focuses on the idea that we should all share each other and that we can help each other meet autonomously, on a basic basis, rather than relying solely on support from above that may come too slowly, or do not offer support. Suitable for the most vulnerable people.
For communities in the Gori area that already feel neglected before the coronavirus – especially low-income people – there may be an additional level of fear in relying solely on the government to provide what is needed during this pandemic.
During the outbreak of COVID-19, ESC volunteers from EUROSUD currently in Gori, Georgia, with Civil Forum Shida Kartli, re-organized their activities, continuing their ESC but at the same time being careful to stay safe and follow regulations. As the rest of the world has moved online, volunteers in Gori too have moved their activities on social networks. Using social media, volunteers have been interacting with the youth of Gori by publishing videos and articles on Facebook groups, encouraging a fruitful exchange and discussion. Before the outbreak of COVID- 19, in fact, the volunteers’ main task here in Gori was to create and facilitate workshops to the local youth.
While in-person workshops are not possible for now, the volunteers have responded to the outbreak by moving these workshops online, and have used the platform Zoom to do so in a safe environment. While it is a different type of interaction, they hope that this can still be a way for the youths to learn something new and to create connections with each other.
Volunteers strongly believe that it is very important to continue their activities, even if in a reduced form, not only for the sake of their ESC experience, but especially for the local community, to continue to support the local youth and to help them cope with the current situation.
Volunteers have also been involved in writing Erasmus+ programs, working on creating more opportunities for the future, and they have been as well using this time to take online classes and courses, looking at this extra-time as an opportunity to learn something new and useful.
During this uncertain situation, ESC volunteers continue, for what the circumstances allow, to do their role to help the community, hoping that things will get back to normalcy in the future.
🇨🇿 I Am Not a Stranger Here Anymore
Ústí nad Labem – From Armenia to the Czech Republic
“Two months have passed since I am in the Czech Republic. These were days that I learnt something new every single day…”
Her experience includes:
Overcoming cultural shock and language barriers
Building trust and meaningful relationships
Participating in Open English Club and cultural exchange
Learning to love her new temporary home
“Now I sincerely love Ústí nad Labem… There is something friendly, something my own in this city!
I am going to stay here for seven months until the first of July and my main tasks in the library would be to help in the different departments of the library, to learn about the work of librarians, to create and play games with children in the children‘s department, to lend books to the clients of the library and to return books. Moreover, I am going to have some presentations about Tunisia for the public and the people of Usti, where they can explore the Tunisian culture and traditions, the Tunisian history and way of life and what makes Tunisia the country that it is today. Moreover, I am going to animate the English club through more games to play and themes to discuss. And also, I am going to have a French club with librarians. Finally, the other thing that I will do here is to have an Arabic club.
You mentioned English Club (non-formal meeting of people who like to speak in English). I know that you prepare also Arabic Club to let people know more about Tunisian culture. Can you tell me more about it (how often it will be, which day, and about the topics and format of the club)? I believe it will be more about Arabic language (Tunisian dialect) at first, and more about Tunisian history. I am not really sure what else we can have right now, but, I will rely on my interactions and encounters with the people here to find out more about what things they would like to explore and I believe that the Arabic club would be more of a non-formal place for exchange and bridging up between our cultures. What about Tunisia? Arabic Calligraphy, Tunisian pottery or Tunisian Films, music and dance.
You have been in the Czech Republic since 27th November. Is there anything you like about the Czech Republic? Well, although, I was struggling a bit in my head with all the waves of new things I was seeing. But, I really found that this country is beautiful with its mountains and rivers, I did not really expect that. I also found out that Czech Republic has a huge history and a ravishing architecture. And, the soup! Too many soups!
And something that surprised you (either in good way or bad way)? What surprised me in a good way was the sophistication of the country, everything seems organized and on time, especially the means of transportation we don‘t have this punctuality in Tunisia. What surprised me also is the weather, it was really shocking and I am still adjusting to it.
🇫🇷 YERRF – Youth Entrepreneurship in Rural France
Sofia’s Story – South West France
“Sofia from EUROSUD is part of YERRF – Young Entrepreneurs Rejuvenate Rural France…”
This EVS project focuses on:
Encouraging youth entrepreneurship in rural areas
Providing alternatives to urban migration
Promoting sustainable business ideas for local development
🇧🇪 The Story of Fabiana
Belgium – EVS Participant
“In the article you find the story of Fabiana. She took part in the EVS programme in Belgium…”
A concise testimony of how EVS offers personal and professional development opportunities worth experiencing at least once in life.
🇬🇪 FootballPeople Action Week – Tbilisi
Georgia – Civil Forum with EUROSUD
“Our volunteers from EUROSUD, Pasqualino and Dario, joined FARE network #FootballPeople action week…”
Highlights:
Screenings and discussions on discrimination in sport
Organizing inclusive football matches
Promoting diversity, equality, and tolerance
🇬🇪 Towards Peace Building and Youth Development
Georgia – Civil Forum for Peace
“Volunteering in another country is a great way to experience different cultures and make new friends…”
Pasqualino and Dario’s EVS work includes:
Empowering youth
Promoting post-conflict dialogue
Supporting peace education and intercultural learning
🇬🇪 Tza Modi! Keep Moving is the Key
Senaki & Samegrelo – Supporting IDP Youth through Sport
“Sport is one of the universal keywords… During one of my field visits, I had the opportunity to speak with the director of a Community Educational Center (CEC)…”
This story showcases:
The importance of physical activity in displaced communities
How sport fosters well-being, resilience, and community bonds
Tailored educational and professional training for youth in fragile contexts
🗺 All You Want to Know About Volunteering
A Deep Personal Reflection from a Seasoned Volunteer
“Being a volunteer is undoubtedly a highly rewarding experience… but it also has its challenges…”
Key reflections include:
Cultural adaptation
Building community abroad
Coping with pressure, loneliness, and expectation
Growth through challenge and change
“Volunteering shapes you as a person… It connects you with a global community and helps you find your place in the world.”
Being a volunteer is undoubtedly a highly rewarding experience. As a volunteer, you get to become a part of a new community of people, who at first sight might seem very different from you because of their language, culture, religion, ethnicity etc. However, you quickly discover that despite these differences, as human beings we are very much alike. This beauty we find in the unity and human solidarity is a beacon of light in the times when our societies become increasingly polarised over so many political and social issues. However, volunteering has also its pitfalls. Much coverage has been already given to the so-called “voluntourism” and the harm it does to communities it tries to help. By joining a professional volunteer programme like EU Aid Volunteers you can avoid many traps of irresponsible volunteer done in the name of “saving the world’s poor” without any substantial knowledge of tested approaches and practices that help alleviate poverty and build people’s resilience. However, even when joining a well-structured programme that offers an opportunity for technical learning and field experience in development or emergency contexts, there are still quite a few things that make volunteering challenging. Here are some insights based on my personal experience. A new place is always new Does that sound weird? Let me explain what I mean by that. Sometimes, when you already accumulated some years of experience working in developing countries, you might think that all this previous experience will make going to a new place a piece of cake.
However, switching from one cultural context to another is no easy task, no matter how adaptable and flexible you believe yourself to be. I have spent some years living in Latin America before coming to Malawi, my first African country. I had not made any assumptions about what it would be like to live in Malawi. I just knew it would be different and thus could be more challenging. But I also secretly hoped that my previous experience would make me better prepared for this new one. And it probably did, but it does not mean that it has been an easy process. It still costs me a lot to shake off my Latin vibe and get into African one, especially since I got profoundly immersed in Latin culture. So even now in Malawi, I actively seek out Latin community, joined salsa classes and even set up my own Latin dancing community. This adjustment to new culture definitely takes its time and I believe it can be as difficult for someone who spent some time living in Asia, the Middle East or even another African country. The challenge can be even bigger if you leave Europe for the first time. This brings me to another piece about what you need to survive in the new environment.
Cultural readjustment takes time and patience You definitely need to give yourself some time to get used to a new place. I know it might sound trivial, but believe me, the more you travel, the more you believe yourself adequately prepared to settle in a new place. It is true that some people have a magical ability to feel at home the moment they board off the plane. However, the reality for most of us is that it is not so simple.
Forget everyone else’s experience, yours is the one that matters What can be tricky is the information you are exposed to before coming to a new place. Especially if you know people who used to live in the same country and many of them share similar opinions about it. To some extent, it puts pressure on you. If everyone loves the place, I surely will too! And if I do not, there must be something wrong with me, right? You might even try to talk yourself into liking something purely because of the perspectives of other people. If you ever felt this way in any situation, I want to give you a shout out and simply tell you not to feel pressured to be in awe or utterly disappointed with your duty station. We all come from different places in our life. Some might love the calm and peace of the new environment, while others might find it boring and unchallenging if they are in this moment of their life when they need constant thrill and amusement. You are the only one who knows your current need. You are also the one in the unique position to evaluate whether the new place meets your needs or falls short of it.
The good thing is that there is probably always someone out there sharing your thoughts, so instead of putting yourself down for not belonging with the main group, seek out those who share your feelings. You probably have more in common with them than you think! Building your community takes time Another pressure you will inevitably be dealing with is to find friends in a new place, the sooner the better. In fact, after “How you’re settling in?”, “Have you made any friends?” is the second most common question. The emotional need to find people you belong with, coupled with the pressure of external environment – your family, friends and colleagues back at home, who simply worry about you being lonely, can be quite stressful. Your age and gender can be a factor too. When you are in your teens or twenties, you meet people everywhere because you are also in the prime of your socializing years. However, the older you become, you discover that many of your friends have their own families and less time to socialise.
When you work as a volunteer abroad, and most of your work colleagues are local people, you will quickly discover that socialising with them can also be a challenge as they have their own families and routines, and you do not necessarily fit into that picture. It is only natural that finding your tribe can take a lot of time, months, if not years. You should not stress too much about it. If you feel lonely in a new place, remember about those people out there who love you and care for you, and reach to them regularly to get some reassurance.
Find your routine and stick to it Finally, what I find very helpful is to have your routine, and that should include at least an honest attempt to exercise regularly. Being in a new place, confronted with all the internal and external pressures, is always stressful. You will do yourself a great favour if you admit it from the beginning and come up with a plan that will help you to release that stress. There are plenty of resources on stress management and positive coping mechanisms. Stress does not affect only managers or directors; it can affect anyone, including volunteers. Being in a new place and facing the challenges described above is no easy thing. As simple as it may sound, if you do not take care of your physical and mental health, no one else will. A steady exercise routine, keeping in touch with your loved ones, and pursuing your hobbies and interests can help you find balance. All in all, volunteering can have its challenges but it is certainly a life experience. It is about testing yourself in a new environment and growing your personal resilience. It is about how you confront emerging challenges and how you grow stronger by doing it. Volunteering shapes you as a person. It connects you with the global community of like-minded people who want to contribute to changing the world. It can definitely jump start your career in international development.
The staff of DRC Kosovo organized a social event to celebrate International Volunteer Day and the EU Aid Volunteers currently deployed in the main office in Pristina. The event took place in Pristina and had the purpose of raising awareness regarding the EU Aid Volunteer initiative among DRC colleagues, as well as to show appreciation for the effort of the EUAVs working with DRC Kosovo.
The event happened after working hours and gathered the staff to enjoy an afternoon playing bowling and then having dinner. The activity was enjoyed by all the staff and promoted positive competition in sport while also fostering social connection between colleagues. “It was nice to spend an evening with the colleagues, who have always been very supportive of my work as an EU Aid Volunteer here in Kosovo” says Federico, EUAV for Monitoring and Evaluation.
“As this event happened during my first week in Kosovo, it was great to get to know better my new colleagues and get inspired from how committed they are to their work!” says Ida, EUAV Humanitarian Accountability Officer, then adding “I am really looking forward to working as a EU Aid Volunteer in the next six months”.
