Goncagül Yüksel:
In May 2025, thanks to the European Solidarity Program, I traveled to Viseu, Portugal, and volunteered for two months. These two months truly held a special place in my life.
During my stay there, I participated in various activities, met local young people, and experienced a wealth of cultural exchange. Living in a dormitory, foremost, benefited me greatly. Sharing the same environment with volunteers from different countries, spending time together, solving problems together, and learning about life under one roof fostered both friendship and a strong sense of solidarity.
Of course, there were times when I missed Turkey deeply. Being away from my family, friends, and familiar routine wasn't easy. But this longing reminded me how precious my roots and loved ones are.
Beyond my time in Viseu, I also had the opportunity to explore Europe. I traveled to Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, and Portugal. Each city offered a completely different experience. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and visiting places I'd only seen in books was an unforgettable adventure.
Looking back, these two months gave me the opportunity to better understand both myself and the world. I made new friends, gained new perspectives, and made memories I'll cherish for the rest of my life. I sincerely thank the European Solidarity Corps and the host organization for providing me with this wonderful experience.
Hamide Beyza Muhtaroğlu:
Between May and July last year, I had the opportunity to go to Viseu, Portugal, to volunteer as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). Taking part in an international volunteering project was something I'd always wanted and envisioned. When I applied for this project, I was both excited and apprehensive. Traveling alone to a different country and living in an unfamiliar environment for two months wasn't an easy decision. Looking back, I'm proud of having embarked on this experience. Participating in this ESC volunteering project was a turning point in my life. The project not only gave me the opportunity to spend time in another country, but also allowed me to push my boundaries, explore new cultures, boost my self-confidence, and become a more open-minded individual.
Viseu, where I spent two months, is a peaceful and lush city located in central Portugal, rich in history and cultural richness. Its historical character captivated me from the moment I arrived. Its small and quiet people are friendly, cheerful, and very helpful. Everyone I met in Portugal was incredibly helpful. Their warmth combined with my passion for communication led me to make many friends in that tiny city. The project I participated in involved taking an active role in various activities at a youth center. Our daily responsibilities included spending time with young people aged 14-17, organizing cultural workshops, visiting nursing homes, camping, raising recycling awareness, organizing workshops, and generating creative ideas. Sharing the food, music, and stories of my home country during these cultural workshops was a particularly special experience for me. Their enthusiasm for learning also pushed me to dedicate myself even more to the project. Furthermore, we organized cultural days with volunteers from other countries, took basic Portuguese lessons, and participated in various creative workshops. I loved learning Portuguese so much that I continued taking Portuguese lessons myself after my return. I was also very pleased by the interest in the psychology seminars we organized as psychology students. These roles not only instilled a sense of responsibility, but also showed me how enjoyable teamwork can be and that contributing to society begins with small steps. Our stay was also quite educational. Our expenses were covered by the school, making the experience more affordable. We stayed at a hostel called "Adamastor." It was a warm and spotlessly clean environment with shared living spaces, a kitchen, a balcony, and a garden. While living under the same roof with volunteers from different countries seemed daunting at first, I soon realized how enjoyable this diversity was. I made friends from Portugal, Algeria, Ukraine, and many other countries. We danced together, shared meals, and learned about our cultures. We felt like a warm family, not only with the volunteers but also with the staff at our accommodation. In fact, my birthday coincided with my stay, and we celebrated it with the staff at the hostel. It was an unforgettable birthday for me.
In conclusion, my ESC volunteering not only gave me unforgettable experiences, but also taught me the value of teamwork, the power of social contribution, and the richness of cultural diversity. These kinds of projects not only boost your CV but also make you a much more equipped individual for life. Meeting new people, experiencing different cultures, and pushing my own boundaries were made possible through this process. Looking back, I believe that if I've successfully navigated this process, I'm poised to achieve many things in life. I feel both fortunate and happy that I joined this project when I had the opportunity.
