My name is Nadia, and for the past five months I have been taking part in a volunteer program in Izmir, Turkey.
What initially felt like a distant plan has slowly turned into everyday life filled with new routines, unfamiliar sounds, and moments that quietly reshape the way I see the world. During these months, I have built truly valuable connections with people from different countries and cultures. Living and working in such an international environment has allowed me to significantly improve my foreign language skills, especially English and Turkish. Every conversation, whether over tea, during classes, or while navigating the city, has become part of my learning process. Language here is not just a tool. It is a bridge.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my stay has been the people I’ve met along the way. Together, we explore Turkish culture beyond guidebooks, through shared meals, spontaneous trips, long walks along the coast, and conversations that stretch late into the evening. Thanks to them, Turkey is no longer just a place on the map. It feels lived in, familiar, and deeply human. Over time, the structure of my volunteer work has changed. The number of classes I lead has been reduced, and I currently work with one main group while spending most of my days at the office. Although this shift was not easy at first, it gave me space to reflect and grow. I can see clearly how my confidence in leading activities has increased. Tasks that once felt intimidating now come more aturally, and I feel more grounded in my role. With each week, I trust myself more, and that trust shows in my work.
Izmir itself has become an important part of this experience. I truly like this city, its rhythm, its openness, and the way the sea seems to be present in everyday life. There is a certain calm here that balances the intensity of change. When I realize that half of my stay is already behind me, I feel a quiet sadness. Time has passed faster than I expected, and the thought of leaving already feels heavy.
These past months in Turkey have been more than just volunteering. They have been a lesson in patience, communication, and self discovery, a chapter of my life that I know will stay with me long after I leave Izmir behind.
