The Inclusive Learning In Volunteering Experiences (ILIVE), financed by the European Solidarity Corps Programme, involves 72 volunteers from five European countries in six activities spanning 19 days each. The project provides learning experiences for young people with disabilities.
I am a volunteer from Poland from the Silesia region. My name is Ruben When I first landed in Izmir, I didn’t have any expectations, I was just open to the unknown. That helped me to adapt in a new environment, country, different culture and start my volunteering journey. But little did I know, this experience would teach me more than I could ever imagine, not just about the world, but more about myself.
Life in Izmir is going very well. I feel more and more at home here. In fact, when I returned to Italy for a week, I realized that some habits from Türkiye felt normal to me, and I even missed them. This experience is helping me learn more about myself and the world. Even though Türkiye is not too far from Italy, the culture is very different.
When I decided to spend two months in Izmir with Pi Youth Association, I knew it would be a great adventure, but I never imagined how deeply it would impact me.Between the workshops, the incredible people I met, and the discovery of a fascinating city, these two months were intense, enriching, and full of surprises.
January was a month full of culinary discoveries. I tried a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) for the first time, and I absolutely loved it. More than just a meal, it’s a cultural experience, a moment of sharing and connection. However, I also tried kumpir and have to admit that I wasn’t a fan.
January – A month that flew by January went by in a flash—I barely saw the days pass! Between workshops, language learning, and new experiences, every day brought something different.
As I look back on my time in Izmir, I realize how much each experience has shaped me—not just as a volunteer but as a person. With every workshop, event, and conversation, I’ve discovered new strengths, faced unexpected challenges, and deepened my understanding of the world. With these beautiful words, I shall start the story.
Hi everyone, I’m Laura, and welcome to my third blog post! Today, I’ll be sharing updates on my experience as an ESC volunteer in Pi Youth Association, the new things I have done, and what life in Izmir has been like so far. Time is flying, and I can’t believe it’s already been over six months since I started this journey. I hope you enjoy following along!
Time flies, and it has now been almost seven months since I moved to Türkiye. After getting used to life in Izmir and exploring the southeastern part of the country, I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul at the end of February. This trip, along with other recent experiences, has once again shown me how diverse and multifaceted Türkiye is.
It’s time for another update on my life as an ESC volunteer in Izmir! The past weeks have been full of new experiences, deeper connections, and small but steady progress in different areas. As I continue to settle in, I feel more at home in this city, and my daily life keeps evolving in ways I wouldn’t have expected when I first arrived.