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.
Exploring New Activities
Alongside my volunteering work, I’ve had the chance to try out different activities and explore more of the city and its surroundings. Recently, I went on a hiking trip in Izmir, which was a great way to experience the beautiful landscapes around the area. It felt refreshing to step away from the busy city life and enjoy nature with friends.
I also participated in a yoga workshop at the Pi Youth Association office. Since I had done yoga before, I was happy to join and experience it in a different setting. It was a great way to take a break and focus on something relaxing and mindful.
Another exciting part of my experience has been going to football and volleyball matches. The atmosphere in Turkish stadiums is intense—fans are incredibly passionate, and even though I don’t always understand the chants, I can still feel the energy. Watching live sports in such an environment has been an unforgettable experience, and I definitely want to keep attending more games.
I’ve also been visiting new places both in and around Izmir. One of the highlights was traveling to Efes and Şirince. Seeing the ruins of Efes was fascinating, offering a glimpse into Türkiye’s ancient history, while Şirince had a completely different charm with its small streets and peaceful atmosphere. Exploring different neighborhoods, finding hidden cafés, and taking short trips outside the city have all helped me see Izmir from different perspectives.
Workshops – Stronger Connections
My workshops have become an even bigger source of joy and connection. Over the past months, new participants have joined while others have left, which is always a mix of excitement and routine. However, the overall feeling of community has only grown stronger. I now recognize familiar faces in each session, and the atmosphere feels much more relaxed and engaging.
Working with kids has been a particularly rewarding experience. They bring so much energy and enthusiasm, often in funny and unexpected ways. Whether it’s their creative approaches to learning or their excitement over small achievements, they always make my day.
At the same time, I’ve become more comfortable managing different groups and adjusting my approach based on their needs. Seeing participants grow more confident in their language skills over time has been a great motivation for me.
Improving My Turkish
One big change in my daily life has been my progress in Turkish. Thanks to a Turkish class and a conversation club at Pi Youth Association, my level has improved significantly. I can now handle everyday conversations with much more confidence, and I understand a lot more than before.
It’s a great feeling to be able to communicate more naturally, even though I still have a long way to go. Small victories—like being able to joke with people in Turkish or understanding what’s being said around me—keep me motivated to continue learning.
Closer Friendships and Regular Plans
Another highlight of the past weeks has been getting closer to the other volunteers. We now regularly plan different activities together, whether it’s hiking, playing volleyball, going to sports matches, or just exploring the city. These friendships have made my experience in Izmir even more meaningful.
Surprisingly warm Weather
One thing that continues to surprise me is the weather. Coming from Hamburg, I’m used to cold, rainy winters, but here in Izmir, it still feels much warmer than what I expected for this time of the year. Walking around in a light jacket in December is definitely something I’m not used to!
The sunshine and mild temperatures make everything feel a bit more relaxed, and I really enjoy being able to spend so much time outdoors without freezing. It’s just another small detail that makes this experience feel so different from life back home.
Looking Ahead
As the months go by, I feel more and more at home in Izmir. My workshops are going well, my Turkish is improving, and I’m surrounded by great people. I’m excited to continue exploring, learning, and making the most of my time here.
I can’t wait to see what new experiences the next weeks will bring!