Merhaba !
My name is Yann, I’m 23 years old, and I am from Rennes, France. For the past two months, I have been living an enriching and eye-opening experience as an Erasmus volunteer in Izmir, a city where modernity and tradition meet in harmony. After completing my master’s degree in marketing, I was eager to get involved in an international project, and Türkiye seemed like the perfect choice—a country that has fascinated me for a long time with its rich culture and warm-hearted people.
My Arrival in Izmir
From the moment I arrived, I felt a mix of excitement and challenge. Even though I had been mentally preparing for weeks, being in a new city, far from everything familiar and surrounded by a language I didn’t speak, was daunting. However, despite these initial hurdles, I quickly grew attached to this vibrant city. The neighborhood where I live, Buca, is especially welcoming, with its lively streets and residents who are always ready to help.
A City of Contrasts and Beauty
What I love most about Izmir are the little daily pleasures: the sunsets over the bay, the local markets where there’s always something new to taste, and the cats on every corner… Life here has its own rhythm, quite different from what I am used to in France, and I adapted faster than I expected. Every street seems to tell a story, and I love exploring different neighborhoods to discover more about the local culture.
My Role as a Volunteer
My work here focuses on organizing English conversation workshops, primarily in youth centers, schools, and universities. At first, the idea of leading these sessions was intimidating, as I didn’t have much experience in this area, but the challenge has helped me grow. Over time, I have learned to create engaging, fun activities to make each session unique. The kids, in particular, bring an incredible energy and enthusiasm that’s contagious, even though the language barrier is sometimes tricky.
In addition, I have had the opportunity to work with young adults and even older people. These moments of sharing are precious; they allow me to learn new perspectives and exchange insights about our respective cultures.
Small Victories and Lessons Learned
These two months have already taught me a lot, both about myself and about opening up to others. Learning Turkish is still a challenge, but I am proud of every little bit of progress. Turkish culture has also surprised me in many ways, and each interaction, even the simplest ones, has enriched my experience.
A Life-Changing Journey
Reflecting on these first few weeks, I realize this stay is much more than just volunteering. It’s a dive into another way of life, an intense human adventure, and an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone. I am grateful to everyone I have met here, from other volunteers to locals who, with patience and kindness, have helped me integrate.
I don’t yet know what the coming months hold, but one thing is certain: Izmir has already taken a special place in my heart. I can’t wait to share more about this journey with you!
See you soon,
Yann