My experience in Izmir is my first as a volunteer within the European Solidarity Corps. I started at the end of April, well aware that this would be a short term project, and that I had limited time to get accustomed to the country, discover its beauties, and give my contribution to Pi Youth Association.
Upon landing, I was told I would be staying in a far and crowded corner of the city: Buca. After a long journey with my mentor, the sweet Emircan, I arrived in my apartment late at night. I was stressed, knowing I had left, even if for a short time, my home and friends behind, and conscious that I would have to adapt to a different city. I have spent a significant portion of my adult life living abroad and in
International contexts. However, for how comfortable I am starting over in a new place, I do not seem to ever be ready to accept it as soon as I set foot in it. Yet, I entered my apartment and found my flatmates sitting together in the living room, eager to welcome me and make me feel at home.
I discovered many places in Türkiye. Nevertheless, my most valuable experience has been re-discovering my enthusiasm to meet new people and the fulfillment it brings. My fellow volunteers supported (and tolerated) me, made me laugh, taught me things, and, most importantly, gave me further hope that there are many individuals with strong ideals and positive goals out there who want to connect and have an impact. Invaluable.
That being said, Türkiye stunned me with the diversity and beauty of its cities, and the hospitality of its people. Travelling to Fethiye, Sivas, and Urfa has filled my eyes with beautiful views, my stomach with delicious foods, and my head with memories that I will hold fondly. Particularly, I was impressed with the kindness of locals, from my organisation’s colleagues and language club students to the old men on the IZBAN asking me to help them solve their sudoku. I received advice, rides, patience,
and free food like I would have never expected.
Although in the midst of some (at times incredibly Italian) general confusion, my tasks and activities have been extremely rewarding. I loved discussing with students and professors from the local university’s theology faculty about the cultural norms and differences I have observed in my life, especially after landing in Izmir. I also
enjoyed being able to organise, set up, and lead a gender-based violence workshop for the local youth. As a gender & sexuality master’s graduate, this was important to me not only because of my commitment to the topic, but also to show me I have competencies that I can offer to others and society at large.
Finally, I will remember with much gratitude the experience I was provided with by the Turkish National Agency at my on-arrival training in Sivas. It gave me the opportunity to travel and meet many amazing people, with whom I felt like I was re-living some of my best college years, sharing meals, stories, and activities. Some of them I grew closer with, and hope to keep as friends.
While I care to tell the positives, my experience has had lots of ups and downs. Nevertheless, one I consider extremely worth it. One that, personally, taught me much more beyond what it was supposed to (and sometimes not what it was
supposed to). Overall, I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved and consider these two months a positive chapter of my life which I will hold fondly.