It has now been four months since I arrived in Izmir as an Erasmus volunteer, and each day continues to bring its share of learning, challenges, and discoveries. This second chapter of my journey is marked by smoother adaptation to my role as a volunteer, enriching travels, and a daily life that is slowly finding its rhythm.
Work That Takes Shape
Over the past few weeks, my responsibilities have stabilized, and I’ve been able to better organize my language workshops. They take place in diverse settings: a secondary school, municipal centers, and the association’s office. Each group, with its different ages and levels, pushes me to adapt my approach and be creative.
However, not everything is easy. Sometimes I realize how challenging teaching a language can be. Explaining certain nuances, even in my native language, can be a real headache. Despite this, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy organizing debates and games in English—activities that allow both fun and learning to coexist.
One memorable experience was my participation in a renovation project with the Bornova Municipality. We painted the walls of a building. Although it was far from my usual tasks, it was refreshing to do something tangible and hands-on.
A little trip to Southeastern Türkiye
In November, I had the opportunity to travel to Southeastern Türkiye with my friend from Azerbaijan, whom I met during my first Erasmus seminar in Samsun. After that seminar, we decided to continue exploring together and joined an Erasmus project in Diyarbakır.
Our journey began in Mardin, a city that completely captivated me with its historical buildings and timeless atmosphere. We then visited Medyart, an inspiring artistic hub, before heading to Gaziantep, famous for its refined cuisine.
The trip concluded in Diyarbakır, where we joined other volunteers for the midterm seminar. This journey was a revelation: it allowed me to discover another side of Türkiye. The cultural differences and the richness of traditions in the Southeast contrast greatly with the modern and dynamic vibe of Izmir.
Personal Challenges and a Home That’s Always Changing
Learning Turkish remains my biggest challenge. So far, I’m still unable to build a complete sentence without hesitating or mixing up words. This realization is frustrating, but it motivates me to double my efforts. I try to improve every day by asking my Turkish friends questions or carefully listening to conversations around me.
At home, things are changing too. In recent weeks, some housemates have left, and new ones have moved in. This shifts the dynamics but also brings a fresh energy. We’re starting to form a close-knit group, though saying goodbye to close friends remains tough. These departures are a reminder of how fleeting and precious this experience is.
Looking Ahead
In four months, I feel transformed. This journey has pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to acknowledge my limits, and taught me how to adapt. Every challenge I face is an opportunity to grow, and every encounter is a chance to broaden my horizons.
I don’t know what the coming months will bring, but I’m ready to continue this journey with everything it entails.