Hi there, my name is Karolina, I’m from Poland, I’m 21, and I recently finished my amazing
adventure volunteering in Izmir.
This project was my first time setting foot in Turkiye. I expected Izmir to be full of loud and unpredictable chaos, but I quickly started to feel comfortable in the city that was so inclusive, incorporating modernity, freedom, with Tukriye’s traditional culture and religion. Not only was it my first time in this country, but also my first time being a teacher. My main duty during my volunteering was organising English workshops for people of all ages, all over Izmir. During the 2-moths I spent here I’ve fallen into many roles, for some of them, for the first time in my life. I’ve become an expat, a teacher, a creative director, translator, a problem-solver, a new friend, ESC ambassador and a living part of culture- exchange, changing every daily experience I have into a thrilling challenge I have to complete. This experience has taught me how to speak up loudly enough to be heard in a room full of strangers, to be patient in communication when the few Turkish words I know aren’t enough, to stay observant and find something new to experience every day, and, most importantly, to welcome change with excitement not fear.
I have quickly found my routine, strolling around the Kemeralti bazaar, sipping turkish cofee in countless local caffees and taking the ferry from Karsiyaka, all taught me to slow down and be grateful- enjoy the sun, the view and the company I am surrounded with. The people I have connected with, all the exciting adventures and quiet cosy days I spent in Izmir, I will remember as a valuable lesson and a journey that has filled me with motivation, inspiration and energy that I want to give back to others.
- Karolina Rajzer