Hello, I’m Seher. I am a Healthcare Manager and a Social Worker. I’d like to share my ESC journey in Austria with you. I hope you enjoy reading it!
Sometimes, life opens doors you never expected, and the moment you step through them, you realize your life is about to change completely. For me, that incredible journey was called Austria, together with the heartwarming work of Caritas. I set off with overwhelming excitement in my heart and a sweet sense of uncertainty in my mind. What began as a one-year adventure turned into the most enriching, fulfilling, and unforgettable experience of my life.
The Warmest Hearts in the Coldest Climate: Breaking the Stereotypes!
When people think of Austria, they often picture the stereotype of a distant and somewhat cold European culture. Well, forget that! From the very first moment I arrived, I was welcomed with a level of warmth, kindness, and generosity I had never expected. Experiencing such genuine, judgment-free respect for differences made me feel incredibly comfortable. Even in the shadow of the Alps, I quickly found myself feeling at home and completely safe.
Caritas: Energy, Challenges, and Pure Happiness
For an entire year, I had the privilege of working alongside incredible people with psychosocial challenges, as well as two wonderful children. I won’t pretend it was always easy. There were moments that pushed me to my limits and required patience, resilience, and effective crisis management. But giving up was never an option. If anything, those challenges motivated me even more.
We didn’t just get through our daily routines—we filled them with life. We organized exciting trips, celebrated special occasions with plenty of laughter, and created an amazing team spirit during our team days. Every single day taught me something new. As I tried to make a positive difference in the lives of people facing difficulties, I realized that I was growing too. Looking back, I can honestly say that this experience transformed me just as much as I hoped to contribute to the lives of others.
Our Cuisine, Our Music, and the Incredible Moment That Broke Down Stereotypes
Because Austria has a large Turkish community, many people were already somewhat familiar with our culture—especially our world-famous cuisine. But I wanted to take it a step further and become a true cultural ambassador.
At Caritas, I did much more than fulfill my responsibilities. Whenever there was a need, I was eager to help and always tried to contribute beyond my assigned role. From time to time, I stepped into the kitchen to prepare traditional Turkish dishes filled with the rich flavors of Anatolia, and I introduced my colleagues and the people we supported to the music that reflects the soul of our culture. Before long, the hallways of the organization were filled with the sounds of Turkish melodies, creating moments of curiosity, connection, and joy.
My German Language Adventure and the Laughter That Left Our Cheeks Hurting
Of course, one of the greatest adventures of this journey was trying to speak German! The moments when I mixed up grammar rules or mispronounced words created an incredible sense of empathy and connection between us. The more I tried to speak, the more patiently everyone listened. My genuine effort seemed to melt away any distance between us.
One cold winter day, I walked into work shivering beneath the shadow of the Alps and confidently announced, “Es ist Sonne scheint aber nicht funktioniert!” (“The sun is out, but it’s not working!”). That was the moment I realized we had broken down the language barrier with laughter. ☀️😂
Another unforgettable memory was when someone sneezed and, instead of saying “Gesundheit,” I enthusiastically said “Sonntag!”—which means “Sunday.” From that day on, every sneeze at Caritas was followed by everyone shouting, “Sonntag!” We laughed so much that our cheeks hurt. Those moments, shared with wonderful people facing psychosocial challenges and with the children I worked alongside, became some of my happiest memories from an unforgettable year. ✨
That was when I truly understood something important: it isn’t speaking a language perfectly that brings people together—it’s speaking from the heart.
Of course, that year was about much more than my work at the organization. The project opened doors far beyond my expectations. I met inspiring people from all over the world, each bringing the richness of their own culture, and I built friendships that I know will last a lifetime.
Austria’s central location in Europe also became an invitation to explore. With my backpack on my shoulders, I crossed borders, discovered new countries, cities, and cultures, and embraced every opportunity to learn from the world around me. Looking out of train windows toward new horizons, I realized that with every stamp added to my passport and every new friendship I formed, I was also expanding my own horizons.
This adventure gave me far more than professional experience—it gave me a global perspective, an international family, and memories that will stay with me forever.
And then came the moment I’ll never forget…
The greatest reward of my entire journey wasn’t a certificate or an achievement—it was hearing my teammates say, with genuine smiles in their eyes:
No words could ever describe the pride I felt in that moment or how strongly my heart was beating. I realized that I hadn’t been there as just another volunteer. In my own small way, I had become a bridge between cultures—helping to break down stereotypes, one genuine connection at a time.
Of course, this incredible journey to the heart of the Alps was no coincidence.
I owe a huge thank you to Pi Youth Association, the organization that turned my dreams into reality and opened the door to this life-changing experience. Working tirelessly to help young people in Turkey cross borders, gain a global perspective, and write their own stories, this amazing team is much more than just an association—they are a bridge that transforms young people’s potential into real opportunities. ❤️