Olá! I’m Beste.
Last year, I discovered the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), and it became a gateway to the world for me. I joined a six-month volunteering project in Portugal, where I had the opportunity to experience everyday life alongside the local community in a completely different country.
Living in Portugal allowed me to step outside my comfort zone, immerse myself in a new culture, and build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds. It was far more than a volunteering project—it was an unforgettable journey of personal growth, cultural exchange, and discovery.
I carried out my volunteering activities in the Alentejo region of Portugal, where I worked on educational and creative projects for children. I designed and facilitated STEAM activities as well as a variety of summer programs that encouraged learning through creativity, teamwork, and hands-on experiences.
I also participated in activities held in FabLabs, where I worked side by side with children on practical projects, helping them explore new ideas and develop problem-solving skills. Together, we organized interactive workshops on topics such as recycling, electricity, and environmental awareness, making science and sustainability both engaging and accessible for young participants.
These experiences allowed me not only to support children’s learning and creativity but also to improve my own communication, teamwork, and project management skills in an international environment.
In addition to my educational activities, the organization I volunteered with collaborated with artists from all over the world, including sculptors, painters, textile artists, photographers, and other creative professionals. Throughout their projects, I had the opportunity to support them in their work, assist with the organization of activities, and contribute to the creative process.
At the same time, I immersed myself in Portuguese culture and made an effort to learn the language. Since I lived in a small town, I had many opportunities to interact with local people in my daily life. Whether chatting with neighbors, visiting local cafés, or taking part in community activities, these everyday conversations helped me better understand the local culture and way of life while making me feel like a part of the community.
In my free time, I explored different cities across Portugal. I enjoyed talking with local people, observing their daily routines, and experiencing everyday life from their perspective. Through these interactions, I realized how much we actually have in common, and there were many moments when I genuinely felt at home. The people I met were warm, welcoming, and incredibly hospitable.
I also had the opportunity to attend a Fado concert, one of the most iconic expressions of Portuguese culture. Listening to the music, feeling its emotion, clapping along with the audience, and immersing myself in the atmosphere gave me a deeper appreciation of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.
Walking through unfamiliar streets in a completely new country and having conversations with people who didn’t speak the same language was both exciting and inspiring. There were countless moments that made me truly feel alive and reminded me why I had chosen this journey.
Overall, this project taught me so much. It broadened my perspective, strengthened my respect for cultural diversity, and encouraged me to embrace new experiences with confidence. I also quickly learned how to navigate the city’s public transportation system. Using buses and trains soon became second nature, giving me the freedom to explore every corner of the region independently and make the most of my time in Portugal.
During my time in Portugal, I fully immersed myself in the local cuisine. I had the chance to try traditional dishes such as francesinha, bacalhau, and pastel de nata. Without a doubt, francesinha became my absolute favorite.
One of my favorite daily rituals was stopping by a local bakery or café at any time of the day, buying a freshly baked pastel de nata and a hot cup of coffee, then sitting in the town square simply watching the world go by. Those quiet moments allowed me to slow down, observe the local lifestyle, and truly appreciate the rhythm of everyday life in Portugal.
I also loved exploring the vibrant streets filled with the excitement of local festivals. June is one of the most festive months in Portugal, when towns and cities come alive with colorful decorations, music, traditional celebrations, and people gathering outdoors. Experiencing this lively atmosphere firsthand made me feel even more connected to Portuguese culture and created some of my most memorable moments during the project.
I celebrated the arrival of summer alongside the warm and welcoming people of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, who embrace the season with festivals and celebrations throughout the summer months. Sharing these joyful traditions with the local community made me feel like I truly belonged.
More than the places I visited, what made this journey truly unforgettable were the connections I built with people. I made wonderful friendships, shared countless meaningful moments, and created memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those experiences reminded me that the greatest part of traveling is not only discovering new places, but also discovering the people who make those places feel like home.