Starting my first abroad volunteering experience with Erasmus+ week was an unforgettable opportunity for me. It was incredible to be with young people from Poland and France who were there for the project throughout the week; they were all valuable, inspiring, and sharing.
Our stay in Gliczarów Górny, with its stunning mountain views and weather, was truly wonderful throughout the week. With its beautiful, comfortable rooms, special and delicious Polish cuisine, and kind and always smiling hosts, it was a wonderful week of integration for me.
Throughout the process, I had the opportunity to observe workshops that deepened the project’s meaning, their implementation and their impact on young people. It was quite impressive that the discussion of discrimination began with ourselves, that is, empathy, and then ended with connecting with others. Furthermore, I found it quite logical that assignments were given after the workshops to instill productivity in the young people and to observe the workshops’ impact.
The little games that made the week fun as well as educational, the trip to the Zakopane center and the mountain peak, the days we spent in the thermal pool were great and it was like a nice vacation for me.
I would like to thank our director Dobrota, Laura, the French team directors Lucie, Pauline and Luc, Sonia, little Sara, Egli who explained everything he could to me about ESC and all the young participants.
During my second week, I was given a great opportunity to get to know my workplace and the area. I had the opportunity to visit Katowice’s historic city center, Arena Spodek, and its magnificent parks, as well as the University of Silesia and Nikiszowiec with its incredible appearance. I also had the chance to see the city library, the basilica, and Kopiec, which offers a beautiful view, in Piekary Slaskie. In Bytom, I had the opportunity to visit the Palace in Bytom-Miechowice, the city center, and the Agora.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the MDK2 youth who accompanied me on these trips. In August, I joined a project in Zakopane 🏔 about discrimination, together with French and Polish
groups — such an inspiring experience! 💡🤝
We also started working at MDK2 🏫🎨, preparing the center for the new season, and I loved being part of the team spirit. ✨
Besides that, I explored many cities 🚋🏙 with the young people from our center: Bytom, Piekary Śląskie, Katowice, Tarnowskie Góry, and Gliwice. Each trip was so much fun, and I’m already in love with Polish culture, food 🥟🍲, and people 💕.
In September, at the beginning of the month, I joined an arrival training in Warsaw where I had the chance to meet other ESC volunteers from different cities. It was such a fun and meaningful week where I learned a lot and made great connections. 🌍🤝
Back in our youth center, activities officially started! 🎉 We began workshops and sessions in the youth club. Together with our English teacher and my fellow ESC volunteer Öznur, we also visited schools to give presentations about both Türkiye and our center.
Now, we are excited to invite new participants to join our youth club. 🌟
Every day in Poland brings me something new to learn, experience, and enjoy. 💛
