In a world that grows more connected by the day, the project of creating video interviews with volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) from various countries and organizations takes on a special significance. By sharing these interviews on YouTube, the goal is to shed light on the diverse opportunities and experiences that come with volunteering abroad, encouraging more people to consider such enriching endeavors.
The videos delve into several key questions, carefully chosen to provide a comprehensive view of the volunteering journey.
Why Did You Choose Those Countries?
Volunteers share their motivations and the paths that led them to their chosen countries. This question uncovers the reasons behind their selection and how they discovered these opportunities, offering insights into the initial steps of embarking on a volunteering adventure.
Participants recount what they were involved in during their time with the organizations in their host countries. This includes the projects they worked on, the roles they assumed, and the impact of their work on local communities. It's a glimpse into the day-to-day life of a volunteer.
The Volunteering Experience
Challenges Faced
Volunteering in a new country comes with its set of challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. The volunteers discuss the obstacles they encountered, how they navigated these issues, and the solutions they found. This segment aims to prepare future volunteers for similar challenges.
The impact of volunteering extends beyond personal growth, touching the lives of local communities. This question explores how the volunteers' efforts benefited the locals and what opportunities were created through their projects, highlighting the mutual benefits of such initiatives.
Benefits to Locals
Skills Acquired
Volunteering is a learning experience. The interviewees reflect on the valuable skills they gained during their time abroad, from practical abilities to personal development. This segment emphasizes the transformative potential of volunteering
Every experience has its ups and downs. Here, volunteers provide a balanced view of their time abroad, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of volunteering in their respective countries. This honest appraisal can help prospective volunteers set realistic expectations.
Pros and Cons
Reflections Over Time
Finally, volunteers share their initial impressions after completing their projects and how their views have evolved. This question offers perspective on the lasting impact of volunteering, both on the volunteers and the communities they served.
By weaving together these personal stories and reflections, the video series aims to inspire and inform. It's not just about encouraging more people to volunteer; it's about building a global community of individuals committed to making a difference, one volunteering experience at a time.
Beatrina Grevaite
Clinical psychologist Beatrina shares her transformative ESC volunteer journey in Italy on YouTube. Embracing a shift from clinical practice, she explores her passion for psychology in new settings. This experience enhances her personal growth, cultural understanding, and language skills, highlighting the impact of living and volunteering abroad.
Charlotte Spierung
Alla, co-founder of organisation interviewed Charlotte about her 9-month volunteering experience in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, with the European Solidarity Corps. Charlotte shares her accidental discovery of the program, her projects like a historical tour and teaching Dutch, challenges with the language barrier, cultural differences, and the impact of her work. She reflects on personal growth, the warmth of Ukrainian people, and her hopes for more liberal attitudes in Ukraine
Ibrahim Tamer
He shares his enriching experience as an ESC volunteer in Ukraine with Pangeya Ultima. He highlights the cultural exchange, language learning, and community engagement in Vinnytsia, emphasizing the benefits of volunteering for personal growth and community enrichment. Ibrahim encourages others to seize such opportunities for a rewarding experience.
Franziska Barthele
A german volunteer who spent time in Ukraine. Franziska shares her motivations, experiences, and the impact of her work, highlighting her main role in a German club and language exchanges. Despite challenges like language barriers, she felt welcomed and later found her Ukrainian skills invaluable for aiding refugees in Germany. Reflecting on her time in Vinnytsia and a countryside project, Franziska emphasizes the enriching cultural exchanges and deep connections formed during her volunteering journey.
David Mevis
David, a Dutch-born volunteer living in France, shares his enriching experience with the European Solidarity Corps in Ukraine (2021-2022). He highlights cultural exchange, language learning, and community service in remote Ukrainian villages, emphasizing the profound impact of volunteering on personal growth and understanding diverse cultures.
Paul Morgenstern
Paul shares his impactful experiences volunteering in Ukraine, reflecting on his work and the challenges he faced while adapting to a new culture. He highlights the connections with the local community and the positive outcomes of his contributions. Notably, he recalls the significance of the term “vinnytska marshrutka” (Vinnytsia minibus), which represents his journey through the city and the unique transportation culture he encountered.
Mariia Zadorozhnia
Join Mariia on her 12-month ESC journey in Granada, Spain, where she shares eye-opening experiences of culture shock, delightful discoveries, and the unique blend of Spanish and Italian influences in the local coffee culture. Through her story, uncover surprising similarities between Southern European traditions and a fresh perspective on life abroad. Watch the full interview to dive into her heartfelt reflections! 📺
Alessia Plattner
Alessia and her transformative 4-month journey with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in Granada, Spain! Through her story, Alessia shows how volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it’s a powerful opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange, and self-discovery. She faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning the language, and navigating unexpected moments, all of which deepened her resilience and broadened her perspectives.
Taru Rutanen
She recounts her impactful 11-month experience with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in the Canary Islands, Spain. 🇪🇸✨ In this interview, Taru shares insights from her work supporting children in after-school activities, detailing the cultural adjustments she encountered and the valuable lessons gained along the way. Her story sheds light on the challenges and profound rewards of international volunteering, offering a thoughtful perspective on personal growth, adaptability, and the significance of community engagement.
Beyza Ucar
📍 In this installment, Beyza recounts her two-month volunteering experience with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) in Granada, Spain, in partnership with Sommos Europa. Throughout her time in Granada, she was actively involved in organizing various local projects, navigating the intricacies of Spanish culture, and immersing herself in the traditional practice of siesta. Beyza’s account offers valuable insights into community engagement and cultural adaptation.
Eduardo Cardoso
He reflects on his transformative 10-month European Solidarity Corps (ESC) experience in India. 🇮🇳 In this in-depth interview, Eduardo discusses how his expectations of volunteering compared to reality, whether he worked directly in medicine or in a pharmacy setting, and the cultural surprises he encountered along the way. From unexpected challenges to unique moments that redefined his understanding of India, Eduardo shares insights into what shocked him and how he adapted to a new environment alongside fellow volunteers. Additionally, he addresses whether his journey might end earlier than planned or if he will stay until August as originally scheduled.
