For nine months, I had the opportunity to take part in a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering project in Bologna (Italy), collaborating with an association focused on international mobility. It has been an incredibly enriching experience, both personally and professionally, allowing me to grow in many ways.
In my daily tasks, I took part in various activities such as language tandems, managing the association’s social media, and visiting schools to apply non-formal education methods. I also had the chance to present different European programmes and opportunities to young people, helping them discover new paths for their future.
One of the highlights of this experience was the chance to travel. Besides getting to know many Italian cities, I also visited places like Istanbul and Jordan. These trips broadened my worldview and enriched me culturally.
Bologna is a lively, youthful and welcoming city, full of students and people from all over the world. It’s very easy to meet new people and build a strong social network, especially when you’re new in town. The city’s energy and warmth played a big role in helping me settle in and feel comfortable.
On a social level, I met wonderful people with whom I shared deep, meaningful moments. Living and sharing life with other volunteers creates strong bonds, and I know that some of these friendships will last a lifetime. Of course, there were also difficult moments, like saying goodbye to friends who were leaving or adapting to a new environment far from home. At first, it was hard to open up, but over time I learned to feel at home.
I also want to highlight the support I received from the team at the office. They were always attentive, made us feel welcome, and were there to help with any challenges we faced.
I absolutely recommend this experience to any young person eager to grow, discover new horizons, and gain independence. It was a life-changing chapter full of learning, where I also had the chance to learn Italian and travel — two things I had always dreamed of doing.
My ESC volunteering experience in Bologna was truly transformative, and I will always remember it fondly.
