Exactly a year ago, I was searching for a long-term opportunity somewhere in Europe when I came across a volunteering program in Slovakia. It was a country I didn’t know much about — unfamiliar, unexplored, and far from anything I had imagined. But after a warm and encouraging interview with the team at Youth for Equality, I decided to take a leap of faith and begin my journey with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
The ESC is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I wanted to make the most of it. Over the next ten months, I experienced all the classic stages of cultural adjustment — from excitement to frustration, from feeling lost to finding purpose. There were days I felt alone, and others when I felt truly empowered for stepping out of my comfort zone. But more than anything, this experience gave me so much more than I had expected.
Personal growth through volunteering
Supporting the team at Youth for Equality in various youth and community-focused initiatives helped me grow on many levels. I didn’t just gain new experiences — I also discovered parts of myself I hadn’t fully known before.
I became more mature, tolerant, and emotionally resilient. I learned to express myself better, set personal boundaries, and understand the value of both privacy and connection. In some ways, I feel like I grew up by two years over the course of just ten months.
Of course, not every moment was easy or perfect — but facing challenges was part of the journey. And since I had made the conscious choice to be there, I knew that even the tough days were opportunities to grow.
A broader view of the world
Living in Slovakia exposed me to different languages, traditions, and ways of life. Through supporting the local team and participating in community activities, I met people from all walks of life — and this expanded my worldview in ways that no classroom ever could. I learned to appreciate diversity, embrace differences, and understand perspectives far from my own.
Advice for future volunteers
If you’re thinking about embarking on a similar journey, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
Accept the discomfort — It’s part of growing stronger.
Be curious — Come with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Embrace diversity — New cultures and new ideas will enrich your life.
Take initiative — Don’t wait for experiences to come to you; go after them.
Build relationships — The people you meet may become lifelong friends.
Reflect often — Notice how you’re changing and what you’re learning.
Be open to feedback — It will help you grow faster and deeper.
Stay flexible and kind to yourself — Growth takes time.
A Journey that changed me
Volunteering abroad is not just about helping others — it’s also about becoming more of yourself. Thanks to this ESC experience, I return home with stronger values, practical skills, and a heart full of gratitude.
If you start your ESC journey with an open heart and mind, I can promise you this: you’ll come out of it a braver, wiser, and more grounded version of yourself.
Meri
