Why I Took a Gap Year to Volunteer — and What I’ve Learned
By Diana Tereshchenko
Hello, my name is Diana Tereshchenko. I have eight years of experience working in IT and education companies, primarily in event coordination and sales. But this year, I finally decided to take a leap — and fulfill a long-held dream by taking a gap year. In this article, I’d like to share how I chose my volunteering project, what I’ve been doing over the past few months, and how it has contributed to my personal growth.
Why I decided to dedicate a year to volunteering
For several months now, I’ve been volunteering with the non-profit organization Youth for Equality as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program — a fantastic initiative that allows young people aged 18 to 30 to volunteer in meaningful projects across Europe.
As part of my ESC experience, I’ve supported the team in organizing educational activities for schools, focusing on topics like mental health and English language skills. I also supported conducting sessions for Ukrainians, helping people feel more confident in their new environment.
I chose an educational project because I was passionate about sharing the knowledge I’ve gained over the years. And honestly, I wanted to better understand how charitable organizations work from the inside — how teams operate, what processes they follow, and how I could contribute in a meaningful way. In many moments of my own life, people have helped me — and this was my opportunity to give something back.
Why people volunteer: Some common motivations
There are many reasons why people decide to take part in charity projects like this:
The desire to help others: A natural need to make a difference in the world.
The search for meaning: Volunteering gives people a sense of purpose.
Giving back: Those who have received help often want to return the favor.
Professional development: You can gain valuable skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, or teaching.
Broadened horizons: Volunteering introduces you to new people, ideas, and cultures.
Values and beliefs: Some people simply feel a moral responsibility to support others.
What I gained from the experience
My ESC volunteering placement in Trnava, Slovakia has lasted over four months so far — and it’s been incredibly enriching. The ESC program covers your basic expenses (travel, accommodation, food, insurance, and pocket money), and you can join a project for anywhere from 2 to 12 months.
From day one, I was welcomed by a supportive team. They showed me around Trnava — also called the “Slovak Rome” because of its many churches — and helped me feel at home. Over time, I supported various activities and contributed to the organization’s work in multiple ways:
Assisting with international youth projects (like international workshops, exchanges and trainings)
Helping organize local events (workshops for students on health, improvisation English classes, stretching workshops for youth)
Supporting cooperation with other NGOs
Joining discussion clubs and workshops
Helping with fundraising initiatives
Contributing to the marketing strategy of the organization
Through these experiences, I realized how much charitable organizations have in common with private companies — in terms of structure, planning, and communication. At the same time, the values-driven approach creates a completely different atmosphere and purpose.
Tips to get the most out of your volunteering
If you’re thinking about volunteering, here are a few things that helped me:
Choose a project that genuinely interests you
Be proactive — suggest ideas, notice what’s missing, and offer your input
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something
Use the support of your mentor, coordinators and sending organization
Embrace the new and unexpected — you’re not alone, and help is always nearby
What I’ll take with me
This experience has helped me:
Better understand the structure and daily work of non-profit organizations
Learn how to work with young people and feel more confident in public speaking
Share my own knowledge and experiences across different cultural contexts
Reflect on my future goals — both professionally and personally
Volunteering with Youth for Equality through ESC has been a life-changing chapter, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for purpose, new skills, or a fresh perspective on life.
