Hi! I’m Yana, I’m 28 years old and originally from Ukraine. For the past three months, I’ve been living in Trnava as a volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC).
Honestly, if someone had told me a year ago that I’d be living in Slovakia, doing sports with kids, organizing events and learning how to make social media posts, I probably would’ve laughed. But. turns out, life had other plans.
Before this project, I was living what many might call a “grown-up life”, I had a job, responsibilities and my routine. But there was always this little dream in the back of my mind: to take part in the ESC, to live in a new country and to do something meaningful and different.
I kept thinking… “Maybe it’s too late now. I’m not 20 anymore.”
And yet here I am. Because you know what? It’s never too late.
Yes, leaving everything behind was scary. Saying goodbye to my comfort zone, my job, my familiar surroundings took some courage.
But now, three months in, I can honestly say: it was absolutely worth it.
The Beginning
The first few weeks were all about discovering a new world, getting to know the organization, understanding what ESC actually means in practice and learning how I could contribute in a meaningful way.
I joined a small but dynamic team where my role began to take shape. I started working on visual communication, helped prepare Instagram posts and stories, and assisted in organizing various community events. It wasn’t just about tasks, it was about stepping outside of my comfort zone and learning to trust the process.
At first, I wasn’t sure what exactly I could offer, but week by week, I felt more confident. I found my rhythm.
Movie Nights
One of the things I now love most: organizing Movie Nights at our office.
Every last Thursday of the month, we create a cozy space where people gather to watch English-language films. After the screening, we chat about the movie, the themes, the funny moments and often much more than just the plot.
It’s simple, warm and a perfect way to bring people together.
Weekly Volunteering
Volunteering here isn’t just about office work, it’s about community.
Every Monday I co-host a sports club for Ukrainian children at the local integration center Charita.
There’s laughter, movement, a bit of chaos (in the best way) and lots of positive energy. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my week – being part of something that brings joy and consistency to children who’ve been through a lot.
City Health Week (June 3–24)
June was a special month and one of the most intense and exciting parts of my ESC experience so far.
We organized and took part in City Health Week – a festival focused on physical and mental well-being.
Together with 10 volunteers from different countries we joined forces to support and experience a vibrant program full of meaningful activities.
Here’s a peek at what we got to be part of:
- art therapy sessions for creative self-expression,
- yoga and meditation for inner peace,
- zumba to dance out the stress,
- friendly games of volleyball,
- a community run in collaboration with local running club Love Them Running,
- a clean-up event in Trnava – giving back to the city,
- a group trip to Kamenný Mlyn (Kamenáč) to enjoy nature and connect,
- a visit to the municipal office to learn about local governance,
- a beautiful cultural evening with food from each volunteer’s home country – the flavors, the stories, the memories!
What made it even more special?
The community we built. After official events, we still spent time together – playing golf, going to laser tag, watching a football match or just sitting and laughing until late.
On-Arrival Training
From June 11–15, I participated in the official on-arrival training in Liptovský Mikuláš, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Slovak mountains.
It was a week full of meaningful reflection, learning and connection.
We explored topics like:
- what it means to be a volunteer in a new country,
- how to deal with cultural differences,
- our rights and responsibilities as ESC participants,
- and how to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What made it truly special was meeting other ESC volunteers from all over Slovakia, each with their own stories, motivations and dreams.
It was the perfect pause to take a breath, look at how far I’ve already come and get inspired for the journey ahead.
What I’ve Learned in These 3 Months
Three months might not seem like much, but when you step out of your comfort zone, every week teaches you something new.
In these past 3 months, I’ve learned that the idea of “it’s too late to start something new” is just an idea.
The truth? It’s never too late.
Never too late to:
- change directions,
- move to a new country,
- make a difference,
- learn new skills,
- rediscover what makes you feel alive.
Volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps isn’t just for students or people taking a gap year.
It’s for anyone who’s ready to grow, connect and try something new at any stage of life.
Every new experience, challenge and friendship has been a reminder that starting over can be a beginning, not an end.
And the best part? I still have 7 unforgettable months ahead and I can’t wait to see what they’ll bring.