My ESC experience: Meet Kiko

My name is Francisco, but most people I’ve met in Rzeszów call me Kiko. I am a 23-year-old Portuguese, currently in Poland, where I’ll spend the year as part of an ESC volunteering program.

Before Poland became my home for the year and before terms like INPRO and ESC entered my vocabulary, I was in the USA to document a two-week project called Ethno, where musicians from all over the world shared their music, language, backgrounds, costumes, and perspectives in this melting pot of cultures. It ignited my passion for intercultural experiences.

My ESC experience began with advice from my sister. Afterwards, I explored various opportunities, found one that interested me, applied, went through interviews, got accepted, and now, here I am, three months in.

I accepted this project with no real expectations. I believe it’s better that way. If someone is too optimistic in their expectations, they may end up disappointed, and if someone is too pessimistic, they may suffer from anxiety for no reason. It’s better not to have expectations and to fully immerse myself in the experience.

One year is a long time, consisting of many days spent away from the people you know, your culture, language, and your comfort zone. While there are indeed many days, when viewed from another perspective, it doesn’t seem like enough. There are not sufficient days to meet new people, immerse oneself in new cultures, learn new languages, or step out of your comfort zone. There’s something truly profound about our ability to connect, something that’s easy to forget as each passing day reminds us that the world is becoming increasingly divided. We mustn’t forget the potential we have for cooperation, understanding, and unity. It’s in times like these that these programs and their values need to be emphasised.

I arrived here with little knowledge of Poland and trusting in stereotypes about the nation being a closed and cold community. However, I’ve discovered so much warmth here; you just need to be open to it. When this experience comes to an end and I return to Portugal, I know it will be with a full heart, carrying within it all the people I’ve met, the memories I’ve shared, and the lessons I’ve learned.

The only thing I can say is thank you to ESC, INPRO, and Rzeszow for providing me with the adventure of a lifetime.

If you want to learn more about INPRO’s programs, follow our social media channels or check our website constantly: https://www.goinpro.org/.