Around the World in Rzeszów: A Global Village Experience
INPROIn September-October 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to host the Global Village ESC short-term team volunteering project in Rzeszów, Poland. This vibrant cultural exchange brought together short-term volunteers from around the world, representing Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Armenia, Cyprus, Greece, France, Catalonia, Kazakhstan, and the United States. Each of these participants brought a unique story, a different flavour, and a piece of their culture, creating a wonderful mosaic of international friendship and understanding.
Week 1: Breaking the Ice and Exploring Rzeszów
The first week was all about getting to know each other and the city. Volunteers started by playing fun icebreaker games, learning each other’s names, and sharing snippets about themselves. Laughter filled the room as they bridged initial gaps, making it easy to feel like friends rather than strangers from far-off lands.
The group then went on a city tour with two amazing guides, Torben and Sihem, who led them through the historic streets of Rzeszów. This experience helped everyone feel more at home, and the sightseeing sparked curiosity, discussions, and a deeper appreciation of Polish culture and history.
Preparing for Global Village
After getting comfortable in their new surroundings, the participants got down to work, preparing presentations about their countries. As part of the Global Village project, they would soon visit different schools in Rzeszów, sharing their cultures with local students. The volunteers invested time and creativity into their presentations, excited to showcase their heritage in ways that would engage and inspire young learners.
Week 2: The Global Village Goes to School
The second week marked the official Global Village program in schools, and it was a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. From the moment they entered the classrooms at 8th Liceum in Rzeszów, 3rd Liceum in Rzeszów, SP nr 16 in Rzeszów, 9th High School in Rzeszów, and the 2nd School Complex in Rzeszów, the volunteers were greeted with enthusiasm. Students were eager to learn about places they had never seen, hearing stories directly from people who call those countries home.
The volunteers shared aspects of their languages, traditional dances, and unique customs, answering curious questions from the students. The teachers and school staff were incredibly welcoming, creating a warm environment that allowed for open and meaningful interactions. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved—one that left a lasting impact on both students and volunteers.
The volunteers shared aspects of their languages, traditional dances, and unique customs, answering curious questions from the students. The teachers and school staff were incredibly welcoming, creating a warm environment that allowed for open and meaningful interactions. It was a rewarding experience for everyone involved—one that left a lasting impact on both students and volunteers.
Week 3: Goodbyes and Reflections
The final week was bittersweet. While everyone felt a sense of accomplishment, it was hard to say goodbye to friends who now felt like family. On the last day, we gathered to share our reflections. One volunteer summed it up beautifully, saying, “I feel like I’m leaving my family.” It was a heartfelt moment that captured the essence of this experience—beyond the project, Global Village had become a home for everyone involved.
As we all hugged and exchanged contact information, we knew these friendships would continue across borders. For many, Global Village in Rzeszów was more than just a project; it was an unforgettable journey of cultural exchange, friendship, and learning. Each of us is left with memories, stories, and connections that will last a lifetime.
In the end, the Global Village program reminded us of the beauty in diversity and the joy of learning from one another. It’s an experience we’ll carry forward, hoping to create more spaces for understanding and unity in the future.
