On-Arrival Training: My Experience with the ESC by Eduard

Landing in a new country is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also be overwhelming. That’s why the National Agency of European Solidarity Corps organises the on-arrival training. It’s a week designed to help new ESC volunteers settle into life in Poland, meet like-minded people, and dive into this new chapter with confidence.

Our training took place in Warsaw, in a peaceful sports hotel called Agrikola. The location felt like something out of a movie—surrounded by green parks, running tracks, a football field, and even historic castles. Every morning, waking up to that view reminded me that this week was going to be special.

The training was organized by the European Solidarity Corps (ESC), a program that connects young people from across Europe through projects that spread solidarity and kindness. From the very first day, I knew this wouldn’t be your typical week. It was a break from the usual routine—no alarms, no to-do lists, just a chance to focus on learning, connecting, and growing.

Our days started with breakfast and group activities that somehow made even early mornings feel fun. Between sessions, we had lots of coffee breaks that quickly turned into hangouts—laughing, sharing stories, and getting to know each other. The energy in the room was always high, thanks to the amazing facilitators who made learning feel effortless and fun.

One of the best parts? The team challenges. They were creative and intense and pushed us to communicate and collaborate in real ways. Whether we were solving puzzles or building something out of random materials, those moments brought us together fast and created memories that will stick with me for a long time.

But this training wasn’t just about games. I picked up real skills—like how to keep a group engaged, how to run meaningful activities, and how to create a space where people feel heard and included. I found myself constantly inspired by the ideas and methods used by the trainers, and I’ve already made a list of things I want to bring back to INPRO.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The biggest challenge? Trying to balance late-night city adventures with early morning workshops. Spoiler alert: we chose the adventures. Sleep could wait—this was our chance to make memories. Exploring Warsaw at night, having deep talks with people from different corners of the world… those are the moments I’ll never forget.

What struck me most was the diversity in the room. We came from different countries, spoke different languages, and had different stories—but we all shared the same goal: to make a positive impact. The cultural exchange was incredible. We learned so much just from each other, and I know the friendships we formed will last beyond this one week.

By the end of the training, I felt something shift. I realized that INPRO, the organization I’m part of, is just one piece of a huge puzzle. There are so many others out there doing amazing work, and being part of this larger network is incredibly motivating. I also collected some brilliant ideas and best practices from other participants—things I know will help us improve back home.

If I could go back and relive one moment, it would definitely be another night out with the group. There were still so many conversations left unfinished, so many stories waiting to be shared. Those connections made the whole experience feel like more than just training—it felt like the beginning of something much bigger.

So here’s my advice to anyone heading to On-Arrival Training: go in with an open heart and a curious mind. Respect everyone. Be present. This week will be as powerful as you allow it to be.

To sum it up in one sentence?
One of the most transformative weeks of the year—a perfect mix of learning, growth, and connection.