Hey everyone! My name is Mariam, I'm 21 years old, and I come from Armenia. I recently graduated from the Armenian State Pedagogical University, where I studied pedagogy and the English language. I want to share how my path led me here, to Poland, and to volunteering with the European Solidarity Corps.
It started in Slovakia. During my studies in Armenia, I got the chance to spend one semester abroad through the Erasmus programme. It was my first time living outside Armenia, and it changed something in me. I discovered a genuine passion for cultural exchange, for international communities, for the particular kind of connection that happens when people from completely different backgrounds find common ground. The friendships I made and the person I became during those months in Slovakia made one thing clear: I wasn't done yet.
Back in Armenia, I knew I wanted to keep moving in that direction. I wanted to work in a multicultural environment, keep learning, keep connecting. That's when I came across the ESC and the opportunity to volunteer with INPRO in Poland. INPRO's mission, built around intercultural understanding and youth development, felt like a natural fit for both my background and my passions. It felt like the right next step.
Since arriving in Poland, I've been involved in hosting Open Café events, writing blog posts, and taking part in community projects that bring together young people from all kinds of different backgrounds. Every single one of these activities has been fulfilling in ways I didn't fully anticipate. I've built real connections, immersed myself in Polish culture, and had the chance to share my Armenian heritage with people who were genuinely curious about it.
Looking back at the full picture, from studying in Armenia, to Erasmus in Slovakia, to ESC volunteering in Poland, I can see how each experience built on the last. Each one deepened my belief that cultural exchange and volunteering are not just good things to put on a CV.
They shape who you are.
This ESC placement has been a continuation of the journey that began in Slovakia. And I have no idea where it leads next, but I'm genuinely excited to find out.
Thank you for reading!
Mariam, Armenia