Hi there! My name is Liv, I'm 19 years old, and I come from Germany. I'm currently volunteering at INPRO in Rzeszów, Poland, as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program. My project runs for six months, until the beginning of February 2026, and honestly, it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.
Why I Chose ESC
In March this year, I graduated from high school and got my Abitur. I always knew that after finishing school, jumping straight into university wasn't for me. I wanted something different first. Living abroad independently, discovering new cultures, exploring new fields of work, gaining fresh perspectives on life, these were things I had been dreaming about for a long time.
While preparing for my final exams, it hit me that volunteering abroad could bring all of those dreams together in one experience. So I started looking into programs that could make it happen, and that's when I came across the European Solidarity Corps.
ESC is a European Union program that supports young people who want to volunteer abroad, and it immediately felt like exactly what I had been searching for. What makes it especially accessible is the support that comes with it: accommodation, meals, pocket money, insurance, and guidance throughout your entire stay. It really is a complete package for anyone ready to grow, learn, and make a real difference.
Finding INPRO and Coming to Rzeszów
Once I decided ESC was the right path, I started looking for a project that matched my personality and interests. I wanted to work in an international environment, be around young people, and get involved in creative work like social media and content creation.
That's how I found INPRO. The organisation works with young people through youth exchanges, volunteering projects, training courses, and local community events. Everything about it felt right. The idea of promoting INPRO's work on social media and helping to organise events for international participants sounded both exciting and meaningful to me.
When I got the offer to join as a volunteer, I didn't think twice. I packed my bags and started my adventure in Rzeszów.
What I Hope to Take Away
During my time here, I hope to grow in ways I can't yet fully predict. I want to become more independent, more confident, and more experienced, both professionally and personally. I also think this project will help me get a clearer picture of what I want to do in the future and what kind of path I want to follow.
But more than anything, I hope this experience will allow me to build real connections with people, learn from different cultures, and contribute something meaningful to the community I'm now a part of. So far, it's doing exactly that.