Almost five months ago now, I left my little town in the southwest of France to start a volunteering project in Rzeszów, Poland. I joined INPRO to work with youth exchanges, run workshops, and learn more about non-formal education. I didn't really know what to expect, and I definitely didn't realize how much this experience would change me personally.
The biggest change has been my self-confidence. Living, working, and traveling in a foreign country pushed me out of my comfort zone almost every day. Whether it was speaking in front of groups, taking part in workshops, or simply traveling alone, from the flight that brought me to Poland to little weekend trips to Kraków or Warsaw, I gradually learned that I could trust myself, figure things out, and that it wasn't actually that scary.
Another important lesson was learning how to connect with people from different cultures. English, of course, became my main language of communication, but sometimes words weren't enough. A mix of English, hand gestures, smiles (sometimes a bit awkward, like a walking emoji), Google Translate, and creativity usually did the job. Through these interactions, I discovered that building connections isn't about speaking perfectly, it's more about being open and willing to learn about each other's lives.
Finally, volunteering taught me how to live in a community. Sharing spaces, working and living with people from different backgrounds, and respecting different habits wasn't always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. I learned patience, flexibility, and the importance of cooperation and communication in everyday life. I also discovered that it's really nice to almost always have someone around to go grab a coffee with.
This volunteering experience with INPRO gave me much more than just professional experience. It gave me confidence, independence, meaningful friendships, and memories, along with a few new travel destinations, that will stay with me long after returning home.
Eve, volunteer at INPRO from 12 February to 15 July.