My journey with EKS – Aleksandra

Hi! My name is Aleksandra. I’m 18 years old, and I come from a small village about an hour’s drive from Rzeszów. I currently have the pleasure of participating in a three-month volunteer project in a picturesque seaside town in southern Italy. I’d like to share the story of how I discovered this amazing opportunity, what the recruitment process was like, and what motivated me to embark on this unique journey.

In June 2023, my friend and I visited the Bureau of Artistic Exhibitions (BWA) in Krosno, where I attended high school. It was the last day of my third year. I had heard they organised various projects for young people, but I hadn’t looked into their activities. I had no idea that BWA hosted volunteers from all over Europe. Over time, I started forming strong bonds with these people, which provided a wonderful escape from everyday life. Thanks to them, I had the chance to meet people from different parts of the world, improve my English, and ultimately find a way to participate in a project I had dreamed of for years. It was through them that I discovered the Association of International Projects “INPRO” in Rzeszów, with whom I got in touch and arranged an interview. After meeting with the project coordinator, they decided to partner with me as my supporting and sending organisation. The support I received from them was invaluable, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

Life can surprise you in the most beautiful ways. I have always loved Italy and often visited with my mother, but a year ago, I never would have imagined living here. The recruitment process for the project wasn’t complicated, but it required focus and patience. The key was finding a project that suited me not only in terms of location but also in its topic. I decided on a three-month project, which began a week after my final exams and will end a month before I start university. I live in Molfetta, near Bari—a place I chose consciously because I studied Italian in high school and wanted to improve my language skills. My project involves organizing activities for children at a private beach club. For someone who’s lived in the mountains, life by the sea is a completely new experience. Here, I’m learning how to work better with children and creatively organize their time.

The biggest challenge for me was deciding to do this project completely on my own. I stepped away from my previous life and pushed far beyond my comfort zone. Many people around me advised against this trip, saying I was wasting my time and would be better off working. Now, after almost two months here, I can say with full confidence that it was the best decision of my life! I transformed my life, filling it with intense experiences and new adventures. Sometimes it’s worth taking a risk. I found real friends here, both among the locals and other volunteers. I think everyone should try something similar—these experiences create memories for life.