From Tunis to Ankara: A Journey of Hearts, Learning, and Discovery

 From Tunisia to Ankara, I thought I was simply taking a trip, but in reality, I was carrying a part of myself across borders. In my suitcase, there were clothes and small personal belongings, but inside me, I carried something much more valuable: my values, my culture, my experiences, and a strong belief that even the smallest actions can make a difference.

Through this volunteering experience with Ander Organisation, I stepped into the unknown, surrounded by people I had never met before. At first, everything felt new the language, the faces, the culture, and the rhythm of daily life. However, day by day, those differences slowly transformed into bridges that connected us. We were not just volunteers working together; we were building meaningful relationships based on respect, understanding, and shared experiences.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey was spending time in both private and public schools. It gave me the opportunity to discover different educational environments and interact with many wonderful children. The students were incredibly welcoming, curious, and full of positive energy. Even though we did not speak the same language, we managed to create strong connections through smiles, games, gestures, and laughter.

Sometimes communication was challenging, but those moments taught me an important lesson: genuine human connection goes beyond words. The children shared their happiness, curiosity, and dreams with us, and in return, they taught me the true meaning of openness and kindness. Their warmth reminded me that love, friendship, and understanding are universal languages spoken by everyone.

Beyond the educational activities, this experience allowed me to immerse myself in Turkish culture. I discovered beautiful traditions, met inspiring people, and experienced the famous hospitality of the Turkish people. Their generosity and kindness made me feel at home from the very first day. They did not simply welcome me into their country; they welcomed me into their hearts.

Another unforgettable part of my journey was discovering Turkish cuisine. I had the chance to taste some of the country's most delicious specialties, including Aspava, Mantı, and Baklava. Each dish reflected a piece of Turkish culture and history. The flavors were unique, authentic, and unforgettable. I can honestly say that these dishes found a special place in my heart and became some of my favorite memories from Türkiye.

What made this experience truly special was that it was never only about volunteering. It was about learning, sharing, growing, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Every conversation, every challenge, every laugh, and every cultural exchange added a new layer to this beautiful adventure.

As my month in Türkiye came to an end, I realized that I was returning home with much more than I had brought. I was carrying friendships, unforgettable memories, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. This journey taught me that despite our differences in language, nationality, and traditions, we are all connected by our humanity.

Türkiye will always hold a special place in my heart not only because of its beautiful cities, rich culture, and delicious food, but also because of the incredible people and children who made this experience unforgettable. It was not just a month abroad; it was a journey of growth, friendship, and love that I will cherish forever.

A Month in Ankara: A Journey I Am Not Ready to Leave Behind

Hello everyone!

This month has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. What began as a volunteer project quickly turned into a journey of learning, discovery, and personal growth. I arrived from Azerbaijan not knowing exactly what to expect, but I am leaving with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deep appreciation for the people and places that have become part of my everyday life.

For most of this month, Ankara has been my home. Since my project was based there, I had plenty of time to explore the city. The more time I spent in Ankara, the more I appreciated it. Every neighborhood has its own atmosphere, every street has a story, and every day seemed to reveal something new. Ankara may not always be the first city people think of when they imagine Türkiye, but it has a unique charm that grows on you over time.

The highlight of my experience has undoubtedly been my work with the children. Throughout the month, we taught English, played games, organized activities, and shared stories about our cultures. Watching their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm was inspiring. Although I came here to contribute and help, I soon realized that the learning went both ways. They taught me just as much as I taught them.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering was seeing how cultural exchange happens through the simplest interactions. Sometimes it was a conversation about traditions, sometimes a game, and sometimes just sharing a laugh together. These moments reminded me that genuine connections can overcome any language barrier.

Outside of the project, I continued another passion of mine: reading. During my stay, I discovered several interesting books, but the one I was most excited to find was Nutuk by Atatürk. Finding quiet place to read and adding new books to my collection became one of my favorite routines in Ankara.

Of course, no experience in Türkiye would be complete without talking about the food. Over the past month, I had the opportunity to try many traditional dishes, including mantı, içli köfte, sütlaç, kuru fasulye with pilav, balık ekmek, and şalgam. Every meal felt like discovering another piece of Turkish culture. I also developed an unexpected love for maden suyu and Uludağ Limonata. If someone had told me before this trip that sparkling water would become one of my favorite drinks, I probably would not have believed them.

Another thing that surprised me was daily life in Türkiye. Coming from Azerbaijan, I expected the cultural differences to be minimal. After all, our countries share many similarities. Yet I still experienced moments of culture shock. Every day brought a new observation, a new conversation, or a new experience.

During my stay, I also had the chance to visit Istanbul. Walking through the city felt like stepping into a place where history and modern life exist side by side. I visited Beylerbeyi Palace, the Maiden's Tower, Galata Tower, and the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque. I also visited a church and spent time exploring different parts of the city.

Yet, despite how much I enjoyed Istanbul, I often found myself thinking about Ankara. Perhaps it was because Ankara had become more than a city to me. It was where I built a routine, where I met incredible people, where I worked with children every day, and where I created memories that I will carry with me long after this project ends.

Looking back now, I realize that this month was about much more than volunteering or traveling. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, connecting with people from different backgrounds, and discovering new parts of myself. The experience taught me the value of cultural exchange, empathy, and openness.

More updates soon.✨️

My May

 My name is Anastasiia, and I am currently a volunteer in Türkiye as part of the ESC volunteering project “Volunteering Steps,” organized by the Turkish organization ANDER. I would like to introduce myself and share my first impressions after my first month of volunteering here.

I am a final-year student of International Relations at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine. I have always been interested in intercultural communication, international cooperation, and youth initiatives. I also love traveling, discovering new cultures, meeting people from different backgrounds, and learning through real-life experiences. That is one of the reasons why I decided to join this ESC project — it is a great opportunity to combine volunteering, personal growth, and non-formal education in an international environment. I'm also interested in learning about Turkish culture and language, so this program was perfect for me.

My volunteering was full of new experiences, emotions, and challenges. Our activities were diverse and gave us the chance to work with different groups of people. One of our first tasks was preparing content for the organization’s social media, including introducing ourselves on ANDER’s Instagram page. It was a good way to present who we are, where we come from, and why we joined the project.

We also spent some time teaching English lessons to children at school. This was probably the most memorable part of my first month. Working with children always requires patience, creativity, and the ability to explain things in a simple and engaging way. It is not always easy, but it is definitely rewarding. I truly enjoyed interacting with the students and seeing their curiosity and energy.

One of my favorite parts was introducing them to my home country — Ukraine. I talked about Ukrainian culture, traditional clothes, national holidays, music, dances, and everyday life. It was very meaningful for me to share these things because cultural exchange is one of the most valuable parts of volunteering abroad. At the same time, the children shared their own knowledge about Turkish traditions, customs, and celebrations. Honestly, these conversations created a warm connection between us.

Another important activity was organizing and participating in a speaking club for young people at the youth center. The speaking club brought together volunteers, local participants, and girls from ANDER. It was a great space for communication, language practice, and, of course, building new friendships. We discussed different topics, exchanged opinions, and simply enjoyed meeting people with open minds and different life experiences.

We were also involved in Turkish language courses, which are extremely useful for daily life in Ankara. Even basic knowledge of the language makes communication easier and helps you feel more confident and independent.

Also I would like to emphasize that this project clearly shows the importance of non-formal education. Volunteering is not only about helping others — it is also about learning outside the classroom. Through practical activities, teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and everyday communication, we develop soft skills that are difficult to gain from textbooks alone.

During my volunteering experience in Türkiye, we also had a short holiday because of Kurban Bayramı. I decided to use this opportunity to travel to Kaş, a small coastal town that had been on my list for a long time. This trip became one of the most memorable parts of my time here. One thing I realized during this journey is how helpful it is to know at least some basic Turkish. Even a small knowledge of the language made everyday situations much easier — using public transport, checking into hotels, ordering food in cafés, and simply talking to local people. It also helped me feel more connected to the culture and more confident while travelling alone. So my advice to anyone living abroad is simple: try to learn the language of the country you are staying in, even if it is just a little. Overall, the trip was truly amazing. Kaş is full of beautiful landscapes: clear blue sea, mountains, cozy streets, and breathtaking views everywhere you go. It was the perfect place to relax, explore, and appreciate the beauty of Türkiye outside the big cities.

Overall, the first month was mostly about adapting — to a new country, new people, new routines, and a completely different environment. Moving to another country always requires time, but I feel very lucky because the people around me have been incredibly kind and supportive. Local people often help by recommending where to buy things, which places to visit, and how to navigate life in Ankara more easily. This support makes the adaptation process much smoother and helps me feel more comfortable here.

After only one month, I already understand that this experience will be much more than just volunteering. It is a journey of learning, cultural exchange, self-development, and unforgettable memories. I am excited to continue this project and discover what the next weeks wil I bring.

.

Second Month Recap

I feel like my second month passed incredibly quickly. Even so, it was filled with meaningful experiences, and I find myself deeply grateful for all of them. Living in Ankara has given me a fresh perspective on everyday life, on people, and on values that often go unnoticed until you step outside of your familiar environment.

One of the highlights of this month was definitely our cultural days. Each volunteer presented their country, traditions, and customs, creating a space full of sharing and mutual inspiration. I discovered so many fascinating things I might never have learned otherwise. This experience also sparked a stronger desire in me to travel even more. I hope I will soon get a chance to visit Tunisia, Georgia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.

Throughout the month, we continued visiting primary schools to teach English. I’ve realized how much I genuinely enjoy working with children. Their enthusiasm, energy, and sincer effort to improve are incredibly motivating. Every lesson reminds me how meaningful even small encouragement can be.

At the same time, we kept exploring Ankara itself. Visiting Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations left a strong impression on me. I’ve always been drawn to history and these places allowed me to connect with the past in a way that felt both educational and inspiring.

During my free time, I also had the chance to travel beyond the city and discover more of Türkiye. I visited Cappadocia, Izmir, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Each destination had its own unique atmosphere, but I was especially captivated by the ancient cities and their timeless beauty. These journeys created unforgettable memories, and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for authentic and enriching experiences.

After two months of volunteering, I can truly say it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I’ve learned so much, not only new skills and knowledge, but also more about different cultures, people, and myself. It has been a meaningful journey that I will carry with me for a long time.

From Stranger to Local: My Turkish Chapter Closes

They say you never truly leave a place you’ve lived in - you leave a part of yourself behind and take a part of it with you. As I pack my bags to head back to Georgia, I’m realizing that my"volunteering journey" has evolved into something much deeper than just a project.

The ''Goodbye'' Is not Just a Word

When I first arrived, Turkey was a map of new streets, strange bus routes, and a language I was just beginning to understand. Today, those same streets feel like home.

The -goodbyes- to my students were the hardest.

We started by sharing stories, and we ended by realizing we’ve grown together.

I did not just teach them English; they taught me how to be patient, how to listen, and how to find beauty in the chaos of a busy city.

The Art of Slowing Down

If there is one thing I’m taking back with me, it’s the Turkish way of slowing down. Between the endless cups of çay and the quiet moments in Istanbul’s hidden cafes, I learned that life shouldn't always be a race.

I’ve traded my "tourist pace" for the rhythm of a local, finding comfort in the routine that used to feel so foreign.

Beyond the Borders

Living in the volunteer house was a masterclass in human connection. We were a mix of cultures, languages, and habits, yet we found a common language in shared meals and late-night talks.

I’m leaving with a broader map of the world, not just because I visited new places, but because I met people who shifted my perspective forever.

What’s Next?

As I look at my suitcase, it’s heavier than when I arrived - not because of souvenirs, but because

of the memories, the lessons, and the friendships that I’m carrying home.

I’m returning to Georgia with a suitcase full of stories and a heart that feels a little more global.

Turkey, thank you for being the perfect host for my growth. Until we meet again.

From Fear to Freedom: My Two Months in Ankara

 I still remember the knot in my stomach the day I decided to leave everything familiar behind for a two-month volunteering journey in Ankara. My mind was a whirlwind of "what-ifs", fear of the unknown, the language barrier, and the daunting thought of navigating a massive city on my own.

However, I’ve learned that fear is often a compass pointing toward growth. The moment I landed and felt the vibrant energy of Turkey, those nerves began to transform into curiosity. Choosing to step onto that plane wasn’t just about travel; it was about proving to myself that I was stronger than the doubts holding me back.

Those 60 days became a masterclass in personal evolution. Living in the heart of Turkey pushed me to adapt in ways I never imagined, turning every daily challenge into a boost of confidence. Whether it was navigating the bustling streets of Kızılay or collaborating on meaningful projects, I felt myself becoming more resilient, patient, and open-minded. This experience did not  just change my surroundings; it changed how I see myself. I realized that the things we fear most are often the very experiences that define who we are meant to become.

The most beautiful part of this journey, however, was not just the city itself, but the people who became my world. I walked away with a global family, friends from five different countries who shared this life-changing chapter with me. Living and working alongside people from such diverse backgrounds opened my eyes to so many unique perspectives.

Looking back, Ankara gave me more than just memories; it gave me a version of myself that is no longer afraid to say "yes" to the world. I arrived as a stranger with a suitcase full of nerves, and I left with a heart full of stories and a network of friends that spans the globe.

Ana's First Month

 Life as a Volunteer in Turkey

I’m currently in the middle of my volunteering journey in Turkey, and it’s turning out to be

much more than just a trip. Instead of just visiting as a tourist, I’ve had the chance to live here,

work in schools, and see the country from the inside.

Sharing the Journey

The most meaningful part of my days is spent with the students. It’s not just about formal

teaching; it’s about sharing my own story and experiences with them.

At first, I wasn't sure how they would react, but it’s been amazing to see their curiosity. We talk

about our backgrounds and realize that, despite coming from different places, we have so much

in common. Seeing them engage and ask questions makes all the effort worth it. It feels like we

are learning from each other every single day.

Ankara and Istanbul

I’ve also had the chance to travel between Ankara and Istanbul, and the contrast is fascinating.

Ankara felt very grounded and historical. It gave me a real sense of the country’s heart and its

past.

Istanbul, on the other hand, is just full of life. There’s something special about crossing between

Europe and Asia or just sitting in a small cafe with a cup of tea, watching the city move around

you.

Life in the Volunteer House

Living in a shared house with other volunteers has been a big part of the experience. We come

from different countries and backgrounds, but we’ve quickly become a small community.

We cook together, navigate the local buses, and help each other out when things get confusing.

It’s not always easy to live with so many different personalities, but it has taught me a lot about

patience and being open-minded. These are the people I share my daily highs and lows with, and

that makes a huge difference.

What I’m Learning Right Now

Since I’m still here, I’m still processing everything. But I can already feel how much I’ve gained:

Independence: Navigating a new culture on my own has made me feel much more capable and

confident.

New Perspectives: Meeting people from all over the world has pushed me out of my "bubble"

and changed how I see things.

Connection: I’ve realized that a simple conversation or a shared cup of tea can bridge almost

any cultural gap.

I’m not ready to leave just yet. There’s still more to see and more stories to share before this

chapter ends. For now, I’m just trying to enjoy every moment of being here.