One of the reasons why Ankara

 Living My Happiest Days in Ankara 

Hi everyone, I’m Saliha! 

I don’t say this lightly, but right now I truly feel like I’m living through one of the happiest chapters of my life.

If someone had told me a while ago, “You’ll be living in Ankara for two whole months,” I probably would’ve laughed it off and never believed them. Yet here I am, and surprisingly, from the very first day I arrived, I didn’t feel like a stranger at all. Even though I had never lived here before, it felt natural, almost as if I had always belonged to this city.

One of the reasons why Ankara feels so special is the balance it offers. Despite being the capital, it’s not overwhelmingly chaotic. There’s life, movement, and energy, but it doesn’t swallow you whole like some big cities do. Instead, it gives you space to breathe, grow, and enjoy.

Work has been such a big part of this journey too. Every morning when I wake up and head to the office, it doesn’t feel like a responsibility anymore — it feels like something I look forward to. And I think a huge part of that is thanks to our mentor, Ms. Sena. She welcomes us every single day with her warm smile and endless positive energy. She doesn’t just give us random tasks; instead, the projects she assigns are meaningful, engaging, and always push us to learn something new.

Since coming here, I’ve realized how much I’ve grown in the digital field. Whether it’s designing posts, editing videos, or even shooting them, every task has been like a little stepping stone. I can already see how these experiences are shaping my skills and confidence. And beyond the professional growth, one of the most exciting parts has been how much my English has improved. From speaking clubs to casual office conversations, I’ve been able to practice in such a natural and fun way.

Another thing that makes this whole experience unforgettable is the people I’m sharing it with. The girls I spend time with have become more than just colleagues — they’re like family. We live together, we work together, and somehow, instead of getting tired of each other, we’ve built this beautiful balance of closeness and respect. We laugh a lot, support each other, and even when we’re all busy, there’s always a sense of harmony. That kind of bond is rare, and I feel really lucky.

Now, let me share some of my favorite places in Ankara that made this month extra special:
        •       Anıtkabir: This was a childhood dream of mine. I had always imagined visiting, but what I didn’t expect was how emotional I would become once I was actually there. I couldn’t hold back my tears — I wasn’t even sure if it was from happiness, pride, or both. It felt as if Atatürk himself was there, watching over us. That moment was beyond words.
        •       Kuğulu Park: A peaceful escape in the middle of the city. The swans, the calm atmosphere, the little details all create such a comforting environment.
        •       Tunalı: This area has such a youthful energy. The shops, the cafés, the charming streets — everything about it feels lively and full of character. It’s the kind of place you can spend hours just wandering around.
        •       Aspava: Because let’s be honest, no Ankara experience is complete without it! Delicious food, cozy atmosphere — it’s simply a must.

Looking back, this month has been full of unforgettable moments — laughter, growth, new friendships, and discoveries. And honestly, it makes me excited about what the next month will bring. If the coming days are anything like the ones I’ve just lived, I know I’ll continue to carry these memories with me for a long time.

Until then, I’ll keep soaking in every little detail of this city, because Ankara, in its own unique way, has stolen a piece of my heart. 

With love,
— Saliha

My First Month with ESC:

 

My First Month with ESC:

I came to Ankara with the ESC volunteer program. It was a very interesting decision for me. I studied and worked before, but I never did volunteering in another country. My sister was a volunteer in Ankara some months before me. Her stories made me excited. I said, "Why not?"

I arrived in Ankara in the evening. I saw the city from the plane. It was between mountains. It looked beautiful. People met us in Kızılay. I remember the steep streets and clean roads. One thing surprised me: supermarkets close at 9 PM. In my country, they close later.
I live in a house with other volunteers. We clean the house together. We cook food and plan our money. I learned that living together is not only sharing a house. It needs teamwork, respect, and care.

We also visited other places. We went to Istanbul, Büyükada, and Cappadocia. I liked Istanbul. It was big, busy, and full of history. I enjoyed the ferry. Büyükada was quiet and peaceful. The streets were colorful and the food was good. In Cappadocia, I saw hot air balloons in the sky early in the morning. It felt like a dream. The nature was amazing.

We ate at a restaurant called Aspava in Ankara. I liked many Turkish foods, but Aspava was special. The food and service were great.
This month, I learned many things. I became more responsible. I learned how to plan. I also learned how to live in new situations. I started to understand myself better.

I have a small tip for new volunteers:
Before you come, make a plan. Read about Ankara and Turkey. Write the places you want to see, the food you want to try, and the things you want to do. A small list will help you. It will save your time and make your experience better.
This was my first month, but it felt very full and special. Coming here with ESC changed me a lot.

Hello again

 Hello again, Ander family,

This is my second time coming here. It hasn’t been that long since I left, but my longing for this place outweighed everything, and once again I found myself in this beautiful place, surrounded by warm-hearted people. The experience I had last time gave me so much in such a short period. I had taken important steps for myself on the path of learning. This time, I hope to grow even more through this valuable experience.

Walking through the familiar streets again—yet as a slightly different person and alongside new volunteer friends—reminded me once more of how quickly time passes. Strolling through the colorful night lights of Ankara, walking from Kızılay to Tunalı towards Kuğulu Park, standing once again in the unique serenity of Anıtkabir… all of these were truly special moments for me. Meeting again with the friends I had made here was an entirely different joy, an indescribable feeling.

Although climbing up to Ankara Castle was a bit challenging for me, sharing the experience with my new volunteer friends made it much easier. This time, I was able to look at everything from a new perspective.

One of the places I discovered for the first time this month was Saraçoğlu Neighborhood. It has such a calming atmosphere. Reading a book while sipping my coffee amidst the greenery quickly became one of my favorite activities. Holding our English conversation clubs at the youth center in this beautiful neighborhood made it even more meaningful to me.

Towards the end of the month, we also traveled to Istanbul and Cappadocia with my volunteer friends. We had fun, we learned, we relaxed, and we came back with wonderful memories.

Istanbul was a city I was visiting for the second time. Although the crowds were a little overwhelming, the deep blue beauty of the Bosphorus, its historical buildings, and its views captivated me once again. Especially the Galata Tower… every time I see it, it stirs something different inside me. Staying at a place where I could see it often was a big advantage this time. Its glowing silhouette under the night lights was truly mesmerizing.

Visiting Büyükada for the first time gave me a completely different energy. The liveliness of the locals and tourists, the island’s colorful atmosphere—it was so refreshing. The two-hour ferry ride, the new Turkish dishes and desserts we tried, the historical buildings of the island… all became memories I don’t want to forget. If I ever had the chance to live in Istanbul, I would probably choose this place. The spirit and energy of the island feel like such a perfect match for me.

Something both funny and a little disappointing also happened to me in Istanbul. I happened to run into an actor from a TV series I like at the ferry terminal. I recognized him and got excited, but since he didn’t want attention in the crowd, he refused our request for a photo. At the moment I felt a little sad, but now when I think about it, it’s just another fun and unique memory.

Cappadocia, on the other hand, was like stepping into another world. Experiencing that mystical and romantic atmosphere I had only seen in TV series, movies, and on social media was unforgettable. But a small note: don’t be fooled by the beauty—you might get caught unprepared for the cold mornings (like me ). The sight of colorful balloons floating across the sky makes you feel as if you’re living inside a fairy tale. You can truly feel like a princess there. But Cappadocia is not just about balloons; its history and natural formations are also worth exploring. I especially recommend visiting the Fairy Chimneys and enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the view before you leave.

This month, we also said goodbye to a volunteer friend whose energy had given us so much. It was a little hard emotionally to see him off. But I think having someone whose farewell feels so heavy is actually a blessing—it means you’ve built a meaningful connection. Knowing that I’ll meet him again is comforting.

Being able to experience all of this for the second time in the same year was truly a privilege for me. The month passed by so quickly and so full that I didn’t want it to end. The energy of Turkey, especially Ankara, holds a very special place in my heart. I hope that the coming month will be even more joyful, enriching, and unforgettable—for me and for my friends.

As our two-month adventure comes to an end

 

As our two-month adventure comes to an end, I can’t believe how quickly time has passed. This last month has been full of unforgettable moments, from exploring Cappadocia, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul, to the beautiful experience in Van for “ESC On Arrival Training”. Each place we visited left a mark on my heart, but more than that, it was the people who made everything so special.

We continued our usual activities and also tried new ones, always learning, laughing, and creating memories together. Every day brought something meaningful, whether big or small.

Now that it’s time to say goodbye, I already miss my fellow volunteers. This project wasn’t just about volunteering, it was about building friendships, sharing cultures, and growing together. I know that even though the project ends, the connections we made will stay with me forever. 

Thank you to everyone who made this journey so beautiful. You will always have a special place in my heart, and I’ll carry these memories with me wherever I go.

August in Ankara

My last month in Turkey as an ESC volunteer was intense and full of experiences, despite the initial difficulties. After attending the meeting in Van with the National Agency, the other volunteers and I returned to Ankara with the aim of addressing and solving some issues we had noticed. The first weeks were not easy at all: there were several misunderstandings and miscommunications that made me feel very bad and not fully understood by the organization. It was a rather difficult and stressful period, during which I felt deeply frustrated. Fortunately, with time and dialogue, these problems were clarified and resolved, which allowed me to regain peace of mind and to continue my volunteering experience in a more positive and relaxed way.

Once that phase was over, the month was filled with meaningful and stimulating activities. I organized several workshops and games with the children at the youth center: some psychological activities were particularly touching, as the children opened up a lot, sharing personal stories and showing a sensitivity that moved me. It was truly a privilege to be allowed into their world, even just for a short time.

One of the most unusual and special experiences was harvesting tomatoes in a state-owned field, where the produce was distributed to people in need. It was a beautiful but also tiring activity: under the burning sun, picking and carrying heavy bags of tomatoes was not easy at all. Yet, this effort was exactly what made it so meaningful: for a day, I could put myself in the shoes of people who do this work every day to make a living. I couldn’t help but think of the foreign workers in my country who carry out this extremely hard labor and are paid barely €4 an hour. This experience made me more aware and grateful: when we go to the supermarket, we find tomatoes already displayed and ready for us, but we rarely stop to think about the hard work behind them. Living that experience firsthand opened my eyes to the reality we often overlook and made me realize how privileged I am.

Another activity we often carried out was Ebru workshops, a fascinating traditional Turkish art that consists of creating designs on water with colors. It was a very interesting and creative pastime, though I must admit that the paints had quite a strong and unpleasant smell, which made the experience a bit less enjoyable from a practical point of view.

A truly unforgettable moment of this month was taking part in the International Youth Day, organized by the United Nations. During the event, we had the chance to listen to motivational speeches, meet young people from different cultures, and also encounter prominent figures such as the mayor of Ankara, the ambassador of Venezuela, the ambassador of Singapore, and several UN representatives. It was enriching to hear their perspectives and stories. As volunteers, we had our own stand, where we presented the Ander association, European values, the European Solidarity Corps, and Erasmus projects to the young people who visited us. Besides the presentations, we also joined games, met new people, made friends, and attended a spectacular performance of traditional Turkish dancers performing with swords. The day ended with a direct exchange with UN representatives, during which we were able to share our ideas on current issues such as healthcare and its connection with young people. It was moving to be able to express our views on such important topics.

Of course, there were also lighter and more fun moments: one evening, for example, we all went together to the amusement park. It was great to be outside the work context, just laughing and having fun, which also strengthened the bonds between us volunteers.

During my free days, I also had the chance to travel to Istanbul to attend a project on sustainability. The initiative was interesting and well organized, but above all it allowed me to meet new people who were truly kind and friendly, with whom I shared some wonderful moments. I also had the opportunity to revisit Istanbul: I had already been there the previous year, but returning was still exciting. The city struck me again with its unique beauty and charm, though I found it extremely chaotic. After a few days there, I almost felt the need to go back to the calm and quiet atmosphere of Ankara, which by then I had come to see as my temporary home.

Looking back, I realize that this month has been like a journey within a journey: from the initial difficulties, which challenged me, to the moments of growth, discovery, and personal reflection. It has been a period that taught me a lot, not only about volunteering and about Turkey, but also about myself.

My Volunteering Journey in Turkey – Rekindling the Spark

 My Volunteering Journey in Turkey – Rekindling the Spark

My name is Svetlana, and after just one month in Turkey, I can wholeheartedly

say – I’ve discovered my spark again! Living in an international environment has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It placed me in situations I could never have predicted, taught me how to adapt quickly, and – most importantly – helped me form deep, meaningful bonds with people from all over the world. Sharing a flat with volunteers from different nationalities opened a window into cultures I had only read about before. We didn’t just talk about traditions – we lived them together. From sharing meals to celebrating small customs, every moment enriched my stay and made this journey unforgettable. Since the very first week, we began to immerse ourselves in the life of Ankara – learning the rhythm of the city, interacting with locals, and, of course, adapting to the Turkish lifestyle… which includes drinking çay (tea) at any time of the day – no questions asked! Haha :) This past month has been full of laughter, joy, and the kind of happiness that only comes from connecting with others on a genuine level. One of the most rewarding aspects of our volunteering work was spending time with children – some of the purest souls I’ve ever met. They welcomed us with open hearts, eager to learn about our cultures, improve their English, and simply enjoy time together. Their curiosity and love created a powerful energy that made each day a pleasure to wake up to.

We were responsible for organizing and delivering various workshops in areas like art, sports, and education. Our aim was to not only teach practical skills but also help the kids build their soft skills – communication, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. And honestly, they taught us just as much in return. I felt proud seeing them engaged and happy, knowing that our presence was making a real difference. Aside from working with the kids, we – as an international team – made the most of every opportunity to explore the beauty of Turkey. We conducted several trips, but the most memorable was our visit to Amasra, where we discovered a charming old town and enjoyed the peaceful beachside. Another unforgettable moment was our vacation in Antalya – a time of sun, sea, and even more international friendships being born. Every trip brought us closer as a group and deepened our appreciation for Turkey’s culture and natural beauty.

During the weekdays, I spent most of my time at Mamak Youth Center, wheremy activities spanned across several areas. No two days were ever the same – every one was special and unique in its own way. Some highlights include leading yoga and stretching workshops (which were surprisingly popular!), hosting a day dedicated to pollution awareness and recycling, baking cakes and cooking together with the youth, and of course, our beloved “Friday Discover Ankara” trips where we explored new parts of the city and its surroundings.

This past month has been an incredible chapter of my life. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful – where I could contribute, learn, grow, and truly feel alive. It reminded me of who I am, what I value, and how much impact simple human connection can have.

To anyone wondering whether to take part in an international volunteering project – do it. You won’t just be helping others… you’ll discover new parts of yourself along the way.

With love and gratitude,

We walked through the lively streets

Hello! I’m Magda, and this is my July blog. I’d love to share the unforgettable moments I experienced while being in Ankara and taking part in this wonderful ESC project.

To be honest, this was my very first experience like this, and I never expected it to be so unforgettable. From the very beginning, everything felt new, exciting, and surprisingly meaningful.

Let me start with the daily activities. Every single one of them was not only interesting, but also so much fun! One of the most special parts for me was working with the children. The joy and energy they brought made each day brighter and more fulfilling.We also organized various workshops and engaging activities that allowed us to connect, share, and learn in creative ways. One highlight was the Speaking Club, where we gathered each week with young people to discuss self-development topics and share perspectives. It was an incredible way to grow, learn, and feel the power of connection through meaningful conversation.

This project gave me the chance to strengthen my skills, share knowledge, and learn from others all in a fun and inspiring environment. I met people from different countries, cultures, and languages, but it was never difficult to find a common language. That’s the beauty of being open and respectful.

In my opinion, when you're in a new country, surrounded by strangers, the most important thing is to find a way to connect with people you live and work with and to do it respectfully. And I really felt that, especially through the sweet and curious eyes of the children. Ankara is a beautiful city, full of depth and charm. In the very first week, I started visiting places, and one of the first was the stunning Kocatepe Mosque. We also visited the Biosphere Museum and enjoyed peaceful picnics in green parks where live music added to the magical atmosphere.

We walked through the lively streets of Kızılay, which offered a true taste of thecity's daily life. And something that made each day even more joyful Seeing cats everywhere! Every corner had a cat lounging or walking by Ankara truly felt like Catland, and as a cat lover, it brought a smile to my face daily. Unforgettable Trips: Amasra & Antalya We also went on beautiful trips outside the city. Amasra completely stole my heart every street was charming, and the people made it even more special. It’s a place I’ll never forget, and it quickly became one of my favorites.

Another unforgettable experience was visiting Antalya. The views were breathtaking  from the old town to the beaches, every place was full of beauty and peace. I’m so glad I got to explore it.

ESC was not just a volunteer program for me; it was a life-changing journey. It opened doors to growth, connection, and unforgettable memories. I’m truly grateful for this experience and everyone who was a part of it.