It is hard to believe, but my ESC volunteering journey in Ankara is slowly coming to an end. August was a great month filled with new experiences, meaningful connections, and moments that I will always carry with me. From spending time with kids at the youth centers and learning alongside them, to exploring the hidden corners and traveling to different parts of Türkiye. Every day seemed to bring something valuable.
We started the month with a training meeting organized by the National Agency. There, we met volunteers from different countries who are also doing their projects in Türkiye. It was inspiring to exchange experiences, share our stories, have small talks during coffee breaks, and explore together the wonderful city of Van. During our stay, we visited the largest lake in Türkiye - Lake Van - and took a trip to Akdamar Island, where we saw the beautiful Armenian Church of the Holy Cross.
After that, we continued our journey back in Ankara. Like the previous month, we spent our days working with kids at Mamak and Altındağ Gençlik Merkezi, running games and creative workshops, and sharing small everyday moments with them. We also participated in YOUniverse: International Youth Day Meeting, where we presented Erasmus opportunities for young people, shared our volunteering experiences, and talked about youth exchanges for anyone interested.
This month I also had the chance to organize a Ukrainian Cultural Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to share a piece of my own culture with others. I brought some treats from Ukraine, talked about Ukrainian traditions and daily life, shared music and stories from home. It felt great to see how interested everyone was, asking questions and trying to understand more about my country. It was also nice to take part in the cultural days of other volunteers. Each event felt like a little journey to another country, exploring traditional food, listening to music, learning new dances, and hearing stories about local customs. These moments reminded me how uniqueand valuable it is to live in such a multicultural environment, where every day brings something new to discover and appreciate. I feel truly grateful for this opportunity.
This month we also had the chance to travel and see more of Türkiye. Our first stop was Cappadocia, and honestly, it felt unreal. The valleys and rock formations looked like something from another planet, and watching the hot-air balloons at sunrise was one of those moments you don’t forget.
Our next destination was Izmir. It was interesting to walk through the bazaar and along the seaside, and it gave me a glimpse of everyday life in a large Turkish city. Even if it wasn’t my favorite stop, it added to the whole experience of discovering different sides of Türkiye. Not far from Izmir, we also visited Alaçatı, a small town that instantly felt cozy. Its narrow streets, stone houses, and colorful little cafes were so charming that I could have spent hours just wandering around.
And of course, we couldn’t miss Istanbul. The city is huge and intense, but also fascinating. One moment you’re standing inside a centuries-old mosque, and the next you’re in a busy modern street with shops, music, and crowds. It’s overwhelming in the best possible way, and every corner has something to surprise you.
During this project, I made so many friends, and I feel incredibly lucky to have spent two months with such a wonderful team. We became a true family, supporting each other through challenges, sharing laughs during free time, celebrating small victories, and creating memories that I know will last a lifetime. This project has taught me the value of friendship, teamwork, and openness to new experiences. I leave Ankara with a full heart, grateful for everything I’ve learned, excited for the future, and confident that the people and experiences I encountered here will continue to inspire me wherever I go.
Görüşürüz, Türkiye!