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.

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