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.
