A taste of what could happen

Türkiye has always been a dream of mine, ever since I started studying Turkish at university in Italy. I thought about it during literature class, Ottoman history class, tasting the food that our professor would cook – künefe, sarma, and many other specialties. It was always there, not so far away from my region but so different, a mirage or something you imagine but are too scared to bring to life.

And then, after I applied to an ESC project in Ankara, and after I was actually accepted, it suddenly became real. While looking at the planes to reach the city, the thought of being in Ankara, Türkiye, for two whole months seemed at first an impulsive decision, which I hadn’t planned well enough in advance as I usually do.

On the day of my arrival, after hours and planes and time spent waiting – and overthinking, when I stepped foot outside Ankara Esenboğa Airport, everything started to make sense. And things have only been looking up since then.What I thought was a city I would only think about for remote future plans, turned into a welcoming place, lively streets, cozy cafes, colourful bazars and an office that almost feels like home. In just less than a month, so much has happened. 

I’ve learned how to knit, in order to make scarves, hats and gloves that will be donated to disadvantaged children. I’ve entered for the first time ever a radio with its recording studio, the Gençlik Radyosu at T.C. Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı, where our team of international volunteers has been assisted in the creation of a podcast, from the basics of standing in front of a microphone to editing the recording and hearing your own voice in such a professional context.

We’ve been in Lösev (a hospital that provides treatment and support to children sick with cancer and their families), preparing packages with food items, to deliver them to families in need, in time for Ramadan. Everywhere I’ve been, I’ve been treated like a special guest. It’s a given fact that hospitality is a very serious deal here, but just now I’ve come to realise to what extent this is true. From çay to free hugs to ‘your Turkish is so good’, in every place I’ve felt like home. While walking down the streets and being amazed by what happens everywhere we laid our eyes upon, my friend said that Türkiye is not for beginners – and if two months seemed too much of a reckless decision at first, now they seem like just a tiny bit of what this place and its wonderful people can offer you.

Ionela's Experience

My experience as a volunteer in Ankara

When you say Turkey, you think about of hospitable people, cultural diversity and one of the best cuisine in the world. Let’s see how was my adventure here….
My name is Ionela Irimescu, I am from Romania and thanks to a volunteering program through the Ander organization I had the chance to spend 2 beautiful months here. When I arrived in Ankara the friends I had previously met in a interexchange in Romania invited me to have lunch, it was exactly what I needed after a long way, I was starving and the food was amazing, we went to Aspava restaurant which are a distinctive feature of Ankara’s culinary scene, offering a unique dining experience deeply rooted in local culture. The term “Aspava” is an acronym for “Allah Sağlık, Para, Afiyet Versin, Amin,” which translates to “May God grant health, wealth, and appetite, Amen.” These establishments are renowned for their generous hospitality, often providing complimentary side dishes such as salads, French fries, and cacık (a yogurt-based dip) alongside main courses. After I had my favourite Turkish dessert, is called sütlaç and of course the tea is a must in Turkey.

 The next day I went to Rahmi M.Koc Museum which is dedicated to the collection, research, conservation, and exhibit of industrial and engineering-related objects and documents from all periods. In the museum collection, all branches of industry are representing in historical development processes. Old cars, trains, maritime objects, models, machines, scientific instruments, and various equipments of agriculture, printing, communication, medicine, and pharmacy are in the museum. There are also daily items, toys, dollhouses. The museum houses the precious object of the leader Atatürk

Then I walked around the Ankara Kalesi which offers a grand view for its visitors, Ankara Castle stands out as an important symbol of Turkey's capital city. Its surrounding neighborhoods still have an old city charm that compliments the ancient city walls that once offered defense and protection.
Then I walked around the Ankara Kalesi which offers a grand view for its visitors, Ankara Castle stands out as an important symbol of Turkey's capital city. Its surrounding neighborhoods still have an old city charm that compliments the ancient city walls that once offered defense and protection.

The next days I had activities with the volunteers, we created together a poster about volunteering ,the motto of our poster was “Bring a rose to transform someone’s life into a garden”, by which we wanted to express the fact that a small gesture can mean a lot to someone.
I learned also the art of crocheting because together with the volunteers crocheted scarfs for the disadvantaged children.One of my favourite activities is the Speaking Club which is every Saturday, Turkish students join also and we discuss topics and play games which have the role of improving the English level.
Which surprised me a lot was the visit to the Ministry of Youth and Sport where we had a warm welcome with Turkish coffee and tea specific to the Turkey! We were to the radio studio where it was explained how it works, it was amazing and unexpected because not everybody has this chance.
Stay close,my adventure contınues….

End of Advanture

 Hi everyone it’s me again IKBAL and this is my second and last blog as my mission with Ander is completed and it’s going to be a sad ending for me because I find it so difficult to leave this experience. 

Coming to the end of my journey in this lovely country I want to share the beautiful feelings that I had with this society starting with accepting me between them and give all the trust to communicate and exchange ideas with their children and youth , I’d like to highlight their initiative to hear, talk and learn from foreigners. These people are ready to accept others without discrimination and judgment and you can work with them comfortably. I really enjoyed working with them and I hope I left a good impact in their lives.

As I finished this project, I find myself filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible journey we’ve shared me and the team. The project was more than just an opportunity to give back; it was a testament to the power of teamwork, dedication and the impact we can make when we come together with a common purpose. the anticipation of making a difference in Turkish youth and kids’ lives and helping to encourage youth from worldwide for volunteering, brought our team closer from the beginning than buy sharing tasks and hard work together we realized that the work can’t succeed without helping each other and we started to exchange ideas, discuss the program and of course giving opinions and yes this is the key to build a team, it’s sharing. After that the time we spent together we figured out that we start to be friends we share thoughts, dreams and attitudes. So it’s more than work and doing the tasks that you have to do. Now I can clearly say that this team is the best team that I’ve worked with I wish that we would have the chance to work together again and make a powerful impact as we did this time

The project wasn’t just work it was a training for team work, responsibility and self-building, because this project have many outcomes and benefits on the personalities and personal skills. It offered us an opportunity to take informations and learn new skills from many people especially in the meetings or while evaluation these two are able to change your perspective not only in tasks and activity but also in daily behavior and attitude. In general it’s an opportunity of change because it gives you the time to reflect on yourself, make your plans and show up to the world with a new version of you. This version is the skilled and talented one. And this is what volunteering usually made to, so for the friends who are reading my words now don’t hesitate to experience this wonderful and necessary experience and when you get the chance to be part of similar project make your journey unique buy learning and enjoying at the same time.

Clinical Psychologist Aydan Malikova: My Erasmus Journey and Ankara Adventure

I am Aydan Malikova and I am from Azerbaijan. As a profession, I am a Clinical Psychologist, 27 years old. I decided to participate in a long term Erasmus Project in Ankara. Participating in a long-term Erasmus project and coming to Ankara has been a major source of motivation for me. I knew that this opportunity would bring many benefits for my personal growth. As a clinical psychologist, being immersed in different cultures, gaining new perspectives, and enhancing my professional skills is a fantastic opportunity. The foundation of my motivation to come to Ankara lies in my desire to grow both personally and professionally. 

 Through the Erasmus project, I will strengthen my social skills by interacting with diverse cultures. Meeting new people, learning from their experiences, and being exposed to different perspectives will help me become a more well-rounded clinical psychologist. Throughout this process, I aim to integrate what I learn from my interactions with people into my own practices. I believe that my communication skills and empathy will develop significantly during this journey. Engaging with people from various cultures will teach me to express my thoughts and feelings more openly and effectively. Additionally, my problem-solving skills, flexibility, and adaptability will also improve through this experience. Adapting to different situations and people will help me become more resilient to challenges in my career and everyday life.

Moreover, I believe that Ankara's dynamic and rich cultural environment will contribute to my personal growth. The time I spend in this city will open new horizons not only in my professional life but also in all areas of my life.The Erasmus project, with the opportunities it provides, will boost my self-confidence and open new doors in my career journey. This experience will help me gain new perspectives on life and volunteerism. Every day, I feel excited about learning new things and pushing myself further here. I am very happy to have the chance to develop myself culturally and socially during my time in Ankara.

Motivation for Coming to Turkey, Ankara 2

Upon arriving in Ankara, I was immediately struck by the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition. The architecture is stunning, with ancient ruins standing alongside contemporary buildings. However, settling into a new environment can be daunting. 

One of my biggest challenges was overcoming the language barrier. Turkish is quite different from English and Georgian, making it difficult to communicate effectively at times. To tackle this issue, my host organization Ander helped me, my teacher leyla used funny and interesting ways to helped me learn essential phrases for daily interactions.

As I settled into life in Ankara, I made it a point to embrace Turkish traditions and customs. From participating in local festivals to trying out traditional sweets like baklava, lukhum... I take part in small projects during my first weeks, each experience has enriched my understanding of this beautiful country.

I also found joy in exploring historical sites such as Anıtkabir (the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk) and the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus. These visits not only provided insight into Turkey’s rich history but also offered opportunities for reflection on my own cultural heritage. 

While there have been many positive experiences during my time in Ankara, challenges inevitably arise when living abroad. Adapting to a different pace of life can be overwhelming at times; however, I’ve learned that patience is key.

Reflecting on my journey so far as a individual from Georgia living in Ankara fills me with gratitude for the experiences I’ve gained along the way. While there have been ups and downs, each moment contributes to personal growth and resilience.

As I sit down to reflect on my two-month European Solidarity Corps (ESC) experience in Ankara, Turkey, I am filled with a mix of emotions. This journey has been transformative, offering me not just the chance to contribute to meaningful projects but also an opportunity for personal growth and cultural exchange.

As I conclude my ESC experience in Ankara, I carry with me not only memories but also invaluable lessons about solidarity, cultural appreciation, and community engagement. This journey has reaffirmed my commitment to making a positive impact wherever I go.

I encourage anyone considering an ESC opportunity to embrace it wholeheartedly; it’s more than just volunteering—it’s about building connections that transcend borders.

Motivation for Coming to Turkey, Ankara

I'm Tamari, from Georgia I study political science and love to do researching on different subjects. I actively contribute in model summits and love to be active in different projects. As Franklin D. Roosvelt says "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself", so I also believe you should never stop trying and going for something even if you feal fear. You should overcome your comfort zone and get rid of that feeling that keeps you in that same place.

One of the primary motivations for coming to Ankara, Turkey, for a volunteering project is the opportunity for cultural exchange. Turkey has a rich history that blends various cultures, traditions, and languages. Engaging in a volunteering project allows individuals to immerse themselves in this diverse environment while learning about Turkish customs and practices. This experience can foster personal growth. Volunteering in Ankara provides an avenue to contribute positively to local communities. Many projects focus on education, social services, environmental conservation, or health care. By participating in these initiatives, I can make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families who may be facing challenges. This sense of purpose and fulfillment was always a strong motivating factor for seeking meaningful experiences in my past. 

Another significant motivation is the potential for skill development and professional growth. Volunteering often involves working collaboratively with others, which enhances teamwork and communication skills. Additionally, many projects may offer training or workshops that provide valuable knowledge applicable in various fields such as education, healthcare, or community development. These experiences can enhance not only my resume but also prepare my skills for future career.

Engaging in volunteer work in Ankara also presents opportunities to build networks with like-minded individuals from around the world as well as local residents. Establishing connections with people who share similar interests can lead to lasting friendships and professional relationships that extend beyond the duration of the project. Which I think is so important to have strong social network

Turkey is known for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant cities. While volunteering in Ankara, I can explore nearby attractions such as ancient ruins, beautiful parks, and cultural landmarks like museums or mosques during my free time. This exploration adds an enriching layer to the overall experience of volunteering.

Finally, many individuals, like me, are motivated by a desire for personal growth through new experiences that challenge their comfort zones. Living in a different country requires adaptability and resilience—qualities that are developed through navigating unfamiliar environments. The journey of self-discovery often leads to increased confidence and a deeper understanding of oneself.

In summary, the motivations for coming to Ankara for a volunteering project encompass cultural exchange, community contribution, skill development, networking opportunities, exploration of natural beauty and heritage, as well as personal growth. I'm here for a month and I've had couple of amazing experiences, which I will discuss in next blog.

Journey in Ankara

Myself Sriram I’m originally from India, but currently I’m doing masters in Milano, Italy. In this blog, I would like to share my first month experience in Ankara and the new cultural heritage that I have experienced in Turkey.

My volunteering is mainly focused on managing social media, organizing speaking clubs for people who willing to share their experience. For my turkey is totally new from my home country India and I like it too, because always I wanted to explore the new cultures form the different parts of world

First, I would like to share my thoughts about Nevşehir, a beautiful city located in the central Anatolia region of Turkey, Uff!!!!!!! That city holds the one of the best cultural heritages with castles, sediments formed by volcanic ashes, love valley’s, etc. And I had the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise from the balloons of Cappadocia, the view from the balloons were breath-taking. And I would like to talk about the taste of turkey, one of the best foods I’ve ever tasted in my life is Adana kebab, I don’t have words to describe it’s just wow.

Still, I’ve to learn a lot about this culture of turkey. My journey so far has been filled with enjoyment and happiness, exploring the vibrant heritage and warm hospitality of Turkey. As a student, every day offers new opportunities to learn and grow, and I am eager to continue immersing myself in the rich traditions and customs of this beautiful country. Although I have already learned a great deal, I recognize that there is still so much more to discover and appreciate. I am looking forward to embracing these experiences, meeting new people, and sharing our stories in the months to come.