Europe could not afford wasted talent, social exclusion, and youth disengagement; therefore, the EPVP 3.0 project provided youngsters with easily accessible opportunities to engage in solidarity actions, enabling them to act for the benefit of the community as active citizenship while gaining valuable experience and competences, thereby improving their further employability.
Angelina’s success story
If you are taking a gap year or you are a recent graduate feeling uncertain about your career path, this article might be helpful.
My name is Angelina Kogur, and I am 23 years old. As a former Erasmus student, I had an amazing international experience that I knew I wanted to repeat. However, after graduating, I was unsure about my next steps. I was scrolling through Facebook one day when I came across an announcement about volunteering on FIOH’s page, which caught my attention. Intrigued by the project’s goals and the chance to gain valuable experience, I decided to apply. This was my opportunity to discover Romania and my origins since my ancestor was Romanian. Some people may underestimate the value of ESC volunteering, but let me tell you, it is a fantastic chance to acquire professional skills, live in another country, meet new individuals, and create unforgettable memories.
The project had a significant impact on me, leading to personal and professional growth. I gained valuable experience working in an NGO, enhanced my language proficiency, and learned how to write and implement successful Erasmus projects. Additionally, I acquired skills in promoting active citizenship among the youth. Overall, the project was an excellent opportunity for me to develop in various areas and broaden my horizons.
I lived and worked with amazing people for 6 months. Of course, there were some misunderstandings from time to time, but we also had fun, went on trips, learnt from each other, partied, and watched movies. I must say that I had the most welcoming and responsible coordinator. If I needed his assistance, I could call him at any time; even now, I know he will be there for me. He is enthusiastic about his work and its outcomes. They will be forever in my heart.
Participating in the EPVP 3.2 project was an excellent investment in my professional development. I have absolutely no regrets about spending half a year in Romania. My advice to others is to take advantage of every opportunity to participate in youth projects, as they can help you gain a clearer understanding of your career aspirations. Once you have discovered your passion, you will always want to pursue it, as the popular song goes, “Live a life you will remember.”
