My name is Ani and for the past several months I’ve been volunteering in Poland within the framework of the European Solidarity Corps.
Participating in the ESC project in Poland has been a meaningful and transformative experience, both personally and professionally. Over the course of my volunteering service I had the opportunity to work in an educational environment, support children’s learning and immerse myself in a new cultural context.
My project took place in a small village near Mysłowice, where I worked in the local kindergarten and primary school. My main role was to support teachers and engage children in English language learning through interactive and informal methods. I led and assisted with English clubs, helped during lessons, and created activities that encouraged children to communicate confidently in English.
Working with young learners required creativity, patience and adaptability and each day brought new challenges and rewarding moments. One of the most valuable aspects of this experience was building connections with the children. Despite language barriers at the beginning, we quickly found ways to communicate through games, gestures, and shared activities. Over time, I could see their confidence growing, which made the experience incredibly fulfilling. The best part was that the language barrier was erased almost completely by the end of my project as I learned to communicate in Polish and the children became more confident in their English.
Beyond teaching, this project helped me develop important skills such as communication, teamwork and responsibility. I also gained experience working in an international environment, which strengthened my intercultural awareness and ability to adapt to new situations. Living in Poland allowed me to explore a different lifestyle, understand local traditions, and become more independent. Of course, like any experience abroad, there were challenges. Adjusting to a new environment, managing responsibilities, and maintaining balance required effort. However, these challenges contributed to my personal growth and made the overall experience even more valuable.
Overall, this experience exceeded my expectations. It not only helped me grow professionally but also shaped me personally by increasing my confidence, independence and openness to new experiences. I would highly recommend the European Solidarity Corps programme to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, gain practical experience, and make a positive impact in a community. It is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with people in a truly meaningful way.