My name is Ema, I am from France and I have spend the last two months in Armenia as an ESC volonteer for Futur in our Hands. This has truly been one of the most impactful experience of my life and I will, for sure never forget about it.
During my volunteering I had the opportunity to work across several different areas : international project organisation, communication, and education, while immersing myself in a completely new cultural context.
My project involved diffrent missions, I supported the organisation of international projects, helping coordinate activities and ensuring things ran smoothly behind the scenes. I contributed to communication efforts, helping share the work and impact of the organisation with a wider audience. And I had the joy of giving French classes to young Armenians, introducing them to a new language and, through it, a new culture.
Balancing these different missions required organisation, flexibility and a willingness to constantly learn. Each day looked a little different, and I quickly had to adapt to switching between administrative tasks, creative communication work, and the more personal, direct experience of teaching. Giving French classes was, in many ways, the heart of the experience. Watching young Armenians go from hesitant first words to confidently forming sentences in French was incredibly rewarding. Despite the language barrier between us at times, we found ways to connect through humour, patience and shared curiosity. By the end, that barrier had shrunk considerably, as my own understanding of Armenian grew alongside their French.
Beyond the missions themselves, this experience helped me develop skills that go far beyond the classroom or the office: communication, adaptability, organisation, and the ability to work confidently in an international and intercultural environment. Living in Armenia pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way — I discovered a rich culture, a warm and welcoming community, and a way of life very different from my own in France. It also taught me a lot about independence and how to navigate the small, everyday challenges of living abroad.
Of course, two months is a short time to adapt to a completely new environment, learn how to juggle multiple responsibilities, and build genuine relationships — but that limited time only made me more intentional about making the most of every opportunity. Those challenges became some of the most valuable parts of my personal growth.
Overall, this experience exceeded my expectations. It strengthened my professional skills while also shaping who I am — making me more confident, more open, and more curious about the world. I would highly recommend the European Solidarity Corps programme to anyone who wants to challenge themselves, contribute meaningfully to a community, and grow through real, hands-on experience. It is an opportunity to learn, connect, and make a genuine difference — even in just a few months.