My experience with European Solidarity Corps!

Hello, I’m Chiara from Italy and I’m taking part of the European Solidarity Corps in Bilbao, Basque Country.

One year ago I was wondering what to do with my future, dealing with a lot of uncertainties, untill I found out about this amazing European Project. I was looking for something that could gave me the possibility to live abroad and collaborate within a field I like. Finnally, after weeks of research, I read the ad of what is currently my project, and I just knew I had to apply.  I can’t describe the happiness I felt when they called me back to tell me I was being selected !

I have always loved to work with kids and adolescents, having been a teacher in kindergarten and primary schools and a help-educator in a foster home. Therefore, I instantly fell for my project here, which is about non-formal education. In fact, I am volunteering in a centre for young people, teaching them english but also enjoying their spare time with workshops and cultural activities.

I came to Bilbao cherishing to help and teach, but honestly I feel like I am the one who is learning the most. I had the oppurtunity to relate with a diffent beautiful culture, to learn a new language, and last but not least to discover more about my self.

This was not my first time living abroad, but it is the first time I felt at home. All thanks to the wonderful people I met here and the office environment, that made this experience so easy to handle. I found a second family and this is priceless.

I think ESC is a really an incredible opportunity. It gives you the chance to go out of your confort zone but you’ll never feel alone during the process. Moreover, there are so many projects that you’ll find for sure at least one that suits you and will help you gaining experience in the área you like the most. My advice is to not waist your time and apply to European Solidarity Corps, you will spend a great time and enjoy every minute!

Updated on Friday, 16/06/2023