My volunteering experience in Iceland!
Benedetta, Italy, Age 24Working here has allowed me to develop new skills, but most importantly it has shown me how meaningful it is to create connections between people from different backgrounds
When I arrived in Reykjavík to start my European Solidarity Corps volunteering project, I had a suitcase full of winter clothes and many questions!
I didn’t know exactly what to expect from a year in Iceland, but I was curious to discover what this experience would teach me.
For the past six months, I have been volunteering at the office of AFS Iceland. It is a small but very international environment where different languages, cultures and stories meet every day. My role includes supporting exchange programs, assisting international students and helping with the organisation of events and activities.
Working here has allowed me to develop new skills, but most importantly it has shown me how meaningful it is to create connections between people from different backgrounds.
Life outside the office has also been a continuous discovery. Reykjavík is a welcoming and creative city, surrounded by powerful and surprising nature. During these months I have started exploring landscapes that sometimes feel almost otherworldly: waterfalls, lava fields, strong winds and, on lucky nights, the Northern Lights.
Living here has pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me see things from new perspectives. I have met people from across Europe and the world, building friendships and connections that make this experience even more meaningful.
Updated on Tirsdag, 17/03/2026