Volunteering in a Greek mountain village

After studying in Germany and online in Ireland, I temporarily returned to the Netherlands during the coronavirus pandemic. The job market was tough and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I heard about volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps and thought: yes, this is exactly what I need right now.

My project was in a village that was burned to the ground by the Nazis during the Second World War. They were looking for someone with a background in history who also spoke German. I studied history and international relations, so it was perfect.

I worked for the village's cultural organisation for a year. My tasks were very varied: I categorised books in the library, digitised photos in the museum, worked on a new village website and organised cultural events. I also helped out at religious festivals and the primary school. 

Although I didn't speak a word of Greek when I arrived, that changed quickly. Because almost no one spoke English or German, I had to. I often went to drink coffee with people  in the village. That's how I learned the language. And I also learned Greek dances and about the food, just by participating.

The experience opened my eyes to cultural differences within Europe. Even after my project, I remained involved with the village. I go back every year and I'm still in touch with my friends from the village.

Why volunteer through the European Solidarity Corps? You get to do something you would never experience as a tourist or student. And the great thing is that it's really well organised — you don't have to pay for it, you get guidance and it's accessible to everyone. I felt like I was really contributing something.

Updated on Tiistai, 17/02/2026