Dodi in Brittany

Before moving to France, my only experience in the country had been a one-day visit to Paris during high school, so I was unfamiliar with both the country and the language, which made the beginning of my journey quite challenging. Thankfully, I had a wonderful tutor and supportive roommates who made those first weeks much easier. Since English was not widely spoken in the region, I found myself using French more and more every day. By the end of the project, I was able to have basic conversations with locals, which felt like a huge achievement.

Even without always sharing the same language, everyone was incredibly welcoming, which made the experience even more memorable. I`m especially grateful that I had the chance to volunteer in Brittany, one of the most culturally rich regions of France, where people are deeply proud of their heritage. I was able to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of the region, and experience their everyday life while also learning about their history. It allowed me to experience a side of France that many visitors never get to see. I was also able to connect with other volunteers who shared similar values, which led to amazing friendships that I know I will carry with me long after the project.

Looking back, this experience gave me much more than I expected. It taught me how to adapt to unfamiliar situations, work with people from different backgrounds, and become more independent in everyday life. I learned that even when communication is difficult, there is possibility to build real connections.