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From 13 January 2026 to 13 March 2026, I participated in an ESC volunteering project in Beja, Portugal. When I first applied for the project, I was looking for a new experience, an opportunity to improve myself and the chance to discover another culture. I did not know exactly what to expect, but I knew that spending two months abroad would be a challenge.
Looking back now, I can say that this experience taught me much more than I imagined.
I spent my project in Beja, a small and welcoming city in southern Portugal. My volunteering activities were mainly related to media and communication. I helped plan and lead media-related workshops and created different types of content, such as photos, videos and posters.
Through these tasks I developed my creative skills and learned more about how media can be used to engage and inform people.
One of the most memorable aspects of the project was the international environment. At the beginning, there were two volunteers from Lithuania participating in the project with me. Unfortunately, after the second or third week, they decided to leave because the program was different from what they had expected. Suddenly, I found myself as the only volunteer in the project.
This was probably the most difficult part of my experience. Being alone in a foreign country without other volunteers to share the experience with was not easy. There were moments when I felt lonely and missed having people my age around me who were going through the same journey. However, the local team noticed this and supported me a lot. They always included me in activities, spent time with me and made sure I felt welcome. Thanks to them, I never felt completely alone, and their support helped me continue the project with a positive attitude.
Just when the project was coming to an end, another volunteer arrived from Turkey. He was very friendly and easy to talk to, and it was nice to once again share experiences with another volunteer. Although we only spent a short time together, his arrival made the last week even more enjoyable.
Apart from volunteering, I had the opportunity to experience Portuguese culture, taste local food and explore a country that was completely new to me.
Living abroad for two months helped me become more independent, flexible and confident. I learned how to adapt to unexpected situations and how to find solutions even when things did not go according to plan.
Of course, not every moment was easy. There were challenges, moments of homesickness and times when I questioned whether I could continue. But overcoming these difficulties became one of the most valuable parts of the experience. They taught me resilience and showed me that personal growth often happens outside our comfort zone.
Today, when I think about my time in Beja, I remember not only the work I did, but also the people I met, the lessons I learned and the memories I created. This volunteering project helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for everyone who was part of this journey.
I would encourage anyone considering an ESC project to take the opportunity. It may not always be easy, but the experiences, friendships and personal development you gain are truly worth it.
Hosting organisation:
Hosting organisation:
The main objectives of Associacao Check-IN are to promote lifelong learning opportunities, encourage young people to be active citizens and participate in local community life, encourage social integration and inclusion and education for sustainable development. In addition, the organisation pays special attention to young people who have difficulty accessing information due to their geographical location, social and economic status or personal situation. They participate in and develop a multiplicity of different activities and projects, both locally and internationally, including the implementation of workshops, seminars, team-building activities, youth exchanges, training courses, information sessions, etc.
ESC 4 EYG project coordinated by Associação Check-IN
Date: January - March 2026
Volunteer: Madarász Leila
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