Have you thought about volunteering in foreign country, immersing in local culture and self-developing at te same time? The programme European Solidarity Corps of European Union offers all of that.
Read about the experience of 2 czech volunteers Kristýna and Lydia in A Coruña.
¡Hola amigos! Have you ever dreamed of discovering yourself and a beautiful Spanish city, soaking up the sun, the rain, and making a positive impact? Well, let us take you on a journey to A Coruña, where Kristýna and Lydia embarked on a two-month volunteering escapade with the amazing Foundacion Condado de Taboada.
Just picture cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, delicious seafood, hilly roads, a beautiful lighthouse and the salty breeze from the Atlantic Ocean. That’s A Coruña for us – a charming gem nestled in the heart of Galicia in Spain.
Our mission? To lend a hand to the Foundation while immersing ourselves in the local culture.
Our days were filled with excitement as we delved into the world of social media and strategy. Armed with our laptops and endless enthusiasm, we dove headfirst into crafting captivating content and brainstorming ideas for the upcoming Solidarity Fest. This month-long event set for spring 2024 promises to be like no other, and we were thrilled to be a part of its creation.
But volunteering wasn’t just about work – it was about embracing every moment and soaking up the Spanish way of life. Siesta – some people love it (Kristýna), some people don’t appreciate it that much (Lydia). From sipping café con leche in local cafes to devouring delicious seafood with newfound friends, every day was a fiesta for the senses.
Let’s talk about Galicia a little bit – a region steeped in history and natural beauty. We explored its coastline, hiked through forests, and even visited historical pazos. Each corner we turned revealed a new breathtaking view, leaving us speechless by the Mother Nature’s masterpiece.
But the true highlight of our journey – were the people we met along the way. From the warm-hearted locals who welcomed us with open arms to people from the foundation, our time in A Coruña was enriched by the connections we made. Together, we laughed, we learned, and we shared unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
And let’s not forget about the language. With every “hola” and “gracias,” we felt ourselves becoming more immersed in Spanish culture. From stumbling over our words to confidently holding conversations, our journey of language learning mirrored our broader experience of growth and discovery.
As our time in A Coruña drew to an end, we couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness mixed with gratitude. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the incredible work of the Foundation, grateful for the friendships, and grateful for the memories that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
So, to anyone considering embarking on a volunteering adventure. Dive in headfirst, embrace the unknown, and prepare to be transformed in ways you never thought possible. Because as we discovered in A Coruña, the greatest adventures often begin with a simple “yes” and a willingness to explore the world with an open heart.
¡Hasta luego, A Coruña! Until we meet again, gracias for the memories, the laughter, and the endless inspiration.
Would you like to have similar experience yourself? If you are between 18-30 years old, the programme is open for you! Just check https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_cs for more information.
The activity has been funded by European Union.