Volunteering abroad is more than a travel experience—it is a journey of personal growth, cultural exchange, and meaningful impact. Aya Elhusseiny’s story is a powerful example of how international volunteering can shape both professional development and personal values.

Background and motivation

Aya Elhusseiny is from Egypt and holds a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Since her university years, volunteering has played a central role in her life. Driven by a desire to create positive change and engage with diverse communities, Aya decided to take a major step forward by volunteering abroad for the first time—an experience that became a turning point in her journey.

Her motivation to volunteer internationally stemmed from a strong desire to gain experience beyond Egypt, work at the European level, and connect with people from different cultural backgrounds. Through this experience, Aya aimed to demonstrate solidarity, contribute meaningfully to society, and grow both personally and professionally.

Volunteering with Association FOR YOU

Aya volunteered with Association FOR YOU as part of a project funded by the European Solidarity Corps, within the project management team. In her role as a project writer and coordinator, she contributes to drafting project proposals for the Erasmus+ programme, supporting coordination processes, and assisting in the organisation of various events.

In addition to project writing, Aya is actively involved in writing articles and handling administrative responsibilities, gaining hands-on experience in international project management and nonprofit operations.

Key projects and European impact

One of the most impactful initiatives Aya contributed to is “Shtuk Tuk-Tam: Adapt!”, an inclusive project designed for disadvantaged groups. The initiative focuses on promoting tolerance, inclusion, and active participation, reinforcing the importance of equal opportunities in youth work.

Aya also played a role in coordinating the YOU-CARE Project, an Erasmus+ initiative exploring the link between mental health and the climate crisis. Through this project, the team successfully presented youth-driven recommendations in Brussels and participated in panel discussions alongside Members of the European Parliament and European commissioners. This experience strengthened Aya’s passion for meaningful youth participation and policy engagement.

Challenges of volunteering abroad

Like many international volunteers, Aya faced challenges during her experience. One of the first obstacles was the language barrier, as Bulgarian differs significantly from both English and Arabic. By learning basic phrases, she was able to adapt and navigate daily life more comfortably.

Another challenge was related to financial logistics. As a non-EU citizen, Aya was unable to open a bank account in Bulgaria, which meant receiving her allowance in cash. This made travel planning and online purchases more difficult, requiring flexibility and adaptation.

Lessons learned and advice for future volunteers

Despite these challenges, Aya views her volunteering journey as deeply rewarding. She believes that volunteering is about courage—the courage to step out of your comfort zone, embrace differences, and remain open and tolerant in unfamiliar environments.

Her advice to anyone considering volunteering abroad is simple: try new things, stay open-minded, and fully embrace the experience. Volunteering abroad is a journey of growth, connection, and discovery—and it is truly worth it.

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