A life-changing volunteer journey in Bulgaria

My volunteer experience in Bulgaria was one of the most educational and transformative periods of my life. Through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program, I not only discovered a new country but also developed intercultural communication skills, empathy, leadership abilities, and a true global perspective.

A global perspective goes far beyond locating countries on a map. It means that people from different cultures can sit around the same table, collaborate effectively, and work toward shared goals. During the activities we carried out in Bulgaria, I actively contributed in various areas, including education, social impact, youth work, and social awareness. Each event reminded me how interconnected our world truly is.

My role in the European Solidarity Corps projects

Throughout my volunteering period, I took on diverse responsibilities that strengthened both my professional and personal skills:

• Online promotion of European Solidarity Corps projects
• Creation of visual and written content for social media
• Consulting young people about ESC participation opportunities
• Supporting the organization of youth events
• Support during the conduct of research and studies on youth-related topics
• Searching for international partners and new project opportunities
• Supporting artistic workshops for young people with disabilities

These responsibilities helped me gain hands-on experience in project management, communication, youth engagement, and teamwork.

Personal growth through volunteering

During my time in Bulgaria, I participated in numerous impactful activities. Understanding individuals with disabilities, listening to personal stories during the Human Library events, and spending time with fellow volunteers deeply influenced my personal growth.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of this experience was the development of my empathy. Helping others brought me genuine happiness and reinforced my desire to contribute to society.

Skills I Developed:

• Time management
• Social work competence
• Teamwork & collaboration
• Intercultural communication
• Leadership & initiative

Through the “Taste & Share” event, volunteers from different countries introduced their cultures. Food became a universal language that allowed us to better understand one another. These cultural exchanges created unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.

Living in Varna: Discovering Bulgarian culture

One of the most special parts of my volunteer experience was living in Varna.

Located on the Black Sea coast, Varna is a city known for its natural beauty, historical heritage, peaceful atmosphere, and cultural diversity. Living by the sea provided both tranquility and inspiration.

A highlight of the city is the Sea Garden, a beautiful coastal park where people gather to exercise, socialize, and enjoy life. I was fortunate to participate in many events there, making it a place filled with meaningful memories for me.

Being part of Varna’s community gave me a deeper appreciation for Bulgarian culture and everyday life.

A heartfelt Thank You

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this journey unforgettable. Special thanks to Elina Raynova for including me in the project and for her continuous support of all volunteers. I am also deeply thankful to my supervisor Simona, my mentor Denitsa, and my invaluable volunteer friends.

This experience shaped my understanding of development, intercultural dialogue, and global citizenship. Volunteering in Bulgaria was not just a project — it was a transformative chapter in my life.

by Damla Sürgülü

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