Last week, I attended the arrival training of the European Solidarity Corps in Warsaw. It was an incredible experience where we shared feelings, emotions, and stories with other volunteers from all over Poland, creating friendships that will last a lifetime.

For six days, Warsaw was filled with activities and workshops about volunteering, discussions about the program, and opportunities to discover Polish culture. We also learned about the many different cultures represented there. We came from Spain, Cyprus, Georgia, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Morocco, and France, although the Polish spirit was always present.

When we arrived on Monday, we made our first friendships during the lunch break. Later, we explored the park through guided activities that helped us learn each other’s names, backgrounds, and motivations for joining this adventure called volunteering. After the coffee break, we brainstormed as a group to decide which topics we wanted to explore during the training. In the evening, we continued our conversations over dinner and enjoyed our free time together, sharing laughs and stories late into the night.

On Tuesday, we began the day by learning a few Polish words such as “cześć” (hello), “mam na imię” (my name is), and “jestem z” (I am from). Our trainers made the activity fun through games and group dynamics. We then discussed our volunteering routines and social circles within the projects. After the morning coffee break, we went outside for a teamwork exercise where we had to “cross the ocean,” a section of the park, using mats. The activity emphasized cooperation and communication. Afterward, we reflected on how teamwork felt and what we learned from it.

Tuesday afternoon was dedicated to exploring the different cultures within our group. We discussed topics such as healthcare, politics, and education in our home countries. After the coffee break, we formed teams for one of the most entertaining activities: discovering Warsaw through a chosen theme. My group’s topic was feminism in Poland. We planned our route, listed our questions, and decided how to carry out the research. That night, we went to a karaoke bar where we sang, laughed, and created unforgettable memories together.

On Wednesday, we conducted our city project about feminism in Poland. We visited several associations, but since most were closed, we contacted them by phone and gathered interesting insights about issues such as abortion, feminist protests, and gender inequality. We also interviewed students at the university and the art school. One of them recommended a thought-provoking exhibition by Joanna Fluder about taboo subjects such as women’s bodies and transformation. Back at the hotel, we summarized our findings on a Padlet board and presented them to the other groups. After the afternoon coffee break, we revisited some of the topics proposed on the first day, such as learning words in different languages or sharing travel tips. We also talked about food, traditions, and celebrations. Later that evening, we explored Warsaw’s city center, admiring its beautiful architecture and colorful buildings. We ended the night playing board games at the hotel, enjoying a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

By Thursday, we could already feel that the experience was coming to an end. We started the day learning the names of some fruits in Polish through playful activities. Then, we joined a Kahoot quiz about volunteering, our rights and duties, and some fun facts about the program. After the coffee break, each group performed short skits about common challenges during volunteering, such as housemate conflicts or language barriers with children in kindergartens. After lunch, we talked about solidarity in our projects and visited a nearby museum with guided questions about our personal and professional goals. Back at the hotel, we created a collective vision board using magazine cutouts, music, and a wonderful atmosphere full of inspiration and creativity.

Friday arrived with a sense of nostalgia in the air. It was our last day of training, though many of us stayed until Saturday. In the morning, we went for a reflective walk in the park in pairs, talking about self-care and how to stay well during our time abroad, far from family and friends. After lunch, we gathered at the hotel for a recap of the week and shared our goodbyes.

That Friday afternoon, many of us took the chance to explore Warsaw one last time, discovering more about the Polish capital and its culture. Finally, on Saturday morning, we visited the Jewish Museum of Warsaw, a fascinating and deeply meaningful place.

We left the city with new knowledge, stronger values, and hearts full of gratitude. Although the training came to an end, the journey of growth, empathy, and solidarity is only just beginning.

Article María A. Esteve,
European Solidarity Corps volunteers.
On- Arrival Training article from European Solidarity Corps from 15/10/2025