Many say that time flies quickly and volunteering is one good example of that.Some would think that spending 9 months in a completely different country would be a long time but to me it passed in a blink of an eye. It feels like September was both forever and just a second ago. This project changed me not only in experience but also as a person. I had an amazing opportunity to become independent,learn so many things about Poland and have a chance to make a difference,however small or big it may be.

I volunteered  in an autism center with disabled children. My duties were to help teachers with managing classes,kids with their English homeworks and daily activities. My teachers were lovely. I could see that they cared a lot about their pupils and wished them only best. It gave me a good example on how a good teacher operated in a classroom and I will definitely use their methods of teaching once I,myself, become a psychologist.I want to thank my teachers,coordinators and kids for such a wonderful time.

Poland is definitely an interesting country. I was filled with many cultural shocks both in the environment and in people. Winters with – 11C and schools starting as early as 7:25 was definitely a shock,but I can feel proud of myself for adapting to it.

Coming to Poland for volunteering is one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life and I don’t regret a second of it.Even when I had language barrier or cultural misunderstandings all of it was like a side quest to a big adventure,and unfortunately it has come to an end. I’m returning  to my country as a different person with a lot of memories and a lot of experience.

Article by  Tekla,

European Solidarity Corps volunteer.

Farewell by European Solidarity Corps volunteer from 19/06/2026.