Cześć! My name is Itziar, but I’d prefer to be called Itzi. So, I’m Itzi, I’m 18 years old and I am from Madrid, Spain. When you think of Madrid, you see a city with tall buildings, right? But, I’m from a town called Bustarviejo, in the north of Madrid (and it is so beautiful, you should visit it) Last year I finished high school. Now, all my friends are starting university, and a new chapter in their lives. However, I decided to look for something a little different. For the next 10 months, I will be working at a special school in Kraków.I am a helpful person. I enjoy working with children (I have been teaching children how to ride bikes for four years), I want to learn a new language and I want to improve my English as well, so this is the perfect opportunity for me. I found this project while browsing the ESC website. IB Polska seemed like a very good option. And for now, I am in love with the organisation . I felt very safe and attended.

As for me, I am a creative person; I enjoy playing the guitar, drawing, taking photos with my digital camera, writing and cooking. I also usually go for walks in the mountains with my dog and my mother. Now, I will have to look into some new places to visit. I think I am a funny person, empathetic and good company. But also, at the beginning I am a little shy and reserved. This project might give me new experiences, knowledge, friends and independence among many other things which I will gradually discover.


I’ve only been here a week, but I’m already in love with the city, the people, the culture and the history of this place. I am also enjoying getting to know the cultures of the other volunteers and taking part in activities and games at IB Polska. For example, next Saturday (the 19th of September) we are going to do activities for the local community where we show parts of our cultures and countries, such as traditionals dishes, dances,traditions…


When I took the flight to come here my aunt sent me a message, which ended like this:

“And there, the whole world was new because you were too.”

This sentence has really been inspiring me lately. Because in this experience, I’m not only going to discover a new world, but I’m also going to discover myself.

Article by Itzi,
European Solidarity Corps volunteer
Wellcoming article for European Solidarity Corps volunteers from 11/09/2026