Nine months ago, I arrived in Kraków with a suitcase full of excitement and many questions about what awaited me. What I did not know then was that this experience would become one of the most enriching chapters of my life.

My volunteering experience in a kindergarten has given me so much. I have learned many things from the children; their energy, creativity, and way of seeing the world made every day different. However, although the children have been a fundamental part of this adventure, this volunteering experience has meant much more than the work carried out each day.

Living in another country for nine months is an experience that changes you. It means stepping out of your comfort zone, learning how to navigate a new environment, and discovering that there are different ways of living, thinking, and understanding the world. Every small daily challenge becomes an opportunity for growth.

During this time, I have also been fortunate enough to meet people from different cultures. Sharing experiences with people who have grown up in such different contexts has helped me open my mind, question preconceived ideas, and appreciate even more the diversity that exists in our world. I believe that this is one of the greatest strengths of projects like this.

Moreover, living in Poland has allowed me to discover new places, travel, and explore different cities. Every trip, every walk through an unfamiliar city, and every experience outside my routine has contributed to making these months an unforgettable adventure.

Of course, this volunteering experience has also helped me grow professionally by developing skills that will stay with me in the future. However, personal growth has undoubtedly been the most valuable part of all. I am leaving as a more independent, open-minded, flexible person, with a much broader perspective on the world.

Now that the time has come to return home, I feel a mixture of emotions. While I am excited to reunite with my family and friends, I also feel a deep sense of nostalgia about leaving behind a city, people, and an experience that have meant so much to me.

I am sad to leave all of this behind, but I am also filled with immense gratitude and a heart that feels fuller than ever.

Article by  Abril,

European Solidarity Corps volunteer.

Farewell by European Solidarity Corps volunteer from 05/06/2026.