Cześć! My name is Helin. I’m 23 years old and I’m from Turkey. I come from Ardahan, which is a beautiful city in the eastern part of the country.

Hi! I’m a university student and I’ve just arrived in Kraków. I’ll be working with childrenat a special school here for the next few months. Because of some technical issues, I joined the project a bit late, but I’m really determined to make the most of my time here and learn as much as I can. I’ve always loved spending time with children and sharing things with them, so I’m very excited about this experience.
I’m not new to the world of volunteering; I previously took part in a project in Macedonia. I had so much fun there that I wanted to keep this spirit alive. I love pushing my comfort zone and getting to know new cultures instead of just staying in one place. I didn’t have any previous connection to Poland, and I’ve only been here for two days. I haven’t had the chance to explore the city yet, but I’m very curious about it—I’m sure it’s beautiful and has so much to discover!

In my free time, I love reading, making music, and taking photos. I’m also a nature person; camping and going for long hikes are essential for me. I’ve always had a deep interest in psychology as well—understanding people’s inner worlds adds a lot to my perspective. Even though I won’t have enough time to fully learn Polish, I’m really motivated to at least get familiar with the language.
I’m so excited to meet people from different backgrounds. I believe the energy of Kraków will teach me a lot.

There’s a quote by Carl Jung that sums up my perspective on life: “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” For me, this journey is not just about seeing a new country, but also about looking inside myself and discovering who I am. I’m ready to stay positive and enjoy every moment!

Article by  Helin,
European Solidarity Corps volunteer
Welcoming article for European Solidarity Corps volunteers from 6/03/2026