When I arrived at INEX, I was curious about how volunteering projects were organized and eager to experience an intercultural work environment. During my time here, I learned how non-governmental organizations work, how international workcamps are organised, and how to host events. It was quite an intense learning journey, I have to say. I owe a huge thank you to my supervisor for helping me throughout the year! We arrived at INEX almost at the same time, and it was a pleasure to be part of her team. She inspires me a lot and I’ll try to implement in my future her work ethic and attitude!
I liked working in the volunteering section so much that when I heard about an opportunity to work in a similar position in my country, I applied, and I was lucky to be chosen for the job! I feel lucky to continue in this field and excited to see how it works in my own country.
However, an ESC is not just about work, it’s also about the people you meet along the way. I had such a great time with the other ESC volunteers. Leaving this unique experience together has made our connections stronger! We had so much fun at the office and outside. From the Bachata class with Yevheniia from Ukraine, to a morning race in Stromovka park with Filip from Poland (please refer to Strava to see the performance). Saying goodbye to them was definitely not easy.
I also met my best friend and biggest support during this journey: Maria! We spent the year together, and we have so many common values and personalities that we have been a great support to each other throughout the past months. I am grateful that I met her and I’m sure that our friendship will last far beyond this project.
My flatmates also made this experience special. We drank a lot of beers, watched movies, went ice skating! I even forced them to go to see a french movie in the cinema (plot twist, they actually liked it, Monte Cristo, you lost the game). They made my experience more authentic. They were my first flatmates ever, so they will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m looking forward to the moment they will visit me in France, so I can return what they have given me this year.
One of the great things about living in the Czech Republic is how easy it is to travel. I explored during the weekends. I explored many places across the country and I even visited nearby countries. I became a real professional in packing efficiently: light and fast!
Prague itself never stops amazing me. There is always something to do, somewhere to go. Go to a concert, try a new restaurant, visit a museum, explore a new park. I was lucky to receive the visit of my friends and family, and I was never tired of showing them the best spots for Sunsets or my favorite view points over Prague and its iconic bridges.
I believe for many people, an ESC project can be their first chance to live abroad and have a fun experience. For me, it came at the perfect time for a fresh start. I was looking for change, and I found it here. It turned out to be a deeper experience than I expected
I recommend anyone who has the opportunity to join an ESC project. It is a safe space to try new things, make mistakes, discover yourself and reflect on your values and motivations. In just one year, you can grow and change in many ways if you’re open to it.
I still remember my first evening in Prague, walking to my unknown flat on a rainy Tuesday night in February. Now, I’ve lived in that flat and gotten to know its inhabitants. I’ve become familiar with the streets, my way to work, and the metro lines. I celebrated my birthday, went swimming and hiking, and created memories in every corner of this city. As I prepare to leave, my heart feels heavy, but I’m ready to start the next chapter … and I’m proud to now be able to call Prague ‘home!
