January 24, 2025
My name is José, I am 23 years old, and I come from Spain. Joining LEVEL UP, a youth-focused association, as a volunteer has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. My main goals were to improve my English, contribute wherever possible, and immerse myself in the cultural exchange opportunities offered by this program. Over the months, I have grown as a person, gained new skills, and lived through moments I will never forget.
February/March 2024: Taking the First Steps
I arrived in Poland on February 20th. My first day was quiet, as I arrived late in the evening. After dinner and settling into my room, it was already nighttime. The next day, I met Vittorio, a very kind and welcoming person who made me feel at ease right away.
I started taking Polish classes, which I attend with my classmates. These lessons are both fun and constructive, thanks to a great teacher who makes learning easier. I also began my online English classes, which are helping me a lot, even though I still find them challenging. Additionally, I joined Spanish classes, where I met some amazing young people eager to learn my native language.
What struck me about Polish people is that they might seem distant at first, but once you talk to them, they are very friendly and always ready to help if you need directions or assistance. These first weeks have laid the foundation for an incredible experience ahead.
April 2024: Finding My Rhythm
By April, I felt more settled in Poland and started enjoying my new environment even more. I participated in local workshops, helped with organization, and took photos to document events. I also attended a training session on public speaking, which I know will be useful in the future.
I visited a mobility project and helped prepare materials for LEVEL UP’s European initiatives. However, the month ended on a bittersweet note when my friend from Spain left. Thankfully, I found support in the other volunteers and the LEVEL UP team, which gave me the motivation to keep moving forward.
May 2024: Exploring and Experiencing Culture
May was an exciting month full of new experiences. I went on a picnic with my classmates, which had an Italian theme—games, food, and lots of fun. The park where we gathered was beautiful, with a lake in the middle.
I also traveled to Warsaw and Krakow with my cousin and a friend from Spain. We visited museums and even went to Auschwitz, which was a moving and unforgettable experience.
Meanwhile, I continued improving my English through classes and by speaking with others as much as possible. I also started preparing online Spanish lessons for other young people involved in LEVEL UP, which was a rewarding way to share my culture and language.
Summer: Growth and Active Involvement
The summer months—June, July, and August—were a period of significant growth. I completed my individual English course, which helped me a lot. I can now communicate more confidently in casual conversations, although I still struggle with speeches and complex discussions.
Polish classes also came to an end. Learning Polish was tough because it required understanding English first, but I managed to pick up some basic words and phrases.
I took part in several events, including a painting exhibition and workshops at LEVEL UP’s new office. I met many interesting young people and felt more connected to the local community. In August, I attended a mid-term training in Toruń, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I also volunteered at sports events and even walked a dog for a woman who had health issues. The summer ended with a final event organized by Francesca, where I helped and got to see the results of her hard work.
September: A Month of Reflection
September was a quieter and more personal month for me. I struggled a bit emotionally, but I stayed active by planning school presentations, helping in the office, and supporting event organization.
During my free time, I focused on improving my English skills and started thinking more about home. Despite the challenges, I remained committed to my work with LEVEL UP.
October/November: Wrapping Up My Journey
My final months as a LEVEL UP volunteer were both busy and fulfilling. I started a fundraising initiative, visiting potential partners and presenting them with fundraising packages.
I also participated in many events at the office, ensuring everything ran smoothly alongside my colleagues. I improved my event organization and promotion skills, which will be valuable in the future.
One of my proudest moments was giving presentations about Spain in schools and to an international group visiting Łódź. These presentations were challenging because my English is not fluent yet, but I managed to engage the audience by incorporating some Spanish. This final project was both a test of my skills and a celebration of everything I had learned.
Conclusion
My time at LEVEL UP has been an unforgettable journey of personal growth and cultural exchange. Through this European Solidarity Corps project, I have had the opportunity to connect with young people from different backgrounds, improve my language skills, and gain a deeper understanding of life in Europe.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I had and for everyone who supported me along the way. Being a volunteer at LEVEL UP has been a privilege, and I will carry these memories with me forever.
Author: Jose
This article was created as part of the Individual Volunteering Project “Individual volunteering in International Masters (2023-1-PL01-ESC51-VTJ-000147449)”, implemented by the European Solidarity Corps program with European Union funds.