January 22, 2025
When I decided to join LEVEL UP as a volunteer for the European Solidarity Corps, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in Polish culture and explore my passion for languages. My name is Vittorio, I’m 25 years old, and I come from Italy, where I study oriental languages and cultures. This experience in Poland has been transformative, offering both personal and professional growth through diverse projects and cultural exchanges.
Starting the Journey: November-December
My first months in Łódź were a whirlwind of activities and learning. I participated in the “Polish Your English” project, teaching local children, and contributed to Spanish, Italian, and Ukrainian language lessons. Sharing Italian Christmas traditions during these lessons became a beautiful cultural exchange that fostered understanding and curiosity.
Group meetings with fellow volunteers and mentors enriched my experience, providing opportunities to collaborate on future initiatives. Additionally, I conducted online research for Italian organizations as part of the Youth Exchange program. The warmth of the Polish community, along with my growing circle of friends, helped me settle into this new chapter.
New Challenges and Progress: January-February
January brought the opportunity to present Italian culture and the European Solidarity Corps program to students in a bilingual school. I also began Polish language lessons, which deepened my appreciation for the language and culture. Attending a training event in Warsaw connected me with other ESC volunteers and expanded my understanding of the program’s goals.
By February, I had built meaningful connections with Polish friends, and my language skills were steadily improving. Simple moments, like conversations in Polish, brought immense joy and highlighted my progress. The sunny days of late winter gave me renewed optimism for the journey ahead.
Building Skills and Connections: March-May
March introduced me to the “Youropean” project, where I learned about the third sector in Poland. I continued teaching English and prepared an Italian workshop with Francesca, my fellow volunteer. A video project for LEVEL UP allowed me to share my ESC experience while showcasing Łódź’s attractions.
In April, I supported the Youth Exchange program “Become Young Entrepreneur,” working with participants from across Europe. Preparing for the Matura exam with local students was both challenging and rewarding. May included the mid-term ESC meeting in Toruń and the “Europe Day” event in Łódź, where Francesca and I represented Italy and LEVEL UP. Public speaking during these activities built my confidence and communication skills.
Summer Highlights: June-August
Summer was filled with teaching and workshops. I co-organized “Meanwhile on Earth,” an online multicultural event, and conducted language lessons in Lodz and surrounding towns. The opening of LEVEL UP’s new office gave me the chance to assist in local events and strengthen my community ties. These months deepened my passion for cultural exchange and education.
Closing Chapters: September-November
In September, I continued teaching English and Italian while adapting to changes in the volunteer team. October brought new experiences, including assisting in logistics for an event for the visually impaired in Warsaw. By November, I was wrapping up my volunteering journey, reflecting on the growth I had achieved.
Throughout my ESC experience, I contributed to language education, cultural exchange, and community development. I built lasting friendships, improved my Polish and English, and gained a deeper understanding of nonprofit work. On a personal level, I reached milestones like finding a new job, securing an apartment, and preparing to publish a novel I wrote during my time here.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering at LEVEL UP has been an unforgettable journey of discovery and growth. This experience enriched my life with meaningful connections, cultural immersion, and invaluable lessons. To anyone considering an ESC project, I wholeheartedly recommend it—it will change your life in ways you can’t imagine.
If you want to get more knowledge about ESC excchange click here!
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.