January 17, 2025
When I decided to embark on the LEVEL UP volunteer program, I had no idea how much it would change my life. My name is Francesca, I am 27 years old, and I come from Milan, Italy. With an academic background in Languages and International Relations, I have always been passionate about cultures, languages, and working in the nonprofit sector. My experience at LEVEL UP not only allowed me to delve deeper into these passions but also helped me grow both personally and professionally.
First Steps in Poland
My arrival in Łódź in January 2024 was filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I was excited to begin this new chapter, but I also faced challenges such as adapting to the cold weather and an unfamiliar language. However, activities like the Polish language course and meetings with other European Solidarity Corps volunteers helped me integrate quickly. I participated in both local and online projects, such as “Polish Your English” sessions to teach English to disadvantaged teenagers, which revealed my passion for education and intercultural exchange.
One of the most significant activities this month was visiting a local school to share Italian Christmas traditions. This cultural exchange not only gave me the opportunity to practice public speaking but also allowed me to connect with Polish youth, creating a mutually enriching experience.
Life-Changing Projects
As the months went by, my responsibilities grew. In February, my involvement in the preparatory meeting for the youth exchange “Become Young Entrepreneur” allowed me to see firsthand how these projects are planned and executed. I also attended a national training organized by the National Agency, where I reflected on my goals within the program and met other volunteers with inspiring stories.
In March, the field study “YouEuropean” became a turning point in my experience. Visiting various local organizations helped me understand how the third sector operates in Poland and discover the positive impact these institutions have on their communities. Additionally, leading language-learning workshops in local schools and orphanages helped me strengthen my organizational and communication skills.
Challenges and Personal Achievements
The youth exchange in April was undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges I faced. Preparing materials, coordinating logistics, and providing support for a full week demanded a lot from me, but it also rewarded me with valuable skills that I will use in my professional career. At the same time, my involvement in local activities such as language workshops and assisting with English exams showed me how volunteer work can transform lives.
In May, I had the opportunity to participate in the “Picnic for Europe” and training courses on transparency and accessibility in the nonprofit sector. These experiences broadened my perspective on the challenges faced by this sector and motivated me to continue learning.
Discoveries and Growth
June and July were filled with meaningful projects. I began teaching English and Italian to adults, which helped me realize how challenging yet rewarding teaching can be. I also worked on SEO optimization for articles on LEVEL UP’s blog, acquiring skills I will apply in the future.
One of the most exciting moments came in August with the realization of my personal project: an event titled “Sisterhood is Power: The Importance of Female Communities in the World.” Organizing this event allowed me to explore my interest in gender and feminism, as well as work with a community of passionate women. It was an experience that solidified my desire to continue developing in this field.
Final Reflections
My time at LEVEL UP has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. From facing my initial fears to leading projects and forming meaningful connections, every moment has contributed to my personal and professional growth. I am leaving Poland with new skills, friends from around the world, and a clearer vision of my future.
I am deeply grateful to LEVEL UP for providing me with this opportunity. For those considering joining an international volunteer program, I say: do it! I guarantee it will be an experience you will remember forever.
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 funded by the European Union.