Aurora's experience in Cyprus

Hello everyone, my name is Aurora and I have just returned after spending a year in Cyprus with the European Solidarity Corps and YEU Cyprus.
My project was called Learning League and it involved creating a personal initiative based on non-formal education, while also supporting my organization through various events.

During this wonderful year, I discovered many sides of myself that I didn’t know before. I was scared at the beginning, but that was completely normal, because I had never seen myself so happy before.
I lived with five amazing people, and I visited places that make you ask yourself, “Is this real or am I dreaming?”

I met wonderful people who have lived there for years or who are Cypriot; they told me about the culture, let me try local food, and showed me many beautiful places.
As for my project, I learned so many things: I took part in a conference involving the two sides of Cyprus where we discussed various issues; I participated in the “Up To Youth” festival and in a “Refugee Fest,” where we welcomed children and helped them color large paper panels.

I also took part in initiatives organized by other volunteers or by my housemates.
This year I felt complete, and I feel that I was able to give something back to a small community.

Cyprus is a wonderful island, unfortunately still underestimated. In fact, I decided to stay because I truly feel like myself here.
If you have the opportunity to take part in a project and go abroad, even for a short time, don’t think twice—because I am no longer the same person I was before.

Thank you very much.