Francesco's experience in Spain

Taking part in such a variety of activities was one of the aspects I enjoyed most about this experience. Always having something new to do and having to interact with many people made me more dynamic and flexible, able to organize group activities, speak in front of an audience, manage my time efficiently, and work effectively in a team. Successfully facing new challenges also boosted my confidence in my abilities. For example, at first I felt intimidated at the idea of teaching entire lessons to high school students. “So many things could go wrong,” I thought. The class might not listen and make a mess, or I might fail to engage the students, or finish the lesson too quickly and be left in an awkward silence for fifteen minutes. In the end, all my fears were unfounded, and preparing lessons and building a connection with the students became one of my most rewarding memories.

Working in the Erasmus+ projects area and meeting so many young people and social organizations from all over Europe opened a whole new world to me and paved the way for potential future opportunities.

Furthermore, the chance to live in another country, immerse myself in its culture, speak its language, and experience daily life firsthand was another major benefit of my ESC experience. Jerez de la Frontera is a beautiful city, scented with orange trees lining every street, decorated with countless churches, and a joy to explore through its maze of pastel-white alleys. What impressed me most was the vitality and character of its inhabitants—friendly, joyful, and deeply proud of their cultural roots. Walking through the city, you would often hear someone singing a traditional song or playing flamenco in a bar, and the community always seemed ready to celebrate its next event, whether a procession, the Flamenco Festival, the Zambomba, or Semana Santa.

Beyond Jerez, I also had the chance to visit other Andalusian cities such as Seville, Cádiz, Granada, and Málaga, which helped me gain a more complete understanding of the region. Discovering Spanish culture was thus another of the most significant experiences of my volunteering.

However, the most important aspect of my ESC experience lies in the many friendships I was able to form over the months. I grew close both to the other volunteers in the organization and to the AJ Inter team, as well as to the young people I met during Erasmus+ projects, and, more broadly, to all the people I worked with. Interacting with such diverse individuals helped me grow personally, allowed me to understand myself better, and made me more empathetic, understanding, and open toward others. Looking back now, I feel deeply grateful for having built a wonderful network of friendships that I am confident will last over time. Meeting them again will also be a great excuse to return to Spain and travel across Europe!

In conclusion, I highly recommend that all young people explore the many opportunities that ESC can offer. It is an excellent chance to gain international experience, discover a new culture, make new friends, and grow both personally and professionally.

I hope this testimony will be useful for anyone considering an ESC adventure and that it can inspire those who are still undecided!

Warm regards,
Francesco