Sofi's experience in Spain

Hi! I’m Sofi, and I recently completed my ESC experience in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, where I spent 10 unforgettable months. I clearly remember last summer, after finishing my bachelor’s degree, when I was searching online for an opportunity to go abroad. Now, almost a year later, I find myself trying to summarize the 10 most beautiful and intense months of my life in just a few lines.

The goal of my project was to help the youth association “Inter” carry out European projects and spread values and opportunities to children and young people. Together with five other ESC volunteers and several young trainees—both locals and from other European countries like me—we organized and participated in various Youth Exchanges and Training Courses. These projects offered the chance to travel, make new friendships, and learn and grow through informal and non-formal education methods. In addition, I had the opportunity to organize workshops and lessons in schools, which allowed me to discover what I enjoy and develop skills I didn’t even know I had.

Thanks to this experience, I met fantastic people and built connections and friendships that go beyond any distance. I had the chance to travel, experiment, and, above all, grow—even through the most challenging moments and the difficulties I faced.

This is the kind of experience I would recommend to anyone, because even if the idea of going alone to a country you don’t know may seem scary, I truly believe it’s the best way to live abroad and step outside your comfort zone for the first time. In Jerez, I found my international family and never have I felt so much at home as I did there—in a Spanish city I had never even heard of, with people from all over Europe.

I want to thank everyone who shared this experience with me, those who were there from the very beginning, and those who joined me for only a part of this adventure. I also thank everyone who made it possible and supported me from afar.

Thank you, and safe travels to everyone who decides to embark on a journey like this in the future!