This volunteering experience in Kalisz was my first one abroad, and I can’t describe with enough words how much I’ve enjoyed it. It definitely opens the door for me to sign up for more projects in the future. In just two weeks I have met so many sweet people who have shown me that, no matter how far apart we have grown up in, we can all share very similar experiences and thoughts. 

Before reaching Kalisz, I felt a little bit nervous that the language barrier between me and the students would prevent me from doing a good job and connecting with them, because I didn’t speak Polish at all. But once I got to meet the teenagers, all that nervousness faded away. They did their best to explain themselves in English, and also helped to translate for other colleagues. At the same time, they patiently taught me many Polish words, which were useful for everyday life in Poland. This atmosphere of collaboration, multiculturalism, laughter (and lots of non-verbal language) made me think to myself one day: Noelia, this has to be your thing! 

Since in September I’ll start a Master’s Degree in order to become a foreign language teacher, this experience working next to the youth makes me feel even more passionate about my profession, with renewed energy to do my best in my studies and to be a better teacher!