Tag: Long-Term

There are always certain things in life that one would like to do, but that is not the right time for it on one side or another. I had always wanted to live a long period out of Spain (I have had other experiences abroad, but only for a few months).

After one of the strangest years of my life, I decided to go for a whole year to Romania. Yes, Romania. What I didn’t know at that time was that this country was going to welcome me with open arms and teach me so many things.

I arrived with zero expectations about the work I would do, the people I would live and work with, and the city in general. And there you are! From the first minute, I felt like it would be one of the best experiences and I would not regret the decision made.

If I had to define my volunteering year in one word, I would say intensity—intensity in every way. I enjoyed it, cried, had bad moments, was very excited, lost desire, and laughed (a lot).

There’s been something new to do every day, and I love that. I have got skills that I thought I would not have in my life, and I have done many things for the first time (the magic of first times). It is a frantic experience. There have been days of hard work that made me think about what was I doing there. (Yes, I have had a few moments to think about myself and my future -only sometimes 😉) and, in the end, it always wins the bright side of things, and in this case, there have been plenty of them.

Talking to a friend the other day, she said: are you aware of how many people you’ve met this year? It gets to the point where you get used to meeting new people every week/month and don’t realise the reality. And what a great people! One of the best things I have taken away from this experience is people.

It has been challenging to live with many people in the same apartment (we have been up to 16). Each one of different countries and with its ways of living. It is stunning thinking about people you probably would not know in other circumstances, who now live and work with you, and they are essential in your life (and how great to have houses around the world 😉).

The bonds created by being part of a European volunteering project, and in this case, being part of FITT, are so strong that few people understand what it feels like, and it’s hard to explain if you don’t live it.

When it is all over, you wonder if it has been worth it and, if you have left your mark on the project and others the same way they have left it on you. And in my case, I can’t be prouder of what we have created together all this time.

Hello, I am Burak and the purpose of my writing is to share my reason for applying to the ESC project and my journey with FITT with people who want to be participants in international projects. I hope you can find a way out of your difficulties after this article and you will never lose your hope.

Everyone has or will have some goals to achieve in life. We make many plans for these. We choose our circle of friends in line with our goals. Sometimes we dedicate ourselves to being a part of the society we are in and try to achieve our goals in this way. Other times we try to achieve this by trying to be different from our environment. Whichever path you choose, you can be successful, but we don’t proceed according to our own personality. If we choose to pretend to be someone different from who we are, then we lose. I lost a lot. Even when I thought I was winning, I was not aware of actually losing. Because I didn’t act like myself.

Searching for My Path

Like everyone else, I wanted to get a job after graduating from university. I applied to many places, but in the meantime, I had a lot of difficulties that made me listen to myself. While I was struggling with the problems I couldn’t get through for about 2-3 months, I was able to listen to what I actually wanted. I immediately realized how much I wanted to carry out projects in the international arena rather than a business life, and I was holding this in the deepest of my desires.

I think now that we should do the things we have desired to do, even though we have other goals, while we still can. Before it is too late. Therefore, I stopped looking for a job and, during this pandemic, I courageously started looking for international projects. I came across a 1-year project that the European Solidarity Program is funding in Romania. I already had a volunteering experience in Romania, but I preferred a different organization this time.

After examining the project in detail, I thought it would be a suitable project for me and I have done my application and filled out the form. Then, without wasting any time, the association named FITT sent me an email stating that they had received my application and wanted to interview me. I have never expected such a fast reply. I was actually surprised.  After we decided on the interview day, I made my preparation. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t be accepted because I was so stressed at the interview. Generally, when someone says “interview”, I become nervous.

About 2 weeks later, I received an email saying that I was accepted in the project and all processes (visa application, information, etc.) were carried out with great care and speed. I have always seen myself as loyal to my job and following the deadline. It really surprised me that others showed the same care and attention to me. During my visa application, the embassy asked for different documents besides the required documents. They were not with me as I did not know about them, but FITT, with great professionalism and swiftness in providing the missing documents, prepared it and sent it to me. I felt like we were playing music with FITT’s staff in a big opera. Because no matter what job you do in your life, you cannot expect everyone to give the value you give to your business. However, FITT embraced my job as its own job and answered every question I had in mind.

Starting a Long-Term Experience in Romania

About 10-15 days later I received my visa and plane ticket. I was so excited. It was the first time I was going to have a 1-year project and I was going to live in a different country for a year. Moreover, in these pandemic conditions, while everyone’s life had changed radically, I decided to go on such a project. There was fear inside, but I had already made my decision.

I had a tiring journey and you cannot feel comfortable wearing masks for hours. It was almost night when I got off the plane, but I knew there would be someone to greet me. So it happened. We passed from the airport to the hotel. I stayed at the hotel for a while. Everything was pre-arranged for me. I didn’t need to ask anything, they did everything too much. They provided a schedule every week. Within the scope of these programs, they provided all kinds of information about the project and basic needs. We have completed the legal processes and implemented a work program that suits me together.

In addition to what I can contribute to the project, I have never worked with an association that is so interested in my own personal development.

I’m excited for the following months and I’m looking forward to beautiful and unique experiences with FITT. 🙂 🙂 🙂