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. 🙂 🙂 🙂