ESC Team 2025 with Fattoria L’Arca in Italy | Volunteers Share Their Experience!
The ESC Team project “Team for Healthy Life 3 – T4HL3”, financed by the European Solidarity Corps programme and run by Associazione Joint in cooperation with Fattoria L’Arca in Italy, has come to an end!
The overall objective of the project, in accordance with the priorities set for 2021, was to promote well-being and a healthy lifestyle for the volunteers and local communities. It was an opportunity for participants to reclaim a space to socialise in a healthy and safe manner, while engaging in volunteer activities that promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups, health and wellbeing in communities.
Project activities touched on specific themes, in accordance with the host organisation and the needs of the local community:
- nature and outdoor life
- mental health
- health prevention/health promotion
- conscious nutrition
Let’s see what participants have to say about it!
Liza’s Testimonial
When I applied for this project, I hoped for a peaceful place, kind people, and a chance to reconnect with nature — and what I found was so much more. I arrived with a curious heart, not really knowing what to expect, but from the very first days I felt welcomed, supported, and surrounded by warmth. Living and volunteering at L’Arca became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I learned how to plant, harvest, take care of the land, and truly appreciate where real food comes from. I discovered the quiet joy of waking up early, touching the soil with my own hands, and seeing the results of our work grow day by day. Farming taught me patience, gratitude, and a new respect for the simple things we often take for granted. But the biggest lessons came from the people around me. I met amazing, sincere, open-hearted volunteers who shared their cultures, stories, and kindness with me. Together we worked, laughed, cooked, explored, learned new skills during the workshops, and supported each other when we were tired. These connections made every day feel special and full of meaning. I also learned a lot about myself. I discovered my strength, my adaptability, and how much happiness I find in teamwork, in nature, and in living a slower, more mindful life. This project helped me grow not only physically, but emotionally — it made me braver, calmer, and more confident in who I am. Overall, my opinion of the project is incredibly positive. It is well-organized, full of enriching activities, and created with love and respect for both people and nature. The staff and coordinators truly care, and it shows in every detail. Would I recommend this experience to other young people? Absolutely — with all my heart. It’s a chance to disconnect from stress, learn something real, meet wonderful friends from all over the world, and discover parts of yourself you didn’t know existed. It’s an adventure that stays with you long after you leave. I’m deeply grateful for every moment here — for the sunrises, the fresh tomatoes, the shared meals, the laughter, the workshops, and the beautiful people who made these two months unforgettable.
Violeta’s Testimonial
My name is Violeta, I’m 24 years old, and I live in Bucharest, Romania. I’m an open and curious person, passionate about traveling and discovering new people and cultures. I believe that every experience and every encounter helps me grow and understand myself better. I also enjoy helping and contributing wherever I can, offering my time and energy to people from whom I can learn as well. This year, I finished my master’s degree, and I didn’t know what to do next or which direction I wanted my life to take. I remember watching a TV show and seeing a girl who applied for a volunteer program abroad, and at that moment, I decided I wanted to do the same. I started researching and found the European Solidarity Corps website. While exploring the volunteer opportunities, I came across the L’Arca project. As soon as I read its description, I knew I had to apply—it included exactly the activities I love. I was so happy when I found out I had been accepted. I have to admit, before arriving, I felt a little scared and uncertain about whether I had made the right decision, because I didn’t know what to expect. But once I arrived, met the people, and saw the surroundings, I realized it had been the right choice. One of the moments that impressed me the most was meeting Anna, the owner. She is an extraordinary woman, full of wisdom and kindness, who treated us like family. From her, I learned not only about plants and nature, but also about patience, courage, and the joy of simple things. Here, I discovered that it’s better not to have expectations, because the most beautiful moments happen when you don’t plan anything and you don’t overthink. I also realized that what you believe about yourself isn’t always true; you need experiences like this to see how your behaviour changes depending on the context you’re in. Projects of this type give you the chance to connect with local communities, to see how people live, and to experience their customs and traditions. It’s not just a journey to a new place—it’s an opportunity to discover real stories and meet authentic, genuine people, sharing unforgettable and sincere moments with them. I highly recommend this kind of experience to all young people. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, allows you to meet people from all over the world with different ideas, values, and perspectives, and helps you learn more about yourself while growing in every way. I am truly grateful to have been part of this project, which has offered me both personal growth and beautiful experiences. Grazie mille di cuore!
Raina’s Testimonial
Before the project started, I had never been away from home for so long. I was still participating in some youth exchanges and short-term volunteering projects in either Latvia or abroad for a couple weeks and I didn’t have too many expectations of the upcoming project. But now I was about to step into an unknown environment for two months and surprisingly I wasn’t scared – I had a good feeling about this. During the project, I met many new people from different cultures and backgrounds, and not only learned about others but also learned more about myself. I tried out new activities such as rafting, clay making, basket weaving and pasta making. On days off, I really enjoyed visiting new cities and towns near Belvedere and learning more about Italian culture. I discovered new parts of myself, became more confident and got closer to the person I’ve been wanting to become. And all the small moments during work or free time with people connecting, laughing and helping each other have been really nice. And now as the project is almost over, I can feel that I’m going to miss some things when the project is over. But I’m grateful for all the experiences I’ve had and I’m ready to move into the next part of my life with a new mindset and new memories, that I’ll hold dear to my heart.
Paola’s Testimonial
The rough moment I was living in Spain made me realize that I wanted to apply for this project: peace in the countryside in Italy, working on a farm — which is my dream — getting to know more cultures and improving my English while learning other languages… Everything sounded so good, and the moment I arrived here I discovered that it’s even better than in my imagination. I was scared, I’m not gonna lie. The idea of doing my first volunteering experience in a country I’d never been to and living with people I didn’t know was hard to swallow, but once I got here everything changed. Since the first day I’ve loved the place, the people here, and every single piece of this experience. More than tangible things, I’m bringing home all the knowledge I’ve gained here. Before coming, I was so frustrated with life; I was afraid of becoming someone who wasn’t me. I felt… empty. And here I started asking myself questions and clearing my mind. I learned to be more patient, to actually live in the moment. I realized how much I like kids, animals, and the world itself. Before coming here, I swear to God I wasn’t able to touch grass with my hands, and now all my days are full of mud — and I’m so happy about that. Planting “fragole” was such an experience, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget it — it was one of the first things we did. Then the zappa (now known as my worst enemy) appeared. It’s a love-hate relationship: I want to use it because it’s fun, but I’m so bad at it. On the other hand, harvesting olives was my signature assignment. As a 22-year-old, I have to admit that if I had known about this experience earlier, I would have come sooner. Without a doubt, it’s a life-changer — one I’d love to repeat again and again. I wish everyone could feel the joy I’m feeling here.
Nicola’s Testimonial
I decided to join this project to connect with people who share my vibes, step out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and experience what it’s like to live closely with strangers from different parts of the world. I didn’t have high expectations for this experience, but I’m very happy with how it has managed to surprise me and teach me so much. Among all the activities we took part in, the one that impressed me the most was making handmade baskets. Seeing how a traditional craft, carried out in a group, could be so fun and rewarding truly surprised me. I believe this experience teaches you a lot about what it means to work with the land, work as part of a team, and live alongside many people, sharing spaces, habits, food, and experiences, enriching yourself in the process. I would recommend this project to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and try a truly personal growth experience.
ESC Teams with the European Solidarity Corps
The special feature of the ESC Teams is its short duration, ranging from 2 weeks to a maximum of 2 months. This aspect makes it accessible also to young people who work or study and cannot dedicate a whole year to travel! Despite the brevity of the projects, Group ESCs offer meaningful and intense life experiences, during which numerous professional skills can be acquired. Moreover, by sharing life and work with a group of people, similar to a community, the participants have the opportunity to create strong bonds even in a short period of time.