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!
Giada’s Testimonial
My name is Giada, I’m nineteen, and I applied for this project immediately after finishing school, hoping to break away from the formalities of the classroom and learn in a different way—through practice rather than just books. My goal was to learn directly from nature, and the project here at L’Arca was the one that inspired me the most. Now, as this experience comes to an end, I can say that I’ve met my learning expectations. That doesn’t mean I’ve learned everything I wanted—this would have been impossible in such a short time—but nature has taught me that there is no set timetable: every situation is unique, and everyone has their own needs. Although my goals before coming here were mostly individual and focused on nature, I inevitably also learned how to relate to a large group, live constantly within this big family, and appreciate how essential communication is for living in harmony. If I had to choose one phrase to sum up my experience here—while inevitably leaving out many details—I would choose: “Your destination is more important than your speed.” I believe projects like this are a must for anyone who still has the chance to take part. Beyond the specific skills you gain, you always learn a lot about yourself, how to live alongside people from different countries, habits, and personalities. My experience here at L’Arca has enriched me in so many ways. If your goal is to disconnect from everything, escape the noise of the city, immerse yourself in a small yet vibrant reality in nature, learn a lot through hard work, and meet many wonderful people who probably share your ideals, I truly believe that the experience at L’Arca is perfect.
Gaizka’s Testimonial
My background is rooted in a mix of learning and practical experience, mainly in the garden , but also in volunteering and working with different groups of people. For a long time, I had been looking for an opportunity that would allow me to grow personally while also contributing to a project with real purpose. That motivation is what led me to apply. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone, challenge myself in a new environment, and gain experience that would help me both professionally and as an individual. Before joining the project, I had certain expectations. I hoped to develop new skills, meet people from different cultures, and learn to work more independently. I also expected to participate in meaningful activities rather than just observing from the side. I am happy to say that my expectations were fully met. In fact, the project offered more responsibility, support, and learning opportunities than I imagined at the beginning. Throughout this experience, I learned a great deal not only practical skills related to the tasks I performed, but also important personal abilities. I improved my communication, especially in English, and learned to collaborate effectively with people who think and work differently from me. I became more adaptable, patient, and creative when solving problems. During the project, I actively participated workshops, community events, planning sessions, teamwork. I helped organize activities, contributed ideas, and supported the team in daily responsibilities. Being involved in real tasks made me feel useful and motivated. Overall, my opinion of the project is extremely positive. It was well-organized, supportive, and engaging. I felt encouraged to grow and to express my ideas, and the atmosphere was always welcoming. I would definitely recommend this experience to other young people. It opens your mind, helps you develop essential skills, and gives you the chance to learn about yourself while contributing to something meaningful. It is an opportunity that can truly shape your future.
Emma’s Testimonial
In Germany, it is very common to take a gap year after finishing school. However, I knew long ago that I didn’t want to spend this year in Germany, but rather in countries near and far – to get to know new cultures, new ways of life and new people. I then became aware of the ESC through social media. When I found the project at Fattoria L’Arca, I was immediately excited. Life here is very different from my life at home. Six hours of daily work on the farm, living in a large community far away from a big city, communicating in English and Italian. Each of these things is challenging – and at the same time, exactly what helps you grow every day. Over time, my everyday life has changed completely. My days begin with fresh air and the question of what task we will accomplish today. I did not expect how much life on the farm would bring me closer to nature. Living together in an international group also has a big impact on me. People from different countries, cultures and backgrounds live here under one roof – we share meals, tasks, conversations and sometimes just quiet time together while everyone is busy with their own things. Strangers quickly become friends with whom you experience the most exciting trips and adventures. At the same time, not every day is easy. There are moments of physical and emotional challenge, days full of fatigue or situations where you feel overwhelmed. But it is precisely these challenges that make the project honest and valuable. I am taking a lot with me for my future: serenity, courage, openness, a deeper understanding of community, nature and myself. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences, encounters and many little moments that made these two months so special. I can really only recommend anyone who is thinking about doing a similar project to take this step: you not only gain new friends and insights into other cultures, but also a completely new perspective on yourself and the world.
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.