The ESC Team project “RISE”, funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme and implemented by the Joint Association in collaboration with Agriturismo L’Arca in Belvedere Marittimo, has come to an end! We asked the participants to share their stories.
Anastasia’s Testimony
Before deciding to apply for this project, I’d say my life was a bit of a shambles. I had studied incredibly hard and felt completely lost about what to do with my degree and my life in general. After my Erasmus experience in Italy, which took place just before this project, I started feeling even more adrift. During that time, I had changed a lot and built a life there that I truly loved. But eventually, I had to pack that wonderful life into boxes, close the door, say goodbye to everyone I knew, and go back to my old life—only to realise it didn’t make me happy at all and just didn’t feel right for me anymore. That is why, in an attempt to find some clarity, I started looking for an opportunity to join a project that could help me figure out what I actually wanted at this stage of my life and which direction I needed to head in.
To be honest, I didn’t have high expectations, because I almost always try not to build them up. However, when I read the project description, I instantly felt it was exactly what I needed at that moment. I felt the need for something that would bring routine back into my life, with a normal daily structure and the chance to learn how to manage my time more productively. I was also looking for an experience that would help me connect more deeply with myself and find some peace of mind. Living in a small village nestled in the mountains, away from the noise and the hustle and bustle, surrounded only by nature, manual work, and amazing people, seemed like the best way to achieve that.
The project taught me so many skills and gave me a wealth of knowledge. First and foremost, I learnt a lot about agricultural work: how to plant vegetables, how to help them grow better, how to dig and prepare the soil for sowing, how to fertilise it, and much more. We did plenty of activities I had never done before, so during the project, I acquired a lot of practical skills in the farming sector and even discovered that I genuinely enjoy this kind of work. Moreover, living in a fairly large community taught me a great deal about teamwork: how to collaborate more effectively with others, how to take the initiative when needed, how to be an active group member rather than just following the crowd, and how to communicate with people who might be completely different from me.
I think this project was without a doubt one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had in my life. Living in such a wonderful place, immersed in nature, alongside people who truly care about the world and others with all their heart; working closely with nature knowing that you are making a tangible contribution, even in your own small way; sharing life experiences, thoughts, ideas, and passions; looking after others, supporting them, and loving them, while simultaneously learning to look after yourself. It was exactly what I was searching for, and thanks to this project, I managed to find it.
Because of this, I would absolutely recommend a similar experience to other young people. I am convinced that by taking part in a project like this, everyone can bring home something special: new skills, greater self-awareness, and the opportunity to meet extraordinary people who will leave a lasting mark on their heart forever.
Antonella’s Testimony
My name is Antonella, I’m 28 years old, and I come from Apulia, from a small village in the province of Bari. I have always loved travelling, but over the last few months, I have been looking—and continue to look—for concrete life experiences that combine travel with personal growth. I spent a month in Poland for an ESC project, and that’s where I began to understand how vital it is to throw yourself into experiences that completely turn your life around.
To be honest, I didn’t have the time or opportunity to build up any expectations, but I can say with total sincerity that it has been the best experience of my life. I learnt a lot about the world of agriculture, about teamwork, and about how important it is to have a regular routine. I also learnt a lot about myself—for instance, that I would prefer to live in environments and places like this, where you can breathe fresh air and enjoy a slower pace of life, feeling at one with nature, with ourselves, and with others.
On a practical level, I learnt a lot about sharing spaces and living in a community, and just how pleasant this lifestyle can be. We put several farming techniques into practice, sometimes working in large groups and other times in small teams. We shared plenty of moments on the beach and in new places, including a trip to Sicily, and took part in various activities together, such as rafting, cleaning up the beach at Marina di Belvedere, pottery, and creating educational activities for pupils in local nursery and primary schools. I also learnt how many beautiful things can be created when everyone shares their passion with the rest of the group, especially during the workshops. Even the simplest and most mundane things became special just because they were shared together.
I would recommend it mainly for the following reasons, which I realised over the course of these two months:
- Learning a lot about yourself and about life
- Travelling for “free”
- Creating international bonds and therefore learning new things from different cultures
- Having a healthier routine
- Pushing past your boundaries
- Giving space to your curiosity
Carolyn’s Testimony
Coming from Switzerland, I chose to participate in this project to learn more about agriculture, but also to have an experience that was completely different from anything I had known until then. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, discover a new environment, and meet people from different backgrounds. I felt it was the right time to embark on this adventure.
Before leaving, I didn’t have any particular expectations. On the contrary, I wanted to let the experience surprise me and enjoy every moment without any preconceived notions. Looking back, I can say that this experience has given me so much, both from a personal and a human perspective.
During the project, we worked in the fields and took part in various harvesting activities. This allowed me to get a better grasp of agricultural work, the importance of nature, and the hard work that goes into every single harvest. At times, the work required a lot of energy and patience, but it was also extremely rewarding and enriching. We also welcomed school groups and spent time with children. Those moments were among the most memorable for me because they were full of sharing, joy, and discovery. Outside of work, we took part in numerous non-formal education activities, such as pottery workshops, rafting, basket weaving, and various cultural and creative workshops. These activities helped us strengthen the bonds between participants and learn about new cultures and different ways of living.
Thanks to this project, I learnt how to live in a community, how to become more independent, and how to better manage money and daily life. I also gained more self-confidence and developed a more open mind. My overall assessment of this experience is extremely positive. The organisation was excellent, the activities were varied, and the atmosphere was always welcoming and supportive. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate for a single second. I highly recommend that young people take part in a project of this kind, as it allows you to learn an immense amount about yourself and others, contributing to great personal growth.
Daria’s Testimony
Before taking part in this project, I had just finished university. I was working a lot, constantly dealing with problems that needed solving, living on my own, and could only rely on myself. I was strong and independent, but also utterly exhausted. After a while, I started to feel lost and drained. I didn’t recognise myself anymore. When life gets tough, I always try to change something around me. This project came along at just the right time, and I decided to seize the opportunity.
I was ready to completely change my life. When I found out that the project would take place near the sea and the mountains and that we would be working with the land, I stopped overthinking it. I knew I needed to slow down, find stability, and feel more connected to my surroundings. I also wanted to improve my English, but my main goal was to have a mental break and reconnect with myself.
From the very first days after my arrival, I knew this experience was the right one for me. Now, after two months, I can say that a project like this is important for everyone, just at different moments in their lives. It helps you to slow down, breathe more easily, and truly live in the present moment. I learnt so much by sharing life experiences and different cultures with other people; every single conversation held a special meaning for me.
Living together with others was also a fundamental aspect of the project. I was lucky enough to have very kind and open housemates, with whom I bonded from day one. Every day was different and brought new experiences. The physical work gave me strength and had a very positive effect on my mental well-being. The days were full and intense—in two months, it felt like I lived the equivalent of six months. We also travelled and explored new places, making this experience even richer.
Today, I can say that I feel better and stronger. I feel ready to face a new phase of my life, a new job, and new creative ideas. After this project, I will no longer be the same person. Before, I felt lost, but this experience helped me get back on my feet and taught me some very important lessons.
“Sometimes you have to get lost to find yourself.”
ESC Teams with the European Solidarity Corps
ESC Teams stand out for their short duration: projects can last from 2 weeks up to a maximum of 2 months. For this very reason, they represent an accessible opportunity even for young people who are studying or working and do not have the chance to leave for long periods.
Even though they are shorter compared to other volunteering pathways, group ESCs are intense, dynamic experiences rich in human exchange. In just a few weeks, you can develop practical and transferable skills, live closely with people from different countries, and form authentic bonds through sharing daily life.
For many participants, these projects become a space to step out of their routine, challenge themselves, gain greater independence, and rediscover the value of collaboration and community life.
If you are thinking about going abroad for an experience but cannot commit for months, an ESC Team could be the perfect starting point.