ESC Team RISE II with Farfalle nella Testa in Italy | Participants’ Testimonials
The ESC Team project “RISE II”, funded by the European Solidarity Corps programme and carried out by Associazione Joint in collaboration with Farfalle nella Testa of Bordano, has come to an end!
We asked the participants to share their testimonials.
Valentyna’s testimonial
Hello! My name is Valentyna Boitsun. I am from Ukraine. I have spent the last two months in Bordano as a volunteer and I want to share my experience.
Every meaningful path begins with a simple decision to step outside one’s comfort zone. Coming from a background in language studies and active community involvement, I have always believed in the power of shared human experiences and intercultural dialogue. When I first discovered this volunteering project, it felt like the exact opportunity I had been searching for – a chance to contribute to a meaningful initiative while gaining broader insights into international collaboration.
Before embarking on this adventure, I was filled with a mix of excitement and quiet anxiety. I expected to face significant language barriers, cultural differences, and perhaps moments of homesickness. Logistically, I wondered whether I would be able to adapt smoothly to a new environment and work dynamics.
Looking back now, I can say that my expectations were not only met, but completely exceeded. While there were initial challenges, the supportive environment created by the project organizers and fellow volunteers transformed potential obstacles into valuable learning opportunities. The initial uncertainty quickly turned into a profound sense of belonging and purpose.
Throughout the project, my daily routines were dynamic and full of diverse tasks. My primary responsibilities involved organizing community workshops, supporting local educational activities, and coordinating group events aimed at promoting youth engagement. From planning schedules and facilitating team discussions to managing creative sessions, I was involved in every stage of the implementation process. Working on these activities allowed me to develop crucial hard and soft skills.
Professionally, I improved my project management, public speaking, and problem-solving abilities. On a personal level, I learned the art of active listening, dynamic adaptability, and cross-cultural empathy. I realized that communication goes far beyond spoken words; it relies heavily on shared goals, patience, and mutual respect.
Overall, my evaluation of this project is overwhelmingly positive. It was structured in a way that provided both clear guidance and freedom for creative initiative. The atmosphere encouraged personal responsibility while ensuring that nobody felt left behind. Naturally, no journey is without its stressful moments or hectic days, but those experiences only added to the depth of my growth. This initiative was far more than just a volunteer project; it was a transformative chapter of self-discovery, collaboration, and meaningful contribution.
I whole-heartedly recommend this experience to any young person considering a similar path. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, having first-hand experience in intercultural environments is invaluable. Volunteering teaches resilience, broadens horizons, and breaks down prejudice and social stereotypes. Most importantly, it gives you a clear sense of empowerment – proving that your actions, no matter how small, can make a difference. If you are hesitant about taking the leap, my advice is simple: embrace the unknown, trust the process, and let the journey shape you into a more compassionate and open-minded individual.
Piotr’s testimonial
My name is Piotr, I am 20 years old and I come from Poland. In 2026, I had the opportunity to take part in a European Solidarity Corps project in Italy. I spent several weeks volunteering with an international group and living in Bordano. It was an experience that pushed me outside my comfort zone and taught me a lot about myself.
Before joining the European Solidarity Corps project in Italy, I was at a point in my life when I was not really sure what I wanted to do next. I had dropped out of university and felt that I had become quite isolated and too comfortable with staying in my own routine. I wanted to change that. I applied for the project because I wanted to meet new people, improve my social skills, experience living abroad and, perhaps most importantly, learn more about myself and what I wanted to do in the future.
Before coming to Italy, I had quite a few worries. I was afraid that I would not fit in with the other volunteers, that I might isolate myself from the group, or that I would struggle with motivation and adapting to a completely new environment. Leaving my usual surroundings and spending several weeks with people I had never met before was definitely outside my comfort zone. However, these fears turned out to be much bigger in my head than they were in reality. The other volunteers were friendly and supportive, and over time I became much more comfortable around them.
During the project, our daily work changed depending on where we were needed. At first, we helped at the ecomuseum in Interneppo. One of our main tasks was cleaning the area and removing invasive plants. Later, we moved to a paragliding area near Bordano, where we worked with young trees. We removed the grass growing around them and made small mats from grass to prevent it from growing back. Although some of the work was physically demanding, I enjoyed being outside and seeing the results of what we had done together.
The project was not only about work. We also had many different activities and opportunities to try new things. I had the chance to go paragliding, take part in painting and ceramics activities, and cycle along the Alpe Adria cycle path. We also had a tour of Casa delle Farfalle in Bordano. Outside of the organised activities, we had quite a lot of free time, which gave us the opportunity to explore Italy and travel to different cities and places. Travelling became one of my favourite parts of the whole experience.
The biggest thing I learned was probably about myself. I developed my social skills and became more comfortable communicating with people I had only recently met. I learned that I am capable of adapting to new environments even when I initially feel anxious or uncertain. The experience also helped me think more clearly about my future. Being away from my previous routine gave me the space to consider what I actually want to do later in life and what kind of environment I would like to live and work in.
Overall, I have a very positive opinion of the project. Of course, living and working with a group of people for several weeks is not always perfect, and there can be difficult moments, but the supportive atmosphere made a big difference. I especially appreciated the combination of volunteering, social activities, free time and opportunities to travel.
I would definitely recommend a similar experience to other young people. I think it is particularly valuable for someone who feels stuck, wants to meet new people, or is afraid of stepping outside their comfort zone. You do not need to arrive feeling completely confident. In my experience, confidence can come from actually doing things that initially make you uncomfortable. For me, this project was not only an opportunity to volunteer in Italy, but also an opportunity to grow, meet great people, and understand myself and my future a little better.
ESC Team 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. This is exactly why they are an accessible opportunity for young people who study or work and cannot leave for long periods.
Even though they are shorter than other volunteering pathways, group ESC projects are intense, dynamic experiences full of human exchange. In just a few weeks you can develop practical and transversal skills, live in close contact with people from different countries, and build authentic bonds by sharing everyday life.
For many participants, these projects become a space to break out of their routine, test themselves, gain greater independence, and rediscover the value of collaboration and community life.
If you are thinking about going abroad but cannot commit for months, an ESC Team could be the perfect starting point.