Hello again! I’m Gubse, and I’m thrilled to share the highlights from my two-month Erasmus+ ESC program with Beyond Borders in Orta Nova, Italy. Looking back on this experience, it’s hard to believe how much has happened and how much it’s impacted me.
My journey to Orta Nova took a bit longer than I expected, but as soon as I arrived, I knew it was worth it. When I first applied to volunteer with Beyond Borders in 2023, I had to turn it down because of my studies. I’m happy to say that reapplying this year was the right decision. After spending these two months here, I can confidently say that it was.
When I arrived, the Beyond Borders team and other volunteers made me feel right at home. We stayed in a lovely shared house with everything we needed. We got a great start with our initial orientation and meeting with local volunteers, which helped us settle in and learn how to navigate Orta Nova. One of the first things we did was put together an intercultural night with Turkish and French volunteers. We shared our cultural values with the people of Orta Nova, which was a great way to blend in and experience the cultural beauty of southern Italy. We spent most of our time at Kyathos, which is a gorgeous, secluded spot with gardens and animals. We also got to take part in two big Youth Exchanges here. The first, called “Log In,”
focused on media literacy and brought together participants from Greece, Turkey, Poland, Romania, and Portugal. We took part in activities to gain a broader perspective on media literacy and spent quality time with the participants outside of the structured activities.
The second Youth Exchange, “Mad About EU,” was all about discrimination and diversity through music. The two back-to-back exchanges gave us a chance to explore different topics and meet a diverse group of people, which really added value to our volunteer experience.
The second month wrapped up with the final Youth Exchange, “Spray it Away Now,” which focused on using art to stand up to hate speech. This project was a great way for us to let our creativity shine through graffiti, spray paintings, and posters. The joint effort to create art against
hate speech was really powerful and rewarding. It made a big impact on the community and on us too.
After the intense period of Youth Exchanges, we were given a well-deserved 13-day holiday. I was lucky enough to be able to take a break and explore the beautiful Puglia region. From visiting gorgeous coastal towns to discovering charming countryside spots, every adventure
made me appreciate Italy’s rich culture and stunning landscapes even more. Spending this time with local volunteers really strengthened the connections I made, and I gained a lot from the personal enrichment side of things.
My time in Orta Nova was as unique and rewarding as ever. The town’s small size made it easy to fit in with the local community. We had a great cultural exchange, sharing our customs and traditions and learning a lot from each other. The Beyond Borders team was there for us every step of the way, making sure our needs were met and offering guidance whenever we needed it.
Looking back on the past two months, I’d say the biggest takeaway for me was the personal growth I experienced. The structured activities, combined with the freedom to explore and engage with the local culture, created a well-rounded and enriching environment. The Beyond Borders team was really committed to making sure we had a great experience, which was a big factor in that. They planned everything down to the last detail and were really enthusiastic, which meant we could focus on having a positive impact and also growing personally and professionally.
The friendships I’ve made here have been just as important as the work I’ve done. I’ve made some great memories with the other volunteers and locals, sharing meals, stories, and laughter. These moments of connection and understanding are what I’ll remember most about my time in Italy.
In conclusion, as my time with Beyond Borders comes to an end, I feel a mix of gratitude and nostalgia. This program has been the most fulfilling Erasmus experience I’ve ever had. The chance to play a part in worthwhile projects, along with personal growth and cultural immersion,
has made these two months truly unforgettable. I leave Orta Nova with a lot of great memories, a whole network of new friends, and a new sense of purpose. My two months in Orta Nova with Beyond Borders have been a real game-changer for me. The combination of creative projects, cultural exchange, and personal growth has made this experience priceless. I’m really thankful for all the support and opportunities that Beyond
Borders has given me.