Volunteers
What the people who set off with us experienced, in their own words.
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Sait Koçarslan spent ten days on the No More Walls, Europe Calls Erasmus+ youth exchange in Kilis, with group work, cultural evenings and trips, gaining new friendships and wonderful memories."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Through the No More Walls, Europe Calls Erasmus+ youth exchange in Kilis, Cuma Çepik shared an unforgettable experience of friendship, intercultural learning and breaking down prejudices together with young people from Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Through the No More Walls, Europe Calls Erasmus+ youth exchange held in her hometown of Kilis, Emine Akpınar had the chance to present her own culture while building meaningful connections with young people from different countries."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Through the No More Walls, Europe Calls Erasmus+ youth exchange in Kilis, Miraç Mustafa Karabaş experienced intercultural learning, teamwork, new friendships and unforgettable memories."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Özlem ÇİLOĞLU shares her experience as a volunteer in the No More Walls, Europe Calls Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Kilis, from welcoming participants and intercultural learning to local activities, friendships and the final farewell."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Beren Taş joined the Don’t Just Scroll, Take Control Erasmus+ training course in Madan, Bulgaria, gaining valuable experience in digital literacy, intercultural learning, teamwork and social awareness."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Eda Nur Keçeci joined the Don’t Just Scroll, Take Control Erasmus+ project in Madan, Bulgaria, gaining valuable experience in social media awareness, digital literacy, intercultural learning and new friendships."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Rana Allahverdi joined the Don’t Just Scroll, Take Control Erasmus+ training course in Madan, Bulgaria, gaining valuable experience in digital awareness, intercultural communication, teamwork and personal growth."
Romania · ESC
"Fatma Begüm DURMAZ shares her Go to Romania 2 ESC volunteering experience in Craiova, hosted by Tinerii 3D through KOZ-DER, reflecting on working with children, intercultural living, personal independence and the unforgettable memories she brought home from Romania."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"On the Rights Matter, Justice Counts course in Madan, Bulgaria, Dilay Arapoğlu explored human rights, justice and equality — and came home with a wider outlook."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Joining the Truth or Trick? Click with Care Erasmus+ project after a long break was a very special experience filled with learning, fun, new connections and opportunities for future partnerships."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"On an Erasmus+ project in Madan, Bulgaria, Mehmet Karaoğlan found non-formal learning, intercultural exchange, new friendships and a wider perspective."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Şevval Güney's first Erasmus+ project — the Truth or Trick training course in Madan, Bulgaria — brought knowledge, friendships and memories she will not forget."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Returning to Madan for the Truth or Trick Erasmus+ project, Simge worked on fake news, information pollution and propaganda — and found a place that had stayed with her."
Iceland · ESC
"Anıl Görkem KAYA shares his ESC volunteering experience in Iceland, where he took part in environmental protection, coastal clean-up, sustainability activities and intercultural solidarity with Veraldarvinir / Worldwide Friends Iceland."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Deniz Demir experienced two unforgettable months in Madan, Bulgaria through the Green World-2 ESC project, filled with volunteering, friendship, intercultural learning and meaningful memories."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Ege Şemsettin SÖNMEZ shares his ESC volunteering experience in Madan, Bulgaria, where he discovered the value of solidarity, field work, intercultural friendships and personal growth."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Halil KIRCIOĞLU shares his experience of the ESC volunteering project 'Grandchildren for Rent' in Madan, Bulgaria, carried out through KOZ-DER: the time spent with elderly residents, the friendships made across cultures, and what those two months taught him."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Miraç Mustafa Karabaş joined the Grandchildren volunteering project in Madan, Bulgaria, gaining an unforgettable ESC experience through supporting elderly people, environmental activities, solidarity and intercultural friendships."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Selim ESKENTEPE shares what he gained from the ESC volunteering project 'Grandchildren for Rent' in Madan, Bulgaria, carried out through KOZ-DER: supporting elderly residents, living in a peaceful mountain town, and the friendships built over two months."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Tuğçenur Sarıgüney joined the Grandchildren For Rent short-term ESC project in Madan, Bulgaria, gaining an unforgettable experience through volunteering, intercultural learning, solidarity with elderly people and personal growth."
Romania · ESC
"On an ESC volunteering project in Craiova, Romania, Beyza Nur Aslan ran workshops in youth centres, introduced strategy games and learned as much as she taught."
Italy · ESC
"In Treviso, Italy, Büşra Akdemir ran interactive English activities for children through games, songs and drama — and learned patience, creativity and flexibility."
Italy · ESC
"English through play with 4-12 year-olds in Treviso, Italy — and the discovery that when you go to teach, you are often the one who learns most."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Berkay Kurnaz spent two unforgettable months on the Green World-2 ESC project in Madan, Bulgaria — environmental work, village activities, intercultural learning and new friendships."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months on the Green World-2 ESC project in Madan, Bulgaria: landscaping, community work, village hospitality and travel across Europe for Sedef Dizlek."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Ali Reyhan spent two months on the Green World-2 ESC project in Madan, Bulgaria — environmental work, village activities, intercultural friendships and a volunteering experience he will not forget."
Morocco · ESC
"Two months in Agdz, Morocco: Scratch lessons and strategy games with children, Amazigh culture, a Gnawa night and a night under the desert stars."
Morocco · ESC
"KOZ-DER's first ESC volunteer in Morocco: Scratch and algorithm lessons in village schools, Amazigh culture, Gnawa nights and a day in the desert."
Portugal · ESC
"In Viana do Castelo, Portugal, Arda Eren Bulut repaired toys for children, ran workshops with international volunteers and discovered what volunteering really means."
Poland · Erasmus+
"Assoc. Prof. Aybegün Ton completed the Power of Stories Erasmus+ training in Puck, Poland, working on digital storytelling and the Berkeley Method."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Ceren Ersoy spent a week on an Erasmus+ project in Madan, Bulgaria — and celebrated her 18th birthday there, among people who felt like family within days."
Italy · ESC
"Two months volunteering in Treviso, Italy: primary school activities, introducing Turkish culture and intelligence games — a first for Ceyhun Onaç in every sense."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"At the Inclusive Democracy Lab in Bulgaria, Ceylin Ersoy found a week of learning, a Multicultural Night to remember and friendships that outlasted the project."
Portugal · ESC
"Fifty-five days in Viana do Castelo, Portugal: repairing toys to give to children, games as a universal language, and an inner peace by the ocean."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Ertuğrul Uğur joined an Erasmus+ project in Bulgaria and came away with new perspectives, stronger communication and more confidence."
Portugal · ESC
"A computer engineer in Viana do Castelo, Portugal: a toy hospital, visits to older people and an algorithms game that sent one child looking up how to build games."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"A week in Madan, Bulgaria left Nisanur Yücetürk with new perspectives, deeper confidence and bonds she did not expect to find so quickly."
Poland · Erasmus+
"A week of digital storytelling in a Polish marina: scriptwriting, voicing his own story, and — as a naval architecture student — yachts to study every day."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Usually behind the scenes of projects, Şefika Büyükyılmaz was the participant this time — democracy sessions, culture and green landscapes in Madan, Bulgaria."
Poland · Erasmus+
"A week of digital storytelling by the Polish coast: writing, voicing and sharing her own story gave Sera Yıldız confidence she did not expect."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"At the Inclusive Democracy Lab in Madan, Bulgaria, Sueda Özyıldırım found culture nights, a day inside history in Plovdiv and a group of strangers who became family."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"On the ART EVS project in Madan, Bulgaria, Aysel Öztürk found art, solidarity, intercultural learning and personal growth — and a place she felt she belonged."
Italy · ESC
"Two months as an ESC volunteer in Treviso, Italy: interactive English lessons with children, cultural exchange and a lesson in communication for Beyza Etöz."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months on the ART EVS – Children with Special Needs project in Bulgaria taught Fatma Uytun about solidarity, empathy and the strength of human connection."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"On the ART EVS project in Madan, Bulgaria, Fatma Nur Kurt made art sold at a local festival in aid of children in need — and found solidarity through creating together."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months of art workshops in Madan, Bulgaria, with pieces sold at the local festival in aid of children with special needs — and a wider world for Gülşirin Şavlı."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months on the ARTEVS project in Madan, Bulgaria: handmade pieces sold at the Crystal Festival, hostel life across cultures and friendships around the world."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Volunteering in Madan, Bulgaria, Sami Mahmudoğlu found patience, real connection with the local community and a clearer sense of himself."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Fifty-six days on the ARTEVS project in Madan, Bulgaria gave Sefa Ocak new friendships, unforgettable memories and real personal growth."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months making handmade pieces for the Crystal Festival in Madan, Bulgaria, in aid of children with special needs — a first volunteering experience for Sena Mazlumoğlu."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months on Art EVS 26 in Madan, Bulgaria: art made and sold at the local festival in aid of children with special needs, and borders crossed in every sense."
Italy · ESC
"Two months in Orta Nova, Italy: English lessons, environmental work, an art festival and a Youth Exchange — a first volunteering project Ezgi Güloğlu will not forget."
Italy · ESC
"Two months in Orta Nova, Italy - a language school, environmental work, a festival and a Youth Exchange - became her first big step abroad alone."
Italy · ESC
"In Orta Nova, Italy, Hatice Gül Özçelik volunteered with the Beyond Borders team, joined a Youth Exchange and returned with a more global outlook."
Portugal · ESC
"Two months in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, building bridges between generations — and learning to bend without breaking."
Iceland · ESC
"A month of ESC volunteering in Iceland gave Melih Gedikli waterfalls and canyons, cultural exchange with an international team and a great deal more confidence."
Iceland · ESC
"A month on a short-term ESC project in Iceland: greenhouse work, sustainable production, international teamwork and a lesson in patience for Emre Yükçü."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Nisa Demir joined the Grandchildren for Rent short-term ESC project in Madan, Bulgaria, experiencing the value of solidarity between generations, volunteering, sharing and contributing to the local community."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Rüveyda Eker shares her unforgettable Grandchildren for Rent ESC experience in Madan, Bulgaria, where volunteering, solidarity, shared living and intercultural friendships became an important part of her personal growth."
Romania · ESC
"Two months in Craiova, Romania: food deliveries to a village school, creative work with children and a safe space for young people — volunteering became a way of life for Sera Yıldız."
Portugal · ESC
"Özlem ÇİLOĞLU shares her experience of the ESC volunteering project 'Toys Lab' in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, carried out through KOZ-DER: repairing toys for children in need, growing in confidence, and the friendships built across cultures."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Two weeks on an Erasmus+ programme in Bulgaria gave Ömer Fırat Külekçi new friendships, teamwork skills and a great deal more confidence."
Greece · ESC
"On an ESC project in Katerini, Greece, Büşra Akdemir worked in a social pharmacy and in sustainable agriculture — and learned that solidarity is lived, not theorised."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Büşra AKDEMİR shares how the LIFE for PRR youth exchange in Kilis taught her about waste, recycling and sustainability, and about the value of being part of a community of very different people."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Fatma Begüm DURMAZ shares her LIFE for PRR youth exchange experience in Kilis: intercultural friendships, sustainability workshops and the joy of welcoming the world to Türkiye."
Türkiye · Kilis · Erasmus+
"Özlem ÇİLOĞLU shares her experience as a volunteer in the LIFE for PRR – Join Life Erasmus+ Youth Exchange in Kilis, where she was involved from the preparation stage until the final day of the project."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"In Madan, Bulgaria, Bünyamin Bayutmuş supported older people, painted playgrounds with children and found that helping others changes you too."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months of ESC volunteering in Madan, Bulgaria gave Eylül Özdemir nature work, six countries travelled solo, and the courage to make a decision about her future."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"A summer project with KOZ-DER brought Tarhan Mustafa Öksüz closer to a childhood dream — and to nearly 25 countries."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"Two months on a short-term ESC project in Bulgaria: environmental work, sustainability, intercultural teamwork and a little Bulgarian for Hüseyin Başak."
Bulgaria · Madan · ESC
"As a short-term ESC volunteer in Bulgaria, Hatice İlhan worked on environmental projects, travelled across Europe and came home with a wider view of the world."
Bulgaria · Madan · Erasmus+
"Anıl Aşcı joined his first Erasmus+ project in Madan, Bulgaria. One week brought friendship, courage, intercultural learning and a new way of seeing the world."
Egypt · ESC
"Two months volunteering in Egypt: the pyramids from the air, a night ride across the desert, a first dive in the Red Sea and an intelligence-games tournament with local young people."
Egypt · ESC
"Two months volunteering in Egypt: project writing, video production, Mevlevi performances, non-touristy streets — and a memorable encounter at the Saqqara pyramids."
