Berkay KURNAZ

My Green World-2 Volunteering Experience

Some experiences change not only where you are but who you are. For me, the Green World-2 European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project in Madan, Bulgaria, was exactly that.

I volunteered in Madan for around two months, between 04.05.2026 and 29.06.2026. In that time I learned what it is to live in another country, met new people and found many ways to grow.

I was excited and curious before the project began. But from my very first day in Madan, the town and the people helped me settle in quickly. Over those two months I did not only take part in volunteering: I gained a great deal for myself.

Life and Accommodation in Madan

Madan is a small but beautiful town, and its nature, quiet and peaceful atmosphere made an impression on me. Its calm rhythm let me step away from the stress of daily life and take in new experiences.

Accommodation, transport and basic needs were supported by the project. Where we stayed there was a shared kitchen for cooking. Shops, restaurants and everything else we needed were close by, so the project ran comfortably and smoothly.

What We Did

The core aim of Green World-2 was to contribute to the environment and to work for the good of the community. Throughout the project we took an active part in many volunteering activities in Madan and the surrounding villages.

We painted and cleaned children’s playgrounds, landscaped shared spaces, cleared weeds from pavements and helped with mowing.

We also chopped and stacked wood to help people in the villages prepare for winter.

The work was sometimes physically tiring, but seeing the result and witnessing people’s happiness gave us real motivation. The interest, warmth and hospitality shown to us by local people was one of the finest parts of the experience.

Cultural Experiences and New Friendships

During the project I met young people from other countries. Through youth exchange activities I got to know other cultures, made connections and formed good friendships.

We shared our cultures, talked and learned about each other’s ways of life. The experience let me see the world from a wider angle.

Living in the same place as people from other countries, working together and putting effort into shared goals meant a lot to me. I did not only make new friends: I gained different perspectives and got to know myself better.

Free Time and Travel

Outside the volunteering we did all sorts of things together. We played volleyball, had picnics, held karaoke and film nights, played games and spent hours in good conversation.

We explored the natural beauty around Madan and collected many happy memories with the other participants. I also used the leave days the ESC programme provides to visit other countries and cities in Europe.

Those journeys let me meet new cultures, see different ways of living and gain confidence in getting around on my own. Together with the volunteering itself, they are among the experiences I will never forget.

What the Project Gave Me

Those two months contributed to me in many ways. I learned to take responsibility, to fit into a team, to communicate with different people and to adapt to new environments.

I also had the chance to improve my English by using it every day. Living abroad, communicating with people and managing many things on my own increased my confidence.

The ESC project gave me more than the experience of a country: it gave me new friendships, unforgettable memories and skills I will use for the rest of my life.

Thank You

Thank you to the KOZ-DER family for making this valuable experience possible, to Halil for his support throughout, to our hosting organisation and to everyone I collected memories with during the project.

The two months I spent in Madan, Bulgaria will always be a special period in my life. I am very glad I had this opportunity, and I would like to do something like it again.