Büşra AKDEMİR

My Volunteering Experience in Italy

Hello everyone, I am Büşra Akdemir.

In Treviso, Italy, I took part in a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project of around two months, run in cooperation between KOZ-DER and CEPHI. Throughout it I was actively involved in preparing and delivering English learning activities for children.

Interactive English Activities with Children

Our core aim was to help children learn English through more enjoyable, interactive methods rather than classic teaching.

Because the children were at beginner level, I prepared games, songs, visuals and movement activities on topics such as animals, parts of the body and everyday vocabulary.

In some sessions I worked with groups of 35-40 children. Since children have short attention spans, planning activities that were simple, clear and open to everyone mattered a great deal.

Using flashcards, drawings, colouring work and group games, I tried to help the children learn by seeing, moving and repeating.

Learning through Non-Formal Methods

The project drew on non-formal education methods such as play, storytelling, art, drama and TPR. These helped the children both enjoy learning and develop a more positive attitude towards English.

Working with children showed me how important it is not only to pass on information but to keep their interest alive, involve them actively and make learning enjoyable.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural exchange was an important part of the project. In our activities I introduced everyday life in Türkiye, our traditions, music and cultural characteristics to the other teachers.

In doing so I tried to help them learn about a different country and culture, while I got to know Italian culture, its educational setting and daily life up close.

What This Experience Gave Me

The experience taught me the importance of being patient, creative and flexible when working with children. When an activity did not go as I expected, I had to change the plan, simplify my language and win the children’s attention back.

Through this I developed my communication, problem-solving, classroom management and public-speaking skills.

An Unforgettable Placement

My time in Italy was not only a volunteering activity in which I ran English sessions with children. It was also an unforgettable experience in which I got to know another culture closely, had the chance to introduce my own and grew personally.

It gave me a great deal both professionally and personally. Working with children in another country, observing a new educational setting and being part of intercultural communication meant a lot to me.

Thank You

Thank you to KOZ-DER for this opportunity and to the CEPHI team for their support throughout the project.

This placement has taken a very special place in my life, both for the bonds I built with the children and for the experience I gained.