Emre YÜKÇÜ

Hello everyone,

I am Emre Yükçü. Between 15.01.2026 and 15.02.2026 I took part in a short-term ESC project in Iceland. It was a special period, both instructive and full of different experiences.

Throughout my volunteering in Iceland I worked mainly in a greenhouse. Our daily tasks included caring for plants, supporting the production process and keeping the greenhouse in order. Through this I observed closely how production works and understood better the importance of disciplined work. I also built awareness of sustainable production.

What the Project Gave Me

One of the most important aspects was the chance to work with volunteers from other countries. Being in the same environment as people from other cultures helped me improve my communication and look at things from a wider perspective. The more we worked together, the better I understood how important it is to be a team, to adapt and to take shared responsibility.

I also experienced many new things in everyday life. Living in another country, meeting new people and observing their ways of life contributed a great deal. Learning something new every day showed me how large an effect even seemingly small experiences can have.

Production and Responsibility

Working in the greenhouse was not just a task for me. It was an important experience in putting in effort, being part of production and building a closer relationship with nature. Following the plants’ growth, caring for them regularly and seeing the result of the work taught me patience and the value of consistency.

I came to understand better how valuable it is to carry out daily responsibilities and take on a reliable role within a team. Working with the same care every day made me feel stronger, both individually and within the group.

Intercultural Learning

Volunteering in Iceland gave me more than work experience; it gave me a great deal in intercultural learning too. Being among people from other countries, listening to their perspectives and sharing a living space meant a lot to me.

I also had the chance to practise English and improve. Over time I began communicating more comfortably, which increased my confidence. The more I communicated with people from other cultures, the more meaningful it was to see how much we have in common.

What It Means to Me

Volunteering in Iceland was more than a project experience: it was a period in which I grew and discovered different sides of myself. Even a short experience like this genuinely changes how you see things. Sometimes it is not simply being in another country but taking responsibility there, producing something and sharing with new people that transforms you.

The experience I gained, the new things I learned and the friendships I made will always be valuable to me.

Thank you to everyone who made this opportunity possible.