Melih GEDİKLİ

Hello everyone,

I am Melih Gedikli. I am a 22-year-old university student, and on 16.01.2026 I travelled to Iceland for a month of ESC volunteering. The journey was not only about going to another country: it meant getting to know myself better, gaining new experience and collecting unforgettable memories.

From the moment we landed in Iceland I felt its air, its nature and its distinctively harsh climate very deeply. From the first days I realised I was in a completely different geography, somewhere very unlike the environment I was used to. That made the experience even more exciting and special.

The Project and the Support

Throughout the project we received wonderful support from our association and completed the whole process in communication, in confidence and in good order. Having strong support behind you in something like this matters a great deal. It let me focus on the project more comfortably and enjoy the experience more.

During the placement I did not only take part in project activities; I also had the chance to communicate with different people, adapt to a new environment and experience a different rhythm of life. All of it was instructive.

Cultural Exchange and New Experiences

Throughout the project we had the chance to share a great deal about Turkish culture with the team and exchange ideas. Telling people about our own culture, talking about our traditions and getting to know each other’s ways of life made me feel valued. In moments like that you notice your own culture more deeply and become more open to others.

Being among people from other countries, seeing different ways of thinking and finding common ground meant a great deal to me. The experience showed me what a strong bond cultural exchange can create.

Iceland’s Nature

During this time we also had the chance to see Iceland’s astonishing waterfalls, canyons and natural beauty. Being so close to nature and seeing these unique landscapes in another corner of the world was a feeling that is hard to describe.

Iceland’s nature is not only beautiful; it has a power that moves you deeply. Every new view filled me with wonder. Sometimes standing in front of a waterfall, sometimes looking into a canyon, sometimes just breathing that cold air leaves a mark on your memory.

What It Means to Me

This project, which began like a daydream and ended like a dream, was not only a short experience abroad. It was a special period that increased my confidence, introduced me to new people and added wonderful memories to my life.

It showed me again how much seeing new places, getting to know other cultures and stepping outside your usual life help you grow. A great deal can fit into what looks like a short span of time.

Thank You

My sincere thanks to the KOZ-DER Association and to Halil Özkaraca for their support in this wonderful project. Every moment of it was precious to me.

I am looking forward to the next projects.