Welcome to my adventure in Türkiye!
My name is Léa, I am 22 years old and I come from France. In June 2026, I had the chance to live an exceptional experience thanks to the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). For one month, I joined the YouFuture project (a project focused on raising awareness about natural disasters), with the Ilksenol association in Istanbul, Türkiye.
When I decided to apply for this project, I had several goals in mind : discovering a new country, immersing myself in a different culture, improving my English, stepping out of my comfort zone, and most importantly, engaging in a meaningful mission. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was ready to take on the challenge and fully embrace this adventure.
This month of volunteering gave me much more than I had imagined. Between awareness activities, human encounters, cultural discoveries, and many moments of sharing, this experience was truly enriching.
Here is my return of experience about this incredible adventure in Türkiye.
The YouFuture project
During this month, I took part in the YouFuture project, a project focused on raising awareness about natural disasters. Together with other volunteers, we participated in different activities to better understand risk prevention and share good practices with the public.
We took part in an earthquake simulation, visited a fire station, and met members of AFAD, the Turkish disaster and emergency management authority. We also visited several schools to raise awareness among children through games and interactive activities. In parallel, we prepared social media posts to share the project and reach a wider audience.
This project allowed me to learn more about disaster prevention but also made me realize how important it is to educate younger generations. It was a very enriching experience that helped me develop new skills while contributing to an important cause.
Discovering Istanbul
Outside of the project activities, I had the chance to discover Istanbul, a city I truly loved. Between its historical monuments, lively neighborhoods, markets, mosques, and the stunning views along the Bosphorus, every day felt like a new discovery.
I especially enjoyed the atmosphere of the city, where tradition and modernity coexist. The locals were welcoming, and there was always something to see or do. It was also impossible not to notice Istanbul’s famous cats, present everywhere in the city and truly part of its identity!
Discovering this city was one of the highlights of my stay. Istanbul will always remain for me a vibrant, cultural, and unforgettable destination.
Meeting wonderful people
Beyond the project itself, it was above all the people I met who made this experience so special. I shared this adventure with other volunteers from Spain, Ukraine, Türkiye and France. We all lived together in a shared apartment, which allowed us to build a strong bond and share many moments, both during activities and in our free time.
The members of the Ilksenol association welcomed us with great kindness and care. Always available, attentive, and supportive, they did everything to make us feel at home. Thanks to them, a very warm and friendly atmosphere quickly developed, making the experience even more enjoyable.
I would especially like to thank Hatice and Şeyma, who greatly contributed to making this stay unforgettable. Their good mood, availability, and daily support had a real impact on my experience. I am deeply grateful for their welcome, their kindness, and all the laughter and memories we shared together.
Turkish wedding
Thanks to Hatice, I also had the incredible opportunity to attend a Turkish wedding during my stay. It was an amazing experience.
Discovering a traditional wedding in Türkiye allowed me to immerse myself even more in the local culture. The music, the dancing, the traditions, and the festive atmosphere were all warm and wonderful.
It was an unforgettable and emotional moment that will remain one of my most beautiful memories of this adventure in Türkiye.
I truly loved my experience in Türkiye, and I will always keep it as one of the most beautiful and enriching experiences of my life. It has also made me even more eager to continue living experiences abroad.
