Volunteering in Turkey through the eyes of my Ukrainian friend

1- How long did you stay in Turkey? How did you choose Ankara and what was your project goal?

I was an ESC long-term volunteer in Ankara (Turkey) for 12 months within the framework of the "This Library Is Not Quiet" project.

My project activities and responsibilities were:

- Publicity, Visibility and Media;

- English Conversation Club;

- Toy Donation Organization;

- Wooden Toy Workshops;

- Alternative Education for Children.

I chose Turkey as a country I had never been to before and wanted to have a completely different experience from Ukraine. Of course I had a great time in Turkey, but it is not so different from my country as I thought before my project.

2- How long have you been working in volunteering projects? How did you decide to start and what is your motivation?

I have been working as a volunteer since 2015. So it's been about 6 years. My motivation has always been the same

Doing my best to help people in need and make the lives of others better.

3- Can you tell us about your unforgettable memories in Turkey?

Yes, of course, I have many memories of volunteering both in general and in Turkey. I can mention some of them. I remember how I managed my "Open mic" in the frames of the Europe Days celebration. It was amazing! Of course I was very worried and it was a huge step for my personal development. So I was talking to EVS volunteers from foreign countries, collecting information about them, asking them what their purpose was for coming to Ukraine and how they felt in my country. After all, we had a big event in the city center that I ran, helping our volunteers and translating their speech from English to Ukrainian. A lot of people were listening to me, and that was very unusual. After this incident, I felt that I could do anything.

The most memorable thing for me to talk about Turkey was to do different activities with children, such as wooden toy workshops, events in the museum. I did not understand children very well because I did not know Turkish at that time, but I saw how their eyes were shining, how their parents supported them, and I started to imagine what I would do if something like this had happened in my childhood. because it creates a special bond and memories for children and their parents.

4- How was Turkey as an Ukrainian for you? Did you find it difficult to adapt? If yes, how and how long did it take?

To be honest I found it strange, but no. I adapted quickly and it was very surprising to me! Maybe because I am surrounded by helpful and smiling people, maybe because I can easily adapt in general. But yes, the truth is that I felt at home in Turkey and even speaking Turkish was not a problem. But after staying for 3 months, I felt that I missed my home, family and friends a lot and I got a little nostalgic. It also passed. What can I say about Turkey - the weather is much hotter and great for someone who doesn't like the cold. But it was very rainy for me in Ankara and I don't feel like loving the rain. I love Turkish nature, seas, people and cuisine. I was challenging myself by staying 1 year without my friends and family but now I see that I can do more 😅

5- What is your opinion when you compare the two countries? What are their differences and similarities? (social life, food, bureaucracy, etc.)

People and mentalities are similar in both countries. But in general, I felt that Ukrainians are more free in the way they dress and they like to leave more. But, of course, it also depends on a city. We have similar dishes and we are both friendly and welcoming. I liked that people in Turkey drink less and there are no drunk people out, because it happens a lot in Ukraine. I think the social life in Ukraine is more developed, but it still depends on the city. I could not find many activities to spend time in Ankara, but I am sure there are many more in Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya. It was much more difficult for me to do different procedures like bureaucracy in Turkey, but probably because I don't know the language. And I think Turks like to eat more, but that's okay, they care about breakfast, which we Ukrainians usually don't. I learned to savor the moment while in Turkey. I think it is very important and Turkish people know how to listen properly. Also, I think the bond between family members is stronger in Turkey, in Ukraine people sometimes forget where they come from and who their relatives are.

6- Favorite places in Turkey?

I can say Kas, Istanbul and Izmir and I liked Bursa too. I love the sea, so this is the first thing I look at when I come to the city. I also liked Anıtkabir, it has a special atmosphere and it always feels good to go there.

7- What are the things you miss most in Turkey and do you want to go again?

I miss my friends, the food and the sea. I think I would like to live there for a while, not just visit. Turkey is my second homeland and has a special place in my heart and will always remain so. After improving my Turkish a bit, I would like to come and see how it will be now and what will change in this situation. I forgot to mention that I love intercity transportation! Their service is great and I wish we could have something similar in Ukraine. So I am sure that I will definitely come again. See you, Turkey! :))