Hi! I’m Gubse, and I’ve been a volunteer with Beyond Borders for about a month now. My journey to Orta Nova was a bit longer than usual, but it was worth it! When I first applied to volunteer in Beyond Borders, it was in 2023, and I couldn’t make it due to my studies. When I reapplied this year, I had a really good feeling about it, and after spending a month here, I can say I was right!
I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering before, but I have to say that my experience here has been even more fulfilling than my previous ones. Orta Nova is a very small town, and it’s so easy to blend in with the locals and experience the cultural beauty of southern Italy.
The lovely team at Beyond Borders were so friendly and helpful when they welcomed us as new volunteers. They were there for us every step of the way, and they really went above and beyond to help us with anything we needed.
Our provided accommodation is a beautiful house with 3 rooms shared by the volunteers. We had everything we needed when we arrived and had an orientation meeting shortly after to help us understand how to navigate the city. During the first week we met our local volunteers who are part of the organization and they were happy to welcome us and spend some time with us.
We organized an intercultural night with our Turkish and French volunteers and introduced our cultural values to the people of Orta Nova. After the first week we started to spend more time in Kyathos, the place where the next 3 Youth Exchanges took place.
Kyathos is a very beautiful isolated paradise with gardens and animals along with accommodation for the participants. As volunteers, we worked with the Beyond Border team and local volunteers to help them organize the place for the youth exchange. We prepared areas for participants to spend time together, play games, dance, eat and drink.
The first Youth Exchange “Log In” was about media literacy and during the Youth Exchange we had a lot of activities to exchange ideas and board perspectives on the topic. We met people from Greece, Turkey, Poland, Romania and Portugal and spent a lot of time with them after the day and night activities. As volunteers we had some tasks like organizing the environment, picking fruit from the trees for the participants and supervising the food, but we also had enough time to be involved in the activities for the youth exchange.
The second Youth Exchange ‘Mad About EU’ was a project that focused on discrimination and diversity through music. Since these Youth Exchanges took place right after each other, we had a change to experience the difference between the topics and the people who participated in these Youth Exchanges.
We spent most of our time in Kyathos in the last days of the month and it was unique in many ways. Overall, my experience was positive. I felt more included in the project than as just a volunteer. I considered the experience as a whole, rather than just a job. The Beyond Borders team’s enthusiasm and attention to detail made the experience more enjoyable and well-managed.
Beyond the structured activities, the casual interactions with the other volunteers and the locals have been equally enriching. We’ve shared countless meals, stories, and laughter, building friendships. The cultural exchange has been a two-way street, with us learning about the Italian way of life and sharing our own customs and traditions.
One of the highlights of my stay has been exploring the surrounding areas during our free time. We’ve visited nearby towns, historical sites, and beautiful nature spots, which have added another layer of depth to my understanding and appreciation of this region.
Moreover, the support network within Beyond Borders is incredible. From the initial orientation to the ongoing guidance, the organization ensures that we are well-prepared and comfortable in our roles. They also provide opportunities for personal development, such as meetings on project management, which have been extremely beneficial.
In conclusion, my time in Orta Nova with Beyond Borders has been a transformative experience. Not only has it allowed me to contribute to meaningful projects, but it has also allowed me to grow personally and professionally. The combination of structured activities, community involvement, and cultural immersion has made this volunteer experience one of the most meaningful parts of my time spent with Beyond Borders. I am excited about the coming months and the new opportunities they will bring to make a positive impact and continue this incredible journey.