Volunteering Experience in Romania

I spent eight months in Romania as part of a volunteering project, and I can honestly say it was one of the most important and enjoyable experiences of my life. Let me illustrate by sharing the gains I have recognized and the ones I have not. Projects like these allow you to achieve your goals, and in this context, I have gained foreign language skills, international working experience, and the ability to survive without family support. But the gains I did not anticipate were just as valuable: lifelong friendships, an appreciation for the similarities and differences between Romanian and my own cultural values, the acculturation process with my fellow volunteers from other countries, crisis management skills, social awareness, and an improved sense of citizenship. My biggest piece of advice is to seek out such life experiences, whether they end up being good or bad, as they can be incredibly valuable.

Ozan Gures

Fencing Refree