Volunteering in Balkan Hotspot

Hi! My name is Lev, and I want to share my experience as a volunteer in Thessaloniki, Greece — at an organization called Balkan Hotspot. I participated in the project from May 9 to July 7, and during that time I experienced some of the most intense, inspiring, and warm months in recent memory — both in terms of climate and human connection.

How I Found Out About the Project

I found out about the project quite by chance — from a friend who was also participating in a volunteer program through ESC (European Solidarity Corps). She left for Thessaloniki from Estonia back in January and often shared her impressions: she talked about the atmosphere, the team, the activities, the people, and of course, the Greek sun.

To be honest, I got inspired by the idea very quickly. I felt like Balkan Hotspot was exactly the place where I could apply my skills and get something new in return. I specifically chose the spring-summer period to experience the real Greek summer and to not only work but also enjoy the sun, the sea, and the atmosphere.

From the very beginning, I was almost sure this project would be right for me, but I still decided to come for two months first — just to "test the waters." Now I realize that was probably the only thing I regret: I should have signed up for the full year right away. Those two months flew by way too fast.

My Tasks as a Volunteer at Balkan Hotspot

The project dates — from May 9 to July 7 — were not chosen randomly. I was told that Thessaloniki Comic Con would take place on May 9, and I really wanted to attend not just as a spectator, but also to use the event as material for creating content: photos, videos, interviews with participants for future blog or magazine articles.

📸 Comic Con: Adapting to Reality

I arrived in Thessaloniki late on May 8, and the very next day I was already at the festival. Things didn't go quite as expected: the venue was extremely crowded, it felt like a can of sardines, and the noise was so intense that it was impossible to record interviews or videos.

Of course, I was nervous. I wanted to show myself as a motivated, proactive, and creative volunteer — but I had to quickly adapt. Instead of video, I decided to focus on photographing cosplayers and prepared a visual blog and article about cosplay culture. You can already see the cover, and the article will be available after publication (link coming soon).

That was my first task as a volunteer — and it immediately taught me to be flexible, creative, and act according to the situation.

✍️ From Photography to Articles and Design

After the first task, I realized I wanted to continue working in the editorial and visual team. I’m a graphic designer by profession, so creating covers, illustrations, and layouts came easily to me. Writing articles, however, was a new and exciting challenge.

Over the course of two months, I prepared six articles, each exploring social, cultural, or personal topics:

• 🇯🇵 How the Anime Industry Influenced Japan’s Economy

• ✨ Interview with Marios Trichas — Artist and Global Tour Leader

• 🇪🇺 An Article About the Newest Country to Join the EU

• 🎭 A Piece on Cosplay Culture and Creative Self-Expression

• 🏖️ How Nudism Helps Overcome Body Image Insecurities

• ⚕️ On the Stigma Surrounding HIV-Positive People and the Importance of Prevention

In addition to my own articles, I helped with the graphic layout of other volunteers' texts, created visual materials for social media, and participated in organizing events and workshops.

A highlight of my visual work was designing two full magazine covers — front and back. This wasn’t my first experience designing for print or digital publications, but I’m particularly proud of the result. The covers reflected the issue’s theme (European values) and included both illustrative and typographic elements. The team received them positively, which was very encouraging.

🌈 Thessaloniki Pride — The Brightest Day

Probably the most unforgettable day was Thessaloniki Pride. I was responsible for photographing the event to create media content for our organization. The atmosphere was incredible: freedom, color, laughter, support.

During Pride, I met activists from CheckPoint Thessaloniki, an organization offering free testing for STIs and HIV. Thanks to that meeting, I later interviewed Amelia, the director, and wrote an article about their work and the importance of accessible prevention.

The People

🙌 Kiki

Kiki was my main coordinator. From day one, I felt I could always reach out to her — for help, advice, or just to chat. She never micromanaged or pressured us — quite the opposite: she gave us freedom but was always there when needed.

I’m especially grateful to her for trusting me as a designer. When I worked on magazine covers or visuals for articles, she would always say:

“You’re a pro, do it your way — I know it’ll be great.”

And that kind of respect and support meant a lot to me.

🏠 Didi

Didi was the manager of our residence. He was responsible for everything related to the volunteer house. You could go to him with any household concerns, but conversations with him never felt formal. He was always fair, calm, and easy to talk to — especially during breakfast. You could always count on his support.

🧠 Ourania

Ourania was responsible for volunteers’ mental and physical well-being. She held monthly meetings with each of us where we could talk about progress, challenges, feelings — or just chat about anything.

I didn’t experience any major psychological or medical issues, but it was reassuring to know I could turn to her if needed. She also explained that if necessary, the organization could cover treatment or therapy costs — and that made me feel safe and supported.

Although my main communication was with Kiki, Didi, and Ourania, many other amazing people worked at the organization too. Everyone contributed to the warm, friendly atmosphere of Balkan Hotspot. You could always joke around, chat, share ideas, or simply enjoy a coffee together. Sometimes, someone would even bring cookies to the office — little things that made every day special.

Life at Home

We lived in a six-story building that became my true home during the project. On the ground floor was our home office, where we sometimes worked or had meetings. The second floor had a large shared kitchen where you could cook if you wanted to — though honestly, we rarely needed to. We were provided with delicious meals every day (except weekends), which was a huge help in everyday life. The floor also had showers and a laundry room.

From the third to the sixth floors were the volunteers’ rooms. They were all quite similar, just located on different levels. If needed, you could request a private room, like I did, and the organization would try to accommodate you.

There were toilets on every floor, so that was never an issue. And best of all — we had access to the rooftop. In the evenings, volunteers would gather there for small picnics, chats, music, or just to enjoy the view. These were some of the most hearth warming moments of the project.

Thessaloniki — A City That Became Home

Thessaloniki is an incredible city, and its size and energy were among the main reasons I chose this project. I wanted to be in a vibrant, lively place — not a quiet village. And I was right.

The city is full of life and young people. With so many students from Greece and abroad, there’s always something happening: festivals, concerts, art shows, night markets, open-air cinemas — and of course, an active nightlife.

Despite being a large city, it took me only about three weeks to stop using GPS and feel completely at home.

🏛️ Metro as a Museum

Thessaloniki’s metro is relatively new, but on some stations, you can see archaeological discoveries right on the platforms. It's like visiting a museum — but free and part of everyday life.

What also touched me was the culture of kindness: locals often leave their single-use tickets on top of the validators, so someone else can use the remaining time. Tickets are valid for 60 minutes, so if you only used 10, why not pass it on? It was a small gesture, but it showed how much trust and care exists in the community.

🌊 Everything Is Close

Walking around the city, I often felt a kind of warm envy. Thessaloniki has it all: a beautiful, ancient city, the sea just steps away, mountains in view, and archaeological sites everywhere.

And just outside the city are beaches, resorts, and historical landmarks. Everything is close. Everything is there. The balance of nature, history, and city life is truly inspiring.

One weekend I travelled to Athens, and when I got off the bus back in Thessaloniki — I felt something strange but wonderful: “I’m home.” When I later returned to Estonia, I didn’t feel that right away. It came only after several days. But Thessaloniki became home in just two months. That says a lot.

Friends and Connections

Besides the volunteers I lived and worked with, I made a lot of new friends in Thessaloniki. The openness of the people amazed me. You could go to the market, and someone would strike up a small talk that felt genuine and warm. It helped me really immerse myself in the atmosphere.

Some of the people I met are already planning to visit me in Estonia, and I can’t wait to see them again.

There wasn’t much of a language barrier either — most people in Thessaloniki speak English well, so communication was easy and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

I think I’ve shared everything I could — in as much detail and honesty as possible. Because this experience truly left a mark.

I miss the atmosphere of Greece, the buzz of Thessaloniki, coffee chats, warm rooftop evenings, and, most of all, the people I met there.

I’m already exploring ways to return — not as a tourist, but as a resident. I want to feel that sense of belonging again, wake up with a view of the city where everything is close, full of history and life, and where there’s always someone ready to greet you with a smile.

Thank you, Balkan Hotspot. Thank you, Thessaloniki. I hope we meet again.

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