Volunteering in YEU Cyprus

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello! My name is Brigita, and I come from Estonia. Before my volunteering journey, I was working in a bar during my gap year, preparing to apply for university. At some point, I realized I needed a change—something more meaningful and different from my usual routine. That’s when I started looking into opportunities abroad, which eventually led me to the European Solidarity Corps.

How did you decide to apply for an ESC project?

To be honest, it wasn’t something I had planned far in advance. One day, a close friend of mine sent me a link to an ESC project in Cyprus. The timing felt right, and something about the idea of going abroad, experiencing a new culture, and doing something purposeful really resonated with me. I applied almost immediately. It felt spontaneous but also like exactly what I needed.

What was the application process like?

Surprisingly straightforward! After submitting my application, I was invited to an interview. The conversation went well, and soon after that, I got the good news—I had been selected. Everything moved quite quickly from there. I started preparing, searching for flights, and talking with the organization about what life in Cyprus would look like.

Can you tell us more about your hosting organization and the team?

My host organization was YEU Cyprus—Youth for Exchange and Understanding. I was welcomed into a household with five other volunteers from different countries, which created a vibrant and diverse environment. Shortly after settling in, I met the staff members of YEU: four energetic and passionate individuals who were deeply committed to the projects. Their enthusiasm was infectious and helped me feel immediately at home.

How was your daily life as a volunteer?

Most of my daily work was in the office, where I focused on developing my own initiative project inside the big overall project named Learning League. One of the highlights was a photo treasure hunt, designed to engage people in learning English while exploring their surroundings. Which were interactive, fun, and well-received by participants. It gave me a real sense of pride and accomplishment. Knowing that people were enjoying and benefiting from the project made all the hard work worth it.

What did you do in your free time?

Cyprus is an amazing place to explore, and we definitely took advantage of that. In our free time, my fellow volunteers and I traveled around the island, visiting small villages, beaches, and mountains. It’s such a beautiful country with so many hidden gems. We shared a house slightly outside the city, in a quiet neighborhood that had a cozy and safe atmosphere. It was a perfect base for both relaxing and adventuring.

How did you find the local food and culture?

The food reminded me of Greek cuisine, which makes sense given the region—but I have to admit it wasn’t exactly my favorite. I often found myself missing Estonian food! But food aside, the local culture was warm and welcoming. I loved learning about the traditions, the slower pace of life, and the way people celebrated everyday moments.

Did you have a chance to learn Greek or engage in hobbies?

Learning Greek was definitely a challenge—it’s quite different from Estonian, both in structure and pronunciation. But I enjoyed trying, and I appreciated the locals’ patience with my efforts. One of the best parts was meeting a girl who played volleyball, which allowed me to keep up one of my favorite hobbies while I was there. It helped me stay active and also connect with new people.

How did this experience shape your future plans?

The ESC project gave me clarity and confidence. It helped solidify my desire to study English and literature, with the ultimate goal of teaching English abroad. I’m currently planning to apply to university to pursue that path. Volunteering gave me practical experience, helped me grow my social skills, and introduced me to working in an international environment. It truly opened my eyes to what I’m capable of and where I see myself in the future.

Any final thoughts or advice for others considering ESC?

Do it. Whether you’re in a gap year or just feeling stuck, it is more than a project abroad —it’s a big personal transformation. It challenges you, connects you, and teaches you things about the world and yourself that no classroom ever could. I’m deeply grateful for the experience and all the people I met along the way. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever. Just be prepared that leaving in the end of the project will be much harder than going. You will connect with people and settle in to the routine and surroundings. But it’s a small price to pay for the surreal experience and connections you will make.