It is a rewarding experience that can also help you build your resume and enhance your career prospects. I was lucky enough to be selected as a volunteer for INEX-SDA. I’ve had an amazing opportunity to be a pioneer volunteer with the ESC as an Events Coordinator and Administrative Support Manager and I spent in Prague and at INEX 4 great months.
I remember how I started in the office. It was kind of a transition, after the holidays, even though the office wasn’t really full. But I had a great time meeting my coordinator and other colleagues, considering that I already knew my supervisor, Veronika because she met me at the airport the day I arrived in the Czech Republic. From the very beginning, I felt the warmth and friendliness of my new colleagues.
My work duties were various and interesting. For example, the fresh start was to go with my supervisor to the other part of Prague and help her out there. I carried out the coffee breaks and helped with meals, settled people in once they arrived at the partner’s meeting, and took care of other administrative tasks during the meeting. Also, I worked with lots of documents. Who would have thought that projects funded by the European Commission require so much bureaucracy? I was preparing electronic folders for travel documents, communicating with participants, picking up tickets, signing various forms, and then collecting everything to be signed by the directress or project coordinator.
The other thing I’ve done during my volunteering stay and want to share with you was promoting Workcamp season of 2023. It was full of inspiration and an active part of my job agenda. One of my tasks was the distribution of promo materials to different institutions. That was something I appreciated a lot because I had days when I was exploring spring Prague and at the same time doing my job. It was more than 15 km per day I must say!
One of the best things about volunteering is the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. During my volunteering experience at INEX-SDA, I was able to meet people from all over the world, and it was amazing to learn about different cultures and ways of life. I was able to build new relationships with my colleagues and I learned a lot from their experiences.
Another benefit of volunteering is the chance to explore new places and cultures. During my experience, I had the opportunity to explore Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. I was able to immerse myself in Czech culture, try new foods, and learn about the country’s history and traditions.
In addition to personal benefits, volunteering has a positive impact on society. It provides crucial support to organizations and causes that rely on the help of volunteers. It allows these organizations to provide important services to the community and to achieve their goals.
Speaking of volunteering via the European solidarity corps (ESC), I have to say that I was fully covered with everything I needed. I had nice accommodation, transportation card, insurance, my food and pocket money, overall, everything you need. And I think that is why more youngsters should participate. This is an amazing experience especially for those who want to gain experience. I am very happy and grateful to the INEX team for hosting me and having me with them. Especially my coordinator Alena, supervisor Veronika, and my mentor and ex-volunteer Jule. They were always supporting me, dealing together to solve my problems and obstacles, so I didn’t feel completely lost and alone in a foreign country. Unfortunately, for some personal reason, I had to finish my mission earlier than planned. Just for you to understand how great it was – if I had the opportunity to volunteer with INEX again, I would do it without hesitation!
Vitalii as a pioneer ESC volunteer in the Edu section
Volunteering with the European solidarity corps is a great way to gain new experiences, learn new skills, and broaden your horizons. It provides an opportunity to contribute to a cause you care about while also helping others.
22. 6. 2023|Vitalii Shysharin