I remember starting my very first article for INEX with the words: “I came to Czechia with a huge 32 kg suitcase, carrying my 24-year life and the belief that the year ahead would change me.” Now, exactly one year later, I am packing again. But this time, what I carry feels much bigger — almost like 70 kg. I see a clear parallel with my life: I am leaving with double the experience, knowledge, memories, empathy, and love. Most importantly, I am taking with me meaningful connections with incredible people.
Looking back, I try to remember who I was during my first months at INEX. I see a scared and confused girl, doing everything with shaking hands, constantly asking herself, “Why am I here?” And always answering, “Do it for the plot.” After one long and intense year, I can confidently say that this experience gave me far more than I could have ever imagined — more opportunities, more growth, and more joy.
INEX helped me discover both my strengths and my weaknesses. One of the highlights of my volunteering was leading workcamps. During the summer, I met amazing people from all over the world—each with different backgrounds, experiences, personalities, and dreams. It made me realize how important it is to connect with people who are different from us. In the end, we are all human beings—unique in many ways, yet deeply similar at the same time, sharing common dreams.
This experience also showed me how limited my perspective of the world had been and helped me break many stereotypes. I would definitely love to lead more workcamps in the future. Another incredible part of this journey was the opportunity to travel and host friends. I still remember how amazed I was during my first months by the “open borders” within Europe, watching my colleagues travel so freely, even just for a day. During my time here, I explored different parts of Czechia and several neighboring countries, and these trips became some of the most memorable experiences of my year.
In my motivational letter, I wrote that I wanted to experience how a European organization works. I can truly say that INEX gave me the best possible environment — one that values both work and life in a healthy balance. And of course, the most beautiful part of this journey has been the people. Their kindness, empathy, and warmth made me feel at home in a completely new country. They showed me genuine love and respect.
Czechia and the INEX team will always hold a special place in my heart. It will forever feel like my second home.
Láká tě také vyjet do zahraničí na 2 až 12 měsíců? Evropský sbor solidarity (European Solidarity Corps, ESC) je program Evropské komise, který umožňuje mladým lidem ve věku 18-30 let získat zkušenosti v zemích Evropy i mimo ni.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or National Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
