On-arrival training testimonies - SPIN volunteers (Gaia, Ilaria, Jule, Veronica)

Our SPIN volunteers, Gaia, Ilaria, Jule and Veronica, just completed the mandatory On-Arrival Training organized by the National Agency! Read their honest feedback below:

Ilaria Gallo

Last week I took part in my first volunteer training course in Paredes, near Porto.We were a large group of young volunteers from various parts of Portugal. Each of us brought our own talents, knowledge, challenges and fears with us.

I am very grateful to my trainers for their energy and for creating a safe space for all of us volunteers to share our emotions, experiences, vulnerabilities and lots of laughter. They were very flexible, respecting the pace of the group, and thorough in providing us with all the important and entertaining information.

I loved my group, and we formed some really beautiful connections that I hope to cultivate in the future.

After creating the group agreement, which arose from sharing our common needs, we began the activities. The activities were proposed according to the principles of non-formal education. What a joy! No hierarchies, playfulness, and respect for everyone's needs. I think it's really the best way to learn without even realizing it. A spontaneous collaboration emerged within the group, bringing out everyone's talents and helping us to support each other in our difficulties.

During the open space, many interesting workshops were proposed, involving body, soul and mind, making it a truly rich and intense day.

I feel truly enriched by this experience and want to treasure all the lessons I have learned. 

Gaia Mascioli

When I found out I was going to take part in the on-arrival training in Paredes, I felt a mix of excitement and curiosity. Some of my flatmates, already doing their ESC volunteering projects, had told me how meaningful their training had been — a space full of exchange, inspiration, and new friendships. So with high hopes and an open heart, I packed my bag and got ready for this new chapter in Portugal. 

We kicked things off with some icebreaking games, which were fun and helped lighten the mood. But I was honestly disappointed when they split us into fixed groups on the very first day, because the group divisions kind of boxed us in and limited those opportunities.

The activities themselves were well-structured and often inspiring. We talked about our ESC experience, the projects we were working on, the challenges we were facing, and practical things like pocket money and insurance. It was a mix of personal reflection and useful info. But what I struggled with the most was the lack of real, deep conversations within my group. Even though the sessions were designed to encourage sharing, I often felt like people were holding back or just not that interested. The discussions stayed pretty surface-level, and the facilitators didn’t really push us to go deeper. I tried to bring in honest questions and open up a bit, but I didn’t always get the kind of response I was hoping for.

The facilitators were kind and well-organized when it came to logistics, but emotionally and relationally, I felt something was missing. The tone of the sessions — sometimes too light or overly playful — felt a bit off for a group of young adults who were already used to responsibility and eager for meaningful dialogue. A lot of the creative activities (like making short videos or building things) were fun to do, but then… nothing. They weren’t watched, discussed, or acknowledged. It felt like the effort we put in wasn’t really seen, and that slowly drained people’s motivation. When your input isn’t valued, it’s only natural to stop feeling as engaged.

One activity that really stood out to me, though, was the “walk and talk.” We walked around the town in small groups and tackled some big questions — about the EU, its global role, what we’re grateful for, what we find frustrating. It was during that walk that I had a powerful exchange that reminded me what feels “normal” or “basic” to us is often far from accessible or guaranteed for others outside EU borders. That was one of the few moments when I truly felt the richness of this multicultural space — where someone else’s story helped me see the world in a different light.

Despite the ups and downs, I still feel that this experience gave me a lot. Could it have been better? Probably. But am I happy I went? Absolutely. Because I’ve realized that things don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, it’s in the gaps — the awkward silences, the things that didn’t quite work — that we grow the most. I’ve learned that if I want something different, I need to build it myself. And I can. One conversation, one connection, one day at a time. In simple words, I’ve learned not to expect every space to meet my needs perfectly because I can shape my own space and discover my strengths along the way.

Jule Mangani:

From the 14th to the 19th of July my volunteer mates and I went to our on arrival training. We were accommodated in a nice hotel in Paredes, and warmly welcomed with some drinks and some "get to know each other" games. We met about 40 other volunteers who are currently in portugal. We were divided into smaller groups to get to know each other better. Each day we were taken by bus to the place where we had our activities, we spent the 4 days of intense training doing activities : team building, roleplay, games, debates, but we also had more formal moments of information about our rights and duties as volunteers, We had the possibility to share about our volunteering experiences, present our project, discuss about the potentiel tricky situations or conflict that we might have. I was very happy to discover the projects of the other participants, which were really different from each other. I enjoyed the diversity of ages, nationality, and mindsets of our group, we all had the chance to speak our minds about the topics that interest us regarding our experience in Portugal, and it was consistent to hear the opinions of our colleagues and of our trainers.

The formal activities of the week were from 9 to 18 everyday, such a busy programme. If I have to be honest, it was a little too intense for me, but it was also because of my doing since I didn't really use my free time to rest. Unfortunately for me I felt the activities and assignments were a bit "school like", and I have very poor concentration skills and investment motivation in this kind of situation, so the week felt a little long for me!

I did like spending time with new people but such a big group of strangers did generate some anxiety, with the frustration of not getting to know them better in the little time that we had and with the number of participants. As for our stay, I enjoyed the comfy hotel and my very nice roommate, the food was nice, except for the one in the place we had lunch, which was a little lower quality. Regarding the activities themselves, I enjoyed doing some casual little games but lacked motivation in the more demanding exercises. As for the content of the informative moments, I found them a bit outdated for a majority of volunteers who had been here for 5 or 6 months. If I could suggest improvements, I would ask for a session about the funding of Erasmus projects and ESC, in order to understand better what actually allows us to participate in such projects and to participate in such a week. I would also have liked a module on mental health, since I believe it is a relevant topic to be addressed, especially for young people who are for a lot of them living on their own for the first time. 

Let's see how the midterm training goes, fortunately it will be shorter and we will have already met some of the participants!

Veronica Hidalgo:

My experience during the arrival training was incredible. I met so many new people, some of whom were residents of Lisbon. During this week, I learned about different cultures, especially Portuguese culture. I also learned about my rights and obligations, how to handle different situations, and how to express my thoughts and fears during my volunteering experience. I loved the experience; it was definitely one of the best weeks so far.

O testemunho No.1 do Verónica (ANFR)

Hello everyone. I don't know how to start, so I'll start from the beginning. I discovered Lisbon during my sociocultural animation internship. I was fascinated and sure I had to come back. A friend told me about the European Solidarity Corps projects, and I decided to look for an opportunity in Lisbon. During that search, Spin came across a project I loved. During the selection process, they recommended I switch to the ANFR project, Bola p'ra frente, which I liked even more since it combined everything I had studied for. I was very nervous about the interview and anxiously awaited the final decision. When I received the email stating that I had been accepted, I was overwhelmed with emotions at once. I knew it was going to be a great opportunity, and I wanted to make the most of it. I imagined a million possible scenarios of what my year here would be like.

But I never imagined the huge barrier I would have to overcome. LIVING IN ENGLISH, I've never been very good with languages, and although I'm more or less fluent in Portuguese, I struggle with it in English. At first, it was hard, but as the days went by, I relaxed a lot, and my English gradually began to flow. Although I'm not known in the association for my incredible English, the truth is that I communicate more easily.

Another great enemy was loneliness. Sometimes I'm grateful for being alone because it helps me think, but other times, when I've had a bad day, I'd like to go with my friends for a Coke and talk without having to think about every word. Even so, my roommates act as my friends when we're having a bad day; they're definitely becoming great friends.

As for ANFR and the Bola project, it's incredible. Learning about this reality and being able to be part of it all is a pleasure for me. Both the workers and the young people have welcomed me and included me in the association. I hope I can help a little bit like you do with BPC.

O testemunho final da Sinem (SPIN)

 Olá Everyone!

This is my first and last testimony. “First” because I needed time to process and write it. And “last” because after three months, I’m returning home.

I first heard about ESC during my university years. Back then l due to life’s circumstances, I didn’t think much of it. But now I’m sure that a younger, less experienced version of me would have embraced this journey even more wholeheartedly.

Let’s go back to the very beginning. When I started preparing for this project, I was already working at a marketing agency. I had to try really hard to make this happen. So when I found out I was selected, the happiness and excitement I felt were simply indescribable.

After years of living alone and working in the private sector, I suddenly became…a volunteer. Not just a role but a shift in mindset, a new way of being.

My life began to change in every possible way. Waking up later than I was used to in Türkiye, starting the day at a slower pace and most of all crying, getting angry, being excited, laughing…in a language that wasn’t mine.

Working with people who weren’t just colleagues but also housemates was quite challenging for me. Different cultures, different habits, different styles of communication…But now, looking inward at the end of it all, I know this for certain, I have no regrets.

I’m deeply grateful for everything I’ve experienced and everything I’ve become.

At the beginning, hearing so many different English accents due to cultural diversity made communication difficult.But step by step with small “baby steps” each day, I began to notice my own progress.

Being able to express myself more softly and clearly was such a joy to witness.

I learned that some things aren’t as terrible as we imagine in our minds. And at the same time, some things aren’t quite as perfect as we expect either. That’s why shedding our assumptions, simply observing, and moving with our hearts is so important.

Believing that I did my best has strengthened my self-confidence. It helped me trust myself in a way I hadn’t before.

As for Portugal…

Exploring a culture and country I didn’t know, from scratch, was truly a beautiful experience. Every unfamiliar street, every new face, helped me see things in a different light.

And now, as I leave, I carry all the feelings I’ve experienced with me.

Thank you, SPIN.

I’m so glad you were a part of my life journey.

The one reading this,

If you’re already a volunteer or thinking of becoming one, I wish you a meaningful, transformative, and joyful journey.

🤍

With love,

Miraç Sinem

O Testemunho Inicial dos Estagiários ALMA

 

Join us as our ALMA interns share their first impressions, reflections, and experiences of life in Lisbon, through their own words and perspectives.

Raquel:

My first experience with this project has been positive. Since the first day we've been accompanied by our tutors and people from the voluntary work, we can always keep in touch with them. 

In Lisbon, we have done activities like visiting the Castelo de S. Jorge, Praça do Comércio and even trying typical food like pastéis de nata ou bacalhau.

About our internship, our tutors have helped us introduce ourselves into our new workplace. We'll have regular 'check ups' to make sure everything is going well during our stay in Lisbon.

Personally I feel comfortable and confident with the experience I've had so far. 

Michelle:

This past week we've explored Lisbon, such as the Castelo de São Jorge, socialised for the first time with our companions and met new people. We also started working on our practices for the first time.

Paula:

I'm really enjoying the experience. Since we arrived, we've been exploring the city with our colleagues and, in practice, we've seen castrations, an autopsy and we help the animals recover every day.

Raul:

Olá!

This first week in Lisbon has been great, we have been seeing the city and the views from the top and I love them. I have already met most of the people who are going to be with us during this experience and they are very nice people. Little by little I am going to see the corners of Portugal and I hope that during these next few months I will be able to enjoy myself like a child.

Vicente:

I'm Vicente, the first few days were very good, we went to St George's Castle and the Portuguese lessons we did the first few days went very well.

 We hope our interns’ experiences helped you get a better sense of life in Lisbon and the ALMA program. Stay tuned for more stories!

O testemunho final da Marta (SPIN)

My volunteering in Lisbon has come to an end. The past 6 months have been something completely different from what I've experienced before. I feel more sure of myself, I'm not afraid to take risks, and I now know I’m capable of much more than I thought before.

Living in Portugal gave me the chance to immerse myself in a culture so different from my own. The way people live life slowly and chill has taught me to take things with more ease and appreciate the small things around me. One of my favourite things was wandering around Lisbon’s colourful streets, ending up at a random miradouro, and just enjoying the views the city has to offer.

I’ve made some incredible friends who made my stay much more fun and exciting. It was amazing to be surrounded by people from all kinds of different places, learn about their countries, and share things about mine. I’m very grateful for the connections I’ve made and hope to stay in touch with them in the future.

I’ve also seen many stunning places. Portugal truly has so much beautiful nature—from the sunny beaches of Algarve to Madeira's mesmerizing views. My favourite places for sure have been the small beach towns by the ocean. They’re always so cute and pretty, with a really cool vibe.

I learned lot about myself during the project and I now know better what I want to do in the future. I feel that all the doors are now open for me and there really is nothing holding me back.

O testemunho final do Vedran (Spin)

It’s been six months since my last testimony, and I think it’s safe to say so much has changed, all for the better, of course.

Today marks exactly one year since I landed in Lisbon, and what a year 2024 has been. It feels like everything flew by in the blink of an eye, but isn’t that how it goes when you’re living the time of your life?

In my last testimony, I talked about a few projects I was working on, and now I can say how proud and grateful I am for being part of them. They taught me so much, and one thing is for sure: I’ve almost entirely conquered my fear of public speaking. Thanks to Spin’s projects and activities, I’ve grown more confident, and the summer of 2024, dedicated to Live it Lisbon, was truly unforgettable.

I had the privilege of leading workshops, helping to create plans and programs, and honestly, it felt like the universe decided I should level up my leadership, active listening, and problem-solving skills all at once. My creativity stretched to new heights; preparing theatrical introductions for Live it Lisbon activities and presenting the magical "Spin World" I co-created with my colleagues.

Beyond Live it Lisbon, the year was packed with content creation. We made countless TikToks, reels, and posts to bring Spin’s goals and projects to life. And let’s be real, turning ideas into reality with a team like this? Bingo!

But let me talk about Lisbon itself, the star of my year. I think I’ve fallen head over heels for this city, and after one year, I’m pretty sure I’m here to stay for all of 2025, at least. Lisbon reminds me of my hometown, Split, and that emotional connection makes it even harder to imagine leaving. The people, the laid-back vibe, the endless sunshine, the gorgeous beaches, and those sunsets… I have been officially spoiled.

Walking down the streets of Anjos, hearing laughter, and feeling the relaxed energy of the city fills my heart. I have been lucky to call this neighborhood home, with two incredible sunset viewpoints just a short walk away. Whenever I have a free afternoon, you’ll find me at Miradouro da Graça with a book and a cappuccino, watching the sun melt into the horizon. And that moment when the sky transforms after sunset? Pure magic.

2024 feels like a movie I want to replay over and over. From the memories made with my fellow volunteers in our house and friends that I met during my stay here, to the adventures we shared exploring Portugal, it’s been nothing short of extraordinary.

For now, my plan is to stay in Lisbon for another year, but honestly? I’m so attached to this city that I don’t know how I’ll ever leave. This place, these people, these memories they’ve become a part of me.

Here is to whatever 2025 has in store and to a little more magic under Lisbon’s sunsets.

P.S. I learned how to bake Pastel de Nata!

O testemunho final da Elena (Junta de Fregusia do Lumiar)

 

It would be difficult to separate these three months of ESC volunteer from my stay in lisbon. This much- loved city has in fact hosted me for more than a year now , gifting me one of the most vivid and rich periods of my life. I came here as part of an italian civil service project, working in an organizations that supports the integration of migrants and people with addictions. I felt right away part of this dynamic and multi-faceted city, and was able to become friend with locals and people from different backgrounds.

In fact, I consider myself a very outgoing, curious person . It is very easy to maintain social relationships in this city because sometimes it seems more like a village, where you can meet familiar faces on the street or in the many social centers of the city.

Being politically very active, I immediately took part in diverse social movements alive in the city. Supporting various anti-fascist collectives and taking part in a percussions group. I was playing a big drum during the protests that often take place in the city center, supporting causes such as the liberation of Palestine , housing rights or the climate struggle. In addition to my work and later ESC volunteering, I have participated in` parallel volunteering actions in different neighborhoods, gaining a very broad human and territorial knowledge. Understanding better the multiple aspects and dynamics that compose this city.

During this past year I have managed to give continuity to some long-standing passions, such as rock climbing (the surroundings of lisbon offer many opportunities for outdoor climbing ), painting (Joining a live drawing group) and theater ( participating in an improvisation theater workshop in my neighborhood). At the same time I discovered new passions and hobbies, such as playing drums and practicing bio dance. As a lifelong lover of music and festivals, Portugal is the ideal country for discovering new artists and traditional dances. In fact, I have had the opportunity to attend countless cultural and musical events, all over the territory, enriching me immensely.

Of course, my experience would not be the same without the people who have accompanied me and been close to me. I feel very lucky and grateful for these encounters and friendships that i hope to carry with me for a long time to come. All these elements made sure that at the end of my community service I wasn't ready to leave Portugal, and was lucky enough to be accepted to participate in an ESC volunteer project with Spin organization, based in Lisbon. I was active as a volunteer for three months in an after school program in the Lumiar neighborhood. I was volunteering in two after school programs , accompanying the work of educators in classes of 30 children.

Right away I was integrated into the team, and the educators explained how to best interact with the kids. In fact, many children have special needs * mental and physical, and various types of disabilities. I must say that it was the first time for me to work with children with disabilities and at first it was not easy to understand how I could be helpful and interact with those kids. It was a challenge also because of the large number of children and the energy used to organize various activities ( sports, painting, theater..et) every day.

After a few weeks I got used to the rhythm , also thanks to the help of the other educators who always accompanied me and spurred me to organize activities. The days passed quickly as each day is different from the other and there are never empty moments. The children are from 9 to 11 years old, they are very curious and energetic and always invited me to participate in their games. The fact that I speak Portuguese definitely was a big plus, and talking to the children surely added a lot of vocabulary.

In general I belive that this volunteering has made me a more patient and proactive person . Initially i was supposed to do 8 months of volunteering, and I only did 3 months because I got a job offer that i didn't want to give up. I am very thankful that I had the chance to participate in this ESC volunteering and I would always recommend to take part in this kind of projects.

O testemunho no. 1 da Nayera (SPEAK)

So I’ve been here for almost 3 months already, and it feels like it’s been only a couple of weeks. I guess as they say “good times fly by”. 

I don't want to be like every other person that just says cliches like “I fell in love with the city” but I absolutely did. One of the very first things that I noticed about this city was the music. Everywhere you go at almost any given time there’s music, even when it’s quiet Lisbon still has its own tune. 

I wouldn’t call myself an extrovert but I couldn’t help but dance all around this city. I’ve already met amazing people since I came here, especially my flatmates from Casa Anjos, it wouldn't be a good weekend if it wasn’t for them. I’m excited everyday for what this experience brings me.