O testemunho final da Katarzyna (Spin)

 My volunteer adventure has come to an end. I can't believe these six months went by so quickly. This time has been incredibly valuable to me. At SPIN, we organized several youth exchanges, and although there was a lot of work, I had a great time. It was exciting to be involved in these exchanges from an organizational perspective, and sometimes I even got to participate in activities with the participants, such as learning the Brazilian martial art Capoeira. I also really enjoyed painting a mural. Although I had initial doubts, I ended up enjoying being a guide and taking groups on cultural visits, like to the castle. I experienced many memorable moments at SPIN that will stay with me forever. The team is fantastic, and we had a lot of fun together.

In early May, I had the chance to spend a week in Chaves for on-arrival training. I loved it and met volunteers from all over Portugal. We shared our experiences and learned valuable things that helped me make the most of my volunteer time. Additionally, I got to see a part of Portugal I wouldn't have visited otherwise, and it's truly beautiful there.

In mid-June, I had the opportunity to go to Marseille for the Youthful project, which focuses on creating a guide for immigrants arriving in Lisbon and Marseille. I really like the concept of this project, so I'm glad I could be a part of it and share my ideas. I enjoyed meeting another organization and their volunteers, who welcomed us warmly. Marseille is really amazing, especially the beautiful beaches nearby that look like paradise.

Living in Lisbon has been an amazing experience for me. The city is beautiful, and I felt grateful every day to live there. As a resident, I could visit various monuments for free every Sunday, which helped me get to know Lisbon even better. The Portuguese people are very kind, making me feel at home. Additionally, I explored nearby cities, which also captivated me.

Although there were some tough moments, in the end, I only remember the good times. I met many interesting people from different countries. Moving to Lisbon and this six-month volunteer experience changed me a lot. I feel like I've grown so much. This is a precious life experience that no one can take away from me. If I had to decide again whether to go, I wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Beijinhos 💋💋

Kasia

O testemunho final da Marta (Spin)

Hey everyone,

Marta here, wrapping up my volunteer journey in Portugal. As I reflect on the past eight months, it's been a tornado of experiences, challenges, and growth. While I didn't get as involved in youth exchanges and project planning as I had initially hoped, I still treasure every moment spent here.

My travels took me to some of the most stunning destinations in Portugal, including Madeira and the Azores. I was mesmerized by the "stairway to heaven" in Madeira and the volcanic baths in the Azores. Each place was a beautiful experience in its own right. Throughout my time in these beautiful destinations, I found solace in nature and a sense of wonder in exploring new landscapes. Although I didn't have as many opportunities to connect deeply with locals, I still appreciated the warmth and hospitality they extended to me during my stay.

During my volunteer experience, I had the opportunity to make some wonderful connections and form strong bonds with fellow volunteers. These relationships have been a highlight of my journey, and I hope to maintain them even after the project ends.

Though my volunteer experience didn't unfold exactly as planned, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the memories made. Portugal will always hold a special place in my heart, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to have been a part of this vibrant community. 

As I move forward, I can confidently say that I've grown as a person. I've gained clarity on what I want and what I don't want, both in my personal and professional life. This journey has been transformative, and I'm excited to see where it leads me next.

Until we meet again,

Marta Alethe

O testemunho no. 1 da Elina (Spin)

Hi! My name is Elina, i'm from Finland this is my first time volunteering in the Spin association. It was warm welcoming when I arrived and people are friendly. I'm happy to be here.

Due to fibromyalgia, I have limited disabled, but here symptons are milder its nice. Also the instructors are understanding and considerate. The workplace deals with important topics about environmental protection and teaching others, it's good to work related to it.

 In National holiday and freedom day we watched fireworks it was beautiful and also parade.

In the cultural visit day we went with Italian interns to castle of S. Jorge.

O testemunho final da Maryam (Spin)

 

Reflecting on my journey through the ESC program in Lisbon, Portugal fills my heart with an indescribable warmth and gratitude. Over the course of 12 transformative months, I not only explored the enchanting streets of Lisbon, but I ventured further into the heart of Europe, discovering the hidden gems of cities beyond my imagination. From the historic marvels of Rome and Florence to the vibrant energy of Spain and beyond, each destination left an indelible mark on my soul, enriching my understanding of the world and igniting a passion for adventure within me.

While my primary focus during the ESC program centered around social media management and logistical support, it was my personal project that truly broadened my horizons. Delving into the intricacies of project management and gaining insights into the inner workings of NGOs, I emerged with a newfound appreciation for the tireless efforts of those dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.

And let's not forget the culinary delights that Lisbon bestowed upon me – from the heavenly Pastel de Nata to the savory Cod fish dishes that tantalized my taste buds, each bite was a journey unto itself. As I prepare to bid farewell to this enchanting city, I carry with me not only memories but also recipes to recreate these mouthwatering delicacies and share them with loved ones back home.

But beyond the sights and flavors, it was the people of Lisbon who truly captured my heart. From my neighbors who welcomed me with open arms to the street cat I befriended and the friendships forged along the way, each interaction filled my days with joy and laughter. As I reflect on the friendships formed and the bonds forged, I realize that it's the people who truly make a place feel like home.

Indeed, Lisbon has become more than just a destination; it's a sanctuary where I found solace, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Though I may bid adieu to its cobblestone streets and pastel-hued facades, the memories and lessons learned will forever be etched in my heart. As I embark on the next chapter of my journey, I do so with a newfound sense of purpose, gratitude, and an unwavering belief in the magic of new beginnings. Lisbon, you will always hold a special place in my heart. Obrigada for the memories, the laughter, and the love. Until we meet again.

O testemunho no. 1 do Vedran (Spin)

Magical, unreal, and a bit scary at first. That's how I felt when I first arrived in Lisbon from Berlin. But let's go back to the beginning for a moment.

Hi everyone, my name is Vedran. I'm 26 and originally from Croatia. For the past three years, I've been living my best life in Berlin. Then, late in 2023, I got this strange sudden feeling that I needed a change. I wanted to open a new chapter in my life, so I started looking for volunteer opportunities. After applying to a few, I woke up one morning to an email from Catarina saying I'd been accepted to work for Spin. Suddenly, my life took a whole new turn. I miss my family, friends, and especially my dogs, but this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. So, I accepted it and started on this new journey alone, all the way to the very west of Europe.

For the past five weeks, I've been in beautiful Lisbon, making memories, meeting new people, and experiencing the city in the best way possible. I'm trying to cherish every small moment and make something special out of it. One of the first things I needed to find, besides the usual shops and bars, was the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Lisbon has so many, and I just can't get enough of how breathtaking they are. Watching the sunset relaxes me, makes me happy, and puts me in this dreamy mood that I absolutely love.

My first day at the Spin office happened the following week on a Tuesday. I immediately loved the atmosphere; the energy of the people there is beautiful and genuine, which, for me, is the most important thing when it comes to getting along with others. Right from the first week, I was eager to take on tasks, and now I have the opportunity to manage Spin's social media. I get to capture moments of the people who work here, the activities we do together, and use my creativity to create engaging videos.
 

In addition to social media, I also have the chance to work on projects like "Live it Lisbon" and "Tempo dos direitos," where I can share my own ideas and turn them into reality.

I'm just at the beginning of this new chapter in my life, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. I know I'll enjoy working for Spin throughout the year, exploring Portugal and Lisbon's beauty, and, of course, catching many more beautiful sunsets. After my first month here, all I can say is that I'm filled with beautiful thoughts, and I hope to have many more in the near future.

O testemunho final da Jessica (Spin)

The six months flew by and now I only have a few weeks left until I go back home. I've met a lot of great people here and made some friends. I'm sure you're wondering if I speak some Portuguese and I have to admit... Not really. But I have created many unforgettable moments. 

 

What I liked the most were the moments I spent with my friends. Dinner together, going out for drinks, watching movies, picnics, drawing, talking, laughing, traveling,…

 

In November, four of us went on a girls' trip to Madeira. In December, I turned a year older and my sister came to visit me. I couldn't miss the giant waves in Nazare either. New Year's Eve here was amazing. In January, I started skating again. From February the weather got better and better and we spent four days in Algarve. I spend March enjoying the rest of the time here in Lisbon. I could go on and on, but there would be no end.

 

 

In between, I also worked a bit – we were allowed to help with preparations for various events and the hostel. I was responsible for Spin's blog. Sometimes I helped with the design of flyers and posters. On the whole, it was very relaxed. 😉

The only difficulties were in our shared apartment. It didn't always work out so well with tidying up and it can get very cold in winter. From time to time I also missed my home. But these were just temporary things! 

 

My conclusion is – I would recommend it to everyone to have this experience. I don't regret a second that I was here and hope that the friendships will remain despite the many kilometers between us.

 

Lots of love 💗

 Jessica

 

 

 

 

 

 

O testemunho no. 1 do Mattia (Spin)

Hi! My name is Mattia, I’m Italian and this is my first testimony of my volunteering experience at Associacão Spin! 

The 1 st month has almost passed and so far, so good! Moving to a different country can always be scary at first. Still, everyone at Spin has been super welcoming to me and I can say in full confidence that I’m ready to prove myself and to give my best to help everyone around to do the best possible job! This can be a great chance for me to learn something new and to help other people and I want to give my best: it’s a wonderful opportunity and I don’t want to waste it.

But going back a little bit, moving to Portugal wasn’t exactly planned for me, coming from 10 months in Lithuania for my Erasmus for my master studies, I increasingly felt like I wasn’t done with living abroad and I wanted to have another experience in another country to keep challenging myself. 

I’ve only just recently learned about the ESC volunteering opportunity. The whole process of applying and getting selected for this opportunity was relatively quick, so the time to learn about Lisbon and Portugal, in general, was not that much, but still, in my short time here I already feel that this city has much to offer.

Speaking about my work at Spin, so far, my tasks include helping with translating and delivering information to Italian students who are having an internship here in Lisbon with the Erasmus + program and helping with the various projects regarding the youth exchanges and the workshops that will happen in the coming months. I’m excited to make myself useful and to learn as much as possible in the next year!