The past six months have been an intense and unforgettable adventure. My volunteering experience in Bulgaria is coming to an end, marking the conclusion of a period filled with encounters, discoveries, and learning.

From the moment I arrived in Blagoevgrad, I met incredible people. Today, I can say that I have friends all over Europe and places where I will always be welcome. The connections I’ve made here are invaluable, and I know they will last far beyond this experience.

One of the most tangible changes for me has been the significant improvement in my English. Living in an international environment has helped me progress impressively. Speaking English daily, whether for work or everyday life, has made me much more fluent and confident.

I also had the opportunity to lead a project close to my heart: a podcast about art and cultural events. This project allowed me to dive into a world I’m passionate about, engage with artists, and showcase local culture. It was an enriching experience on every level.

I loved doing my poadcast and talking about my favorite artists. I also really enjoyed my events, I found it really relaxing to do crafts. We created paintings and sculptures together.

You can check my poadcast here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wnbr1msQxI

But beyond volunteering, these six months have helped me grow mentally. I’ve discovered different ways of thinking, learned to see things from new perspectives. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and broadened my view of the world. I changed a lot, it’s a fact.

And of course, there were the travels. Athens, Thessaloniki, Istanbul, Skopje… Each destination left its mark on me. Exploring these cities, their history, their culture—it was a true privilege. Every trip added a new dimension to my experience here. The Balkans is a wonderful place and i do not regret at all to came here.

Today, I leave Bulgaria with the feeling of having lived something truly meaningful. This country, these encounters, these experiences have left an imprint on me. This is not a farewell, just another step forward. New adventures await, and this experience is only the beginning.

I will never forget Bulgaria and specially Blagoevgrad. I'll never forget the sunsets in Bachinovo Park.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of these six months. We’ll meet again, that’s for sure.

Marie the Frenchwoman is making a comeback in her own country, and it's going to be fun.

See you Guys.

Marie.

This article is created by Marie Fouéré - participant in the ESC Project ESC 2023-1-BG01-ESC51VTJ-000131842 in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, co-funded by the Bulgarian National Agency of Erasmus+ Program Human Resource Development Centre.

Disclaimer:

The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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