Bulgaria? Why not!

My name is Marie, and I have just celebrated my 18th birthday. I am currently a law student in France, but I decided to take a gap year. Thanks to the European Solidarity Corps, I was offered an incredible opportunity to go abroad, and I chose to come to Bulgaria. More specifically, I’m now based in Blagoevgrad, a charming town nestled in the heart of stunning mountainous landscapes.

I’m only one week in, but I must say that this experience has already exceeded all my expectations. I had prepared myself to discover a new country and adapt to a new culture, but what I’m living here is far richer than anything I had imagined.

Blagoevgrad is full of charm, with its small cobbled streets that look like they belong to another era. Every corner reveals something new: colorful houses, flower-adorned facades, and cozy cafés where you can linger over a cup of Bulgarian coffee. The parks, lush and well-maintained, are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature in the heart of the city. There’s truly a peaceful atmosphere here, almost timeless, which is a refreshing contrast to the busy life I was used to in France.

What touches me the most is the people. Their warm welcome and kindness have made me feel at home from the very first days. Despite the language barrier – because I must admit, Bulgarian is quite a challenge for me – smiles and gestures of solidarity make sure I never feel lost. I still get confused about directions while exploring the city, but there’s always someone willing to help me find my way back, usually with great patience and good humor.

As for my involvement with the European Solidarity Corps, I feel completely fulfilled. My role involves organizing and coordinating various projects aimed at promoting European ideas to the young people in the region. It’s a real challenge, but also an immense source of satisfaction. Every day is different from the last, and I’m constantly learning – whether it’s how to organize workshops, manage a group, or simply better understand the aspirations of the youth here. Their enthusiasm is infectious and pushes me to give my best. I already have several ideas in mind for the upcoming weeks, and I’m eager to see how everything unfolds.

What’s even more extraordinary is that I don’t just get to work on meaningful projects; I also have the chance to explore a region of breathtaking beauty. Blagoevgrad is surrounded by majestic mountains, green forests, and crystal-clear rivers. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. I’ve already spotted several trails that look promising, and I’ve planned a little weekend getaway to explore more of the surroundings. I can’t wait to lose myself in these grand landscapes, far from the noise and stress, and reconnect with nature. Just thinking about it brings me peace.

Lastly, I must say that this first week has already given me so much, both personally and professionally. I feel like I’ve grown, gained autonomy, and become more aware of the importance of solidarity, openness to others, and cultural diversity. All of this reassures me that I made the right choice by taking this gap year.

I feel incredibly lucky to be living this unique experience, and I’m convinced it will stay with me for the rest of my life. Between the enchanting beauty of Blagoevgrad, the warmth of its people, and the tangible impact of my work, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better start to this special year. Every day is a new adventure, and I look forward to seeing what the coming months have in store for me. This year, I’m not only learning a lot, but I’m also discovering new things about myself.

This article is created by Marie Fouere - 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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