Anna Korzh, a student-marketer Academic and Research Institute of Business, Economics and Management Sumy State University, spent a month doing a volunteer internship in Greece, in the city of Komotini.
Anna: “To begin with, I want to say that this is my first volunteer experience abroad.
I consider this a significant achievement and a great experience!
I learned about the project on Facebook of the Sumy organization “CEI – CENTER FOR EUROPEAN INITIATIVES”. Without thinking, she submitted her application, after which she was selected.
I contributed to the improvement of the Komotini areas by cleaning the beach, the forest and improving the garden. In addition to this, we had lessons in Greek, drawing, hiking in the mountains, yoga on the beach, we trained people with disabilities, played basketball with them.
In addition to our joint activities, we were divided into three groups. Each group had its own specific goal. I was part of the Team Media team, which managed the host organization’s social networks. Almost every day, the team developed a strategy for promotion on the network, shot videos, took photos and storytelling. Thanks to the Department of Marketing, I already had knowledge in the field of SMM, so I performed the assigned tasks without difficulty. I was involved in shooting a master class with VR before the day of the European elections. The project also had a Perpato team working with people with disabilities. A VR team that has been creating many useful things with 3D printing and researching VR glasses. Each of us had our unique experience and shared it with each other.
During our volunteering, we didn’t forget to have fun and, more importantly, cross-cultural exchange. During our intercultural evenings, we tried to learn about each other. The Greek, Armenian, Ukrainian and Turkish evenings were so incredible and interesting. We tried great cuisine, danced national dances, listened to national music and discovered the cultural heritage of each country.
I firmly believe that this volunteer project has become a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for each of us, full of wonderful events that will remain in our memories forever!”