Léo Airaud
04.03.25
Izmir, Türkiye
A short winter in İzmir
Time is flying by, and my experience in Izmir just keeps getting better! After settling into my new life, I feel more and more at home in this vibrant city. These past two months have been all about deepening my connection with the local community, strengthening friendships, and exploring the hidden gems of the Izmir region.
One of the highlights of my daily routine has been working at Kız Lisesi, a beautiful high school perched on the hills with a breathtaking view of the sea. This place has quickly become my favorite workshop location. Engaging with the students and teachers there has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping students improve their English or supporting teachers, I genuinely feel like I’m making a difference. The students curiosity and enthusiasm have made every session enjoyable, and seeing their progress week after week is incredibly fulfilling. Sometimes, they even share stories about their daily lives, giving me deeper insight into Turkish culture and the education system.
Beyond my volunteering tasks, the bond with my fellow volunteers has grown even stronger. We’ve become a real team, sharing laughter, ideas, and memorable experiences. Whether it’s spontaneous gatherings in our apartment, exploring new cafes in Konak, or long walks by the seaside in Kordon, every moment feels like a new adventure. Living in a shared space with people from different cultural backgrounds has been an enriching experience, teaching us patience, adaptability, and the joy of exchanging traditions.
Speaking of adventures, I had the chance to discover Bergama, an incredible ancient city just a couple of hours from Izmir. Walking through the ruins of the Acropolis and admiring the stunning landscapes was like stepping back in time. The history of the region is fascinating, and it’s incredible to see how modern life coexists with such ancient heritage. Every corner of this city has a story to tell, and it was a surreal feeling to stand where civilizations thrived centuries ago. This trip deepened my appreciation for Turkey’s rich history and cultural diversity.
Izmir itself continues to surprise me every day. The warmth of the people, the delicious food, and the relaxed atmosphere make it such a special place. I’ve also fully embraced the Turkish way of enjoying çay breaks. It has now become an essential part of my daily routine! No matter the time of day, there’s always a moment for some tea in a cozy café or simply while sitting by the seaside.
A key moment in this journey was our midterm training, which brought together all the volunteers in our program for a few days of reflection, learning, and bonding. This experience was incredibly valuable, as it allowed us to step back and look at how far we’ve come while also preparing us for the months ahead. Through engaging workshops, group activities, and open discussions, we gained new perspectives on volunteering and cultural adaptation. Most importantly, it strengthened our friendships even more. Sharing our challenges and successes with others who are going through the same experience was both reassuring and inspiring. The midterm training left us feeling more motivated and connected than ever before.
Another aspect that has made a huge difference in my daily life is the Turkish lessons we’ve been taking. Learning the language, even at a basic level, has significantly improved my ability to navigate life in Izmir. Simple interactions, like ordering food, asking for directions, or chatting with shopkeepers, have become much easier and more enjoyable. There’s a special kind of joy in seeing locals smile when I make an effort to speak Turkish—it truly makes me feel more integrated into the community. While I still have a long way to go, these lessons have given me the confidence to use the language in practical situations, making everyday experiences smoother and more immersive.
Leo verbringt seinen Freiwilligendienst bei PI Youth Association, sei Projekt wird kofinanziert von der Europäischen Union.
