June – My First Month as an ESC Volunteer in Italy

25.06.2024

Exploring Milano 

Ciao, I’m Diana! I’m 20 years old and from Sweden, though I spent my childhood  in Spain. I’ve always been passionate about travel, and it’s something my parents who are from Latin America passed on to me through their own stories of exploring new places. So, when the opportunity to become a volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) came up, I knew it was my turn to create my own travel experience.

And where better to do that than in Italy? This country has always fascinated me, and now I’m here, volunteering with Avis Lombardia, a group that immediately made me feel welcomed.

Avis Lombardia

When I was looking at volunteer opportunities, Italy was at the top of my list because of my long-time interest in its culture, food, and history. 

I chose AVIS Lombardia because they seemed like a great fit for me. From the moment I landed, they were so welcoming. They picked me up from the airport and gave me a quick tour of the city. I was introduced to my roommate and co-volunteer, and we both got to live with our mentor. This setup helped me bond with them and build confidence right away. I felt supported, and the friendly atmosphere made adjusting to life in Italy so much easier.

The very next day, we started exploring Milano. My mentor took us out for pizza (of course!), and the following day, we got a full tour of the city. Milano is breathtaking, with its rich architecture and vibrant energy. I also got insider tips on where to eat. Honestly, I’ve had the best pasta and tiramisu of my life here. My favorite spot is this cozy little place tucked away from the busy streets, and I can’t wait to share more local recommendations as I discover them!

Volunteering

The first week, I officially started my classes and my work with Avis Lombardia. My roommate and I quickly became close. We spent a lot of time together, not just working, but also discovering Milano’s nightlife. One thing I love about the city is how you can find a bar with live music around almost any corner. The city feels quieter at night, but in a way that makes it feel safe and inviting, perfect for late night adventures.

One of the highlights of the month was participating in my first event with Avis in Brescia. I was nervous about how it would go, but it turned out to be a great learning experience. I got to meet other young volunteers from Brescia. It’s a good feeling when you realize you’re part of something bigger.

Summer Vibes

Besides volunteering, Milano in June is full of activities. I attended a free concert at Parco Sempione, one of my favorite spots to hang out. I love the balance between the city’s bustling energy and its serene parks where you can study or just relax. Oh, I even got the opportunity to see my favorite artists in concert. Honestly, it was a dream come true!

A Quick Trip Home and Visitors

Another highlight of the month was flying to the Canary Islands to visit my family. It’s so much closer now that I’m in Italy, and I made the most of it by going to a festival and spending time with relatives. When I returned to Milano, some friends came to visit, and it was amazing to show them around the city. They loved all the secret spots I had discovered.

Looking Ahead

My first month as an ESC volunteer has been an exciting, full-of-life experience. From exploring a new city, making new friends, and diving into my work, I’ve already grown so much. Milano is already starting to feel like home, and I can’t wait to see what the next  7 months bring.

I’ll be sharing more about my adventures here each month, so stay tuned for more insights into my volunteer life and what it’s really like to live in Italy as an ESC volunteer!

Autore:

Diana

Rojas Nuñez

Exploring Milano 

Ciao, I’m Diana! I’m 20 years old and from Sweden, though I spent my childhood  in Spain. I’ve always been passionate about travel, and it’s something my parents who are from Latin America passed on to me through their own stories of exploring new places. So, when the opportunity to become a volunteer with the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) came up, I knew it was my turn to create my own travel experience.

And where better to do that than in Italy? This country has always fascinated me, and now I’m here, volunteering with Avis Lombardia, a group that immediately made me feel welcomed.

Avis Lombardia

When I was looking at volunteer opportunities, Italy was at the top of my list because of my long-time interest in its culture, food, and history. 

I chose AVIS Lombardia because they seemed like a great fit for me. From the moment I landed, they were so welcoming. They picked me up from the airport and gave me a quick tour of the city. I was introduced to my roommate and co-volunteer, and we both got to live with our mentor. This setup helped me bond with them and build confidence right away. I felt supported, and the friendly atmosphere made adjusting to life in Italy so much easier.

The very next day, we started exploring Milano. My mentor took us out for pizza (of course!), and the following day, we got a full tour of the city. Milano is breathtaking, with its rich architecture and vibrant energy. I also got insider tips on where to eat. Honestly, I’ve had the best pasta and tiramisu of my life here. My favorite spot is this cozy little place tucked away from the busy streets, and I can’t wait to share more local recommendations as I discover them!

Volunteering

The first week, I officially started my classes and my work with Avis Lombardia. My roommate and I quickly became close. We spent a lot of time together, not just working, but also discovering Milano’s nightlife. One thing I love about the city is how you can find a bar with live music around almost any corner. The city feels quieter at night, but in a way that makes it feel safe and inviting, perfect for late night adventures.

One of the highlights of the month was participating in my first event with Avis in Brescia. I was nervous about how it would go, but it turned out to be a great learning experience. I got to meet other young volunteers from Brescia. It’s a good feeling when you realize you’re part of something bigger.

Summer Vibes

Besides volunteering, Milano in June is full of activities. I attended a free concert at Parco Sempione, one of my favorite spots to hang out. I love the balance between the city’s bustling energy and its serene parks where you can study or just relax. Oh, I even got the opportunity to see my favorite artists in concert. Honestly, it was a dream come true!

A Quick Trip Home and Visitors

Another highlight of the month was flying to the Canary Islands to visit my family. It’s so much closer now that I’m in Italy, and I made the most of it by going to a festival and spending time with relatives. When I returned to Milano, some friends came to visit, and it was amazing to show them around the city. They loved all the secret spots I had discovered.

Looking Ahead

My first month as an ESC volunteer has been an exciting, full-of-life experience. From exploring a new city, making new friends, and diving into my work, I’ve already grown so much. Milano is already starting to feel like home, and I can’t wait to see what the next  7 months bring.

I’ll be sharing more about my adventures here each month, so stay tuned for more insights into my volunteer life and what it’s really like to live in Italy as an ESC volunteer!

Autore:

Diana

Rojas Nuñez