Ansam Awad, a young Jordanian volunteer from Madaba, recently completed a transformative year-long volunteering experience in Hungary through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). Her journey, part of the project titled Piece of My Heart Vol. 6, was hosted by Együttható Közösségépítő Egyesület in Budapest and co-funded by the European Commission.
“I was accepted into the volunteering program in Hungary in October 2024, and I honestly couldn’t believe it at first,” Ansam recalls. “I had applied to so many volunteering opportunities before and got rejected. But the organization in Hungary accepted me — and it literally changed my life.”
A New Beginning
Ansam’s ESC placement ran from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. She was hosted in Budapest’s 15th district, where she shared an apartment with two other volunteers from Azerbaijan. Each had their own private room, creating a supportive and comfortable living environment.
The project focused on inclusive youth services, particularly supporting young people with disabilities. Ansam worked at the Youth Information Centre in Budapest’s 4th district, contributing to community development, intercultural events, and youth outreach.
Overcoming Barriers
Before her ESC journey, Ansam considered herself shy and introverted. Her English was weak, and she feared speaking it. But the experience quickly began to reshape her confidence.
“I discovered many new sides to my personality,” she explains. “I even started an online school to teach Arabic to foreigners after improving my English.”
Through daily interactions, mentoring sessions, and structured responsibilities, Ansam’s language skills improved dramatically. She became more social, more expressive, and more independent.
Responsibilities and Growth
Ansam’s tasks included:
Supporting youth with disabilities in community spaces
Organizing intercultural events and workshops
Managing social media outreach and communications
Participating in Hungarian language classes
Initiating her own personal project based on her interests
Attending ESC trainings and mentoring sessions
She also contributed to the renovation of the host organization’s facilities and participated in weekend youth exchanges, earning compensatory days off.
A Story Worth Sharing
Ansam is now writing a novel about her ESC experience — capturing the stories of the people she met, the bonds they built, and the personal growth they all experienced.
“Volunteering in European countries can truly be one of the most life-changing experiences anyone can have,” she emphasizes.
Her story is not just about travel or volunteering. It’s about transformation, resilience, and the power of intercultural exchange. Through her ESC journey, Ansam discovered a new country, a new community, and a new version of herself.
