At Youth Works Hub, we love sharing the real journeys of our community. Luca moved from Malta to Lyon, France, for a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project at a community centre for migrant and refugee integration. The European Solidarity Corps is the European Union programme that brings young people together to build a more inclusive society, support vulnerable people and respond to societal and humanitarian challenges. The programme covers a broad range of areas, such as integration of migrants, environmental challenges, prevention of natural disasters, education and youth activities, preservation of cultural heritage and humanitarian aid. Here is his story, in his own words.
Last updated: November 2026.
👋 Bonjour! I’m Luca, and my ESC journey took me from Malta to France for an experience that changed the way I see the world. 🌍✨ My project focused on social inclusion and supporting refugees, and what I learned in those few months will stay with me forever.
✈️ Taking the Leap
When I applied for the European Solidarity Corps, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had volunteered before in Malta, but moving to a new country, new culture, new language? That was a whole different level. When I got accepted for a project in Lyon, France, working at a community center for migrant and refugee integration, I knew I had to say yes.
🏡 New Home, New Perspectives
From day one, I realized this wasn’t just about me helping others—it was about learning, listening, and growing together. Our center provided French language lessons, job training, and cultural exchange activities for refugees starting a new life in France.
One of my biggest challenges? Learning French fast enough to help with the classes! 😅 But the refugees I worked with taught me more than I ever expected. Their resilience, kindness, and hope inspired me every single day.
💡 Lessons That Changed Me
✅ Inclusion isn’t just a word—it’s about action, empathy, and breaking barriers.
✅ Language is powerful—even when we didn’t share the same words, we always found ways to communicate.
✅ Being a volunteer isn’t about "giving"—it’s about sharing experiences and growing together.
🎭 Moments That Touched My Heart
One night, we organized a cultural storytelling event where everyone—volunteers and refugees—shared stories from their home countries. 🌍✨ It was emotional, powerful, and reminded me that, no matter where we come from, we all have dreams, struggles, and stories that connect us.
🔥 Would I Do It Again? YES, 100%
ESC gave me more than just an experience—it gave me a new family, new skills, and a new way of seeing the world. I left France knowing that I wanted to continue working in human rights and social work.
🚀 Thinking about volunteering? DO IT! It will challenge you, inspire you, and change your life in ways you never expected. 💙
Volunteering is a full-time unpaid activity that has a duration of up to 12 months, and participation in volunteering activities must be free of charge for the volunteer. Online Language Support (OLS) is a service designed to help you improve the knowledge of the language you will be using to carry out the volunteering tasks. Our guides on culture shock and homesickness and whether Erasmus+ or ESC helps your career cover what comes during and after a project.
Thank you, Luca, for sharing your story 💙 Have your own Erasmus+ or ESC story? Send it to Youth Works Hub and we will feature it here, so other young people can see what is possible.
More stories from our community: Olga's ESC project in Provence · Samet's ESC year in Poland · 5 inspiring stories from ESC volunteers
👉 ESC projects: youthworkshub.org/?tab=esc-projects
