At Youth Works Hub, we love sharing the real journeys of our community. Zofia moved from Poland to Zakynthos, Greece, for a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) project focused on marine conservation and protecting sea turtles. 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 her story, in her own words.
Last updated: November 2026.
👋 Cześć! I’m Zofia, and last year, I took a leap that completely changed my life—I joined the European Solidarity Corps and moved from Poland to Greece for a project focused on marine conservation and protecting sea turtles. 🐢💙
🛫 Leaving Home & Embracing the Unknown
I had always dreamed of working with wildlife, but I never imagined that one day, I’d be on a Greek island, helping protect endangered sea turtles! When I got accepted for an ESC project in Zakynthos, Greece, I was beyond excited—but also nervous. A new country, a new language, and a completely different way of life… Was I ready for this?
🌍 A New Home by the Sea
From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the beauty of Greece—endless blue waters, golden beaches, and breathtaking sunsets. 🌅 I was staying in a volunteer house with amazing people from Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, all working together on the same project.
We started every morning at sunrise, monitoring sea turtle nests, checking for new hatchlings, and protecting the eggs from predators. Seeing those tiny turtles crawl towards the sea for the first time? Pure magic. ✨🐢
💡 What I Learned
This project wasn’t just about turtles—it was about teamwork, conservation, and making a real impact. I learned:
✅ How to track & protect endangered species 🐢
✅ The importance of environmental education 🌱
✅ How to work with an international team 🤝
✅ That sometimes, the most important work is done in silence—just observing, learning, and respecting nature
🏖️ Unforgettable Moments
One of my favorite days was when we released a rescued sea turtle back into the wild. It had been injured by a fishing net, but after weeks of care, it was strong enough to swim again. Watching it disappear into the deep blue? I cried happy tears. 💙🐢
🔥 Would I Do It Again? ABSOLUTELY!
ESC gave me more than just volunteering experience—it gave me a new perspective on life, amazing friendships, and the confidence to chase my dreams. I returned home more passionate than ever about conservation, and now, I’m studying marine biology to continue this work. 🌊💡
🚀 Thinking about joining ESC? Just GO FOR IT! You’ll grow, explore, and leave a lasting impact—not just on the world, but on yourself. 💙
Individual Volunteering is a solidarity activity of a duration of 2 weeks to 12 months, excluding travel time. Our guides on volunteering with animals and nature in Europe, how long an ESC project lasts and what being fully funded means cover the next questions.
Thank you, Zofia, 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: Lea's sea turtle project in Greece · Marco's eco-volunteering in Slovenia · Anna's ESC year in Finland
👉 ESC projects: youthworkshub.org/?tab=esc-projects
