Deirdre, a volunteer to Turkey, writes
I spent the month of July volunteering in a care home for the elderly in Etiler, Istanbul. The staff were some of the friendliest people I have ever met. They were so open and willing to share their culture and their way of life with me. They immediately welcomed me into their working environment, helped and supported me throughout my time there and even though communication was difficult we got to know each other so well.
My homestay was with a family in Gehmehöy on the Asian side of the city. They were so welcoming and did everything they possible could to help me settle in and feel like I was part of their family. I learned so much from them about Turkish culture and life in Istanbul and they also helped me to meet people in the local area and make frineds with some of the neighbours and family friends, who I now keep in touch with.
From the very beginning my local co-ordinator helped me to understand more about Muslim traditions and Turkish culture, introduced me to Turkish music and was there to help me with whatever I needed. We organised an art workshop together for some residents and actually had a lot of fun doing it. She was also there to support me when I gave my violin recitals for residents in the home.
This experience has been invaluable, improving my communication and teamwork skills, improving my understanding of other cultures and helping me to become more resilient and mature. The greatest aspect however was definitely meetiing so many new friends and people I will never forget
Deirdre
