Why I Chose to Volunteer Abroad: A Journey from Fear to Purpose

by a Romanian student living in Denmark

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would volunteer abroad, I probably would have laughed awkwardly and shrugged. I wasn’t the adventurous type. I was the kind of student who stuck to their comfort zone, worried about grades, uncertain social interactions, and that silent fear of being misunderstood in a different language or culture. I barely dared to speak up in class, let alone pack my bags and head to another country to help strangers.

But things change. Sometimes slowly, sometimes in a single moment of courage.

The Beginning: From Hesitation to Decision

My decision to volunteer didn’t come out of nowhere. It was the result of months of internal conflict, moments of boredom, a touch of guilt, and a strong desire to feel useful again. I had moved to Denmark for my studies, and while I was grateful for the opportunity, something felt missing. I felt like I was just passing through – lectures, assignments, exams – without really connecting to the world around me.

That’s when I saw a poster on campus: “Looking for student volunteers – Join us in supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

It was from a local NGO that worked with children from refugee families. Something inside me moved. I scanned the QR code, read a bit, then closed the tab. For three days, I did nothing. But the idea lingered. What if this was something I needed, not just something I could give?

First Contact: Stepping Into the Unknown

I finally wrote the email. Short, awkward, polite. I almost deleted it.

A week later, I was invited to attend an orientation session. I walked into the small office with shaking hands and zero expectations. The staff were warm, welcoming, and understanding of my anxiety. They introduced me to the other volunteers – students like me, from all over the world. We were told we’d be helping with after-school activities: arts and crafts, reading sessions, outdoor play, sometimes just listening.

It sounded simple. But I soon learned: it wasn’t.

Culture Shock, Language Barriers, and the Feeling of Not Belonging

The first week was rough. The kids were amazing, but full of energy and sometimes chaos. They spoke a mix of Danish, Arabic, English, and whatever they felt like that day. Some didn’t speak at all. Others didn’t want to be touched or even looked at.

And then there was me – the outsider among outsiders.

I felt useless at times. Like I was just sitting there, smiling awkwardly, trying to find ways to connect. I remember going home after the third day and crying on the kitchen floor. I told myself I wasn’t good at this. I didn’t belong. I wasn’t helping anyone.

But I came back the next day.

Small Wins: The Day Fatima Spoke to Me

Her name was Fatima. She was eight, quiet, always drawing alone in a corner. I had tried speaking to her many times. No answer.

One Thursday, I sat near her and started drawing my own clumsy flower. She looked at it, unimpressed. I tried again – a sun with sunglasses. Still nothing.

Then she took my paper and drew a better one. I laughed. She smiled. I said, “Yours is better.” She whispered: “Because I practiced more.”

It was the first time she spoke to me. And in that moment, I understood something crucial: volunteering isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, again and again, even when you feel invisible.

What I Learned That You Can’t Learn in Class

In just a few weeks, I discovered more about myself than I had in years. I learned: That listening is often more powerful than speaking. That presence matters more than performance. That even when you feel like you’re not making a difference – you are, simply by being there.

I also learned that empathy is a muscle. It grows when exercised. I learned that you don’t need to have all the answers to make someone feel seen.

Volunteering Abroad Is Also About You

People often say volunteering is about helping others. And yes – that’s a beautiful part of it. But let’s be honest: volunteering helps you just as much.

It gives you purpose. It breaks the mental cycle of “me, myself, my problems.” It forces you to learn – not from books, but from people. From situations that are messy and real and unpredictable. It teaches resilience, because you will want to quit. And you won’t. It builds friendships with people you might never have spoken to otherwise. Most importantly: it reminds you that you’re not alone in your struggles. Everyone carries something.

From Fear to Impact: What Stayed With Me

Now, six months later, I still volunteer. I’m more confident. I take initiative. I’ve even helped train new volunteers. I still don’t always get things right. But I know now that impact is not always visible in the moment.

Sometimes the impact is in the way someone looks at you differently after weeks of silence. Sometimes it’s in a drawing left on the table. Or a quiet “thank you” as they leave.

Volunteering abroad helped me grow up.

My Message to Other Students

If you’re reading this and you’ve ever wondered whether you could volunteer abroad, here’s my honest answer: You can. And you should.

Not because you owe something to the world, but because the world has something to teach you.

You don’t need to be the best student. Or the most extroverted. Or the bravest. You just need to be open. Willing. Patient.

The rest, you’ll learn along the way.

Practical Tips (In Case You’re Considering It)

Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before I started:

• Pick a cause that resonates with you. Children, environment, elderly, refugees – follow your heart.
• Ask questions during onboarding. Know what is expected and what your limits are.
• Be ready for awkward moments. They are part of the process.
• Reflect weekly. Keep a small journal. You’ll thank yourself later.
• Celebrate the small wins. Even if it’s just one smile or one conversation.

Final Thought

Volunteering abroad wasn’t just an activity for my CV. It became part of who I am. It gave me a new lens to see the world, and a stronger voice to be part of it.

If you ever feel lost as a student, unsure of your purpose, disconnected from your surroundings, try volunteering. Not as a favor to others, but as a gift to yourself.

And who knows? One day, you might write your own story that starts with: “I never thought I would do this...”

E-mail Campaign – Young Bright Minds, Student Sundays & The Creative Hub

EMAIL 1 – Launch of the Young Bright Minds Project

Subject: Ready to show the world who you are? Join Young Bright Minds!
Optional header: [GCRS Newsletter] | Special Edition – Start for future leaders

Hi!

Do you have big ideas, but feel like no one is listening?
Would you like to express yourself, be part of a creative team, and build something real?

Then Young Bright Minds is exactly what you’re looking for!

What is Young Bright Minds?
A project launched by GCRS, created by young people, for young people, where we aim to:
offer a space for free expression (online & offline),
connect Romanian students from all over Europe,
launch social, media, and educational ideas – together!

You will be able to work in teams on media campaigns, articles, podcasts, event organization,
civic journalism, storytelling, and much more.

Who is it for?
Students (or motivated high school students) who want real experience in an international project;
Young people who feel they can contribute to change;
Volunteers who are looking for meaning, a team, and visibility.

What do you gain?
You work with Romanian students from multiple countries;
You receive official recognition and recommendation;
You build a media portfolio;
And most importantly: you become part of something bigger.

How do you apply?
Fill out this form by [date]:
[www.gcrs.ro/young-bright-minds
] (example placeholder)

Have questions? Write to us directly on Instagram @gcrs.ro or reply to this email.

Let’s build something amazing. Together.

With friendship,
The GCRS Team – The Creative Hub

EMAIL 2 – Open registrations for Student Sundays interviews

Subject: Tell your story. Sunday is about you.
Alternative: [Student Sundays] We want to hear you – registrations open!

Hello!

Every student has a story.
About beginnings. About adaptation. About success or failure.
And we want to hear it. And share it with the world.

Student Sundays is a media initiative where, every Sunday, we tell the story of a Romanian student in the diaspora.

What kind of stories are we looking for?
Have you gone through culture shock?
Have you started a cool project?
Have you found solutions where others gave up?
Have you discovered your voice, even when it was hard?

We are not looking for “champions.” We are looking for authentic students.

What does participation involve?
A mini-interview online (15–20 minutes)
Either audio or text (you choose)
Published on GCRS pages as an inspirational post

Everything in a friendly, relaxed format. We take care of editing – you just be yourself.

How do you apply?

Send a reply to this email with:
Your first name
The country where you study
2–3 ideas about what you would like to talk about

Deadline: [registration deadline]

Let us get to know you. Sunday is more beautiful when we also hear your voice.

With love,
The Student Sundays Team @GCRS

EMAIL 3 – Join The Creative Hub team

Subject: Are you creative? We have a place for you on our team
Alternative: [Call to action] GCRS is looking for curious minds and brave ideas

Hey!

If you’re reading this message, it’s clear that you’re the kind of person who wants more.
More meaning. More impact. More space for your ideas.

That’s exactly why we invite you to join The Creative Hub by GCRS – an initiative dedicated to young people who want to say something to the world.

What do we do in The Creative Hub?
we write articles and newsletters
we make podcasts and interviews
we test visual ideas and social campaigns
we launch projects that others can learn from

Who are we looking for?
Students and young people from the diaspora or from Romania
Curious, empathetic people who want to learn and create
It doesn’t matter what you study. It matters what you care about.

You don’t need to be an expert. We teach you what you need. You get mentoring, feedback, and freedom.

How do you apply?
Send us a short message with:
who you are (in 2–3 lines)
what you would like to try (writing, visual, audio, etc.)
an example of work you’ve done (if you have one)

By email or directly in DM at [GCRS Instagram]

Deadline: [deadline]

We want to build something authentic and young. With you.

With friendship,
The Creative Hub Team @GCRS