Hallo! My name is Lea and I am an 18-year-old high school graduate from Germany. For as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of moving abroad and discovering new places and cultures. After spending a lot of time researching for opportunities to do exactly that after finishing school (honestly, most of the research…
Hi! I am Cynthia, a 29-year-old digital transformation project manager living in Marne, France, where we produce Champagne. I will be spending three months in Skopje doing an internship in VCS through the VET program. I have always wanted to work abroad, so I decided to give my career an international dimension. I am eager…
Since I arrived in Macedonia, I have felt a small shift inside me. It might be the way people open me their doors without hesitation, or how a shared drink can turn strangers into something closer. The welcome I’ve received here has been more than politeness, it feels like a real invitation to belong, to…
I was certainly aware that the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), held in Skopje from July 20-26, would teach me something as an Olympic volunteer, but it went beyond my expectations. I spent the entire week at the venue with competitions in taekwondo, which allowed me to see a world I hadn't previously been aware…
Rümeysa, Fatih, Ceren, and Büşra are ready to volunteer with smiles at the European Youth Olympic Festival! Rümeysa Kuş, 20 Rümeysa is a curious and open-minded person who enjoys discovering new cultures and perspectives. She loves traveling, participating in intercultural events, learning languages, and organizing creative youth projects. Her superpower is communication—she can connect with…
Youthful and hardworking, all of them study different things, but all are connected in passion for sports. Aleksandra (twice!), Natalia, Gabriela, Dawid and Jakub are excited to be part of EYOF 2025 as volunteers! Aleksandra Baran, 20 Aleksandra is studying to become a physiotherapist. She loves playing sports like volleyball, being a scouts team leader,…
Full of energy, smiles and good humour. Sabína, Sára, Patrícia, Katarína and Filip are ready to take over the Youth Olympics! Sabína Rybianska, 18 Sabina currently studies economics in high school. She has one year left before university, and her dream job is to become a flight attendant or a sales manager. She enjoys healthy…
Whether it’s climbing, traveling, solving problems, or just sharing a good laugh, they are all about action, growth, and teamwork. Each of them brings something unique to the table, but together, they’re creative, supportive, and always ready for a new adventure (like European Youth Olympic Festival!). Kate Cela, 21 Kate is a student in International…
Bon dia from the second Aruba team! Gideon Testing, 19 Gideon is a student at night school and works in a restaurant as a waiter. He is having exams this year and is planning to go to the Netherlands to study hospitality management. He likes acting, painting, and drawing, and is also a huge fan…
History and books, computer science and cooking, all blended with the love for sport. Josef and Jan are sure to be a dynamic duo during the European Youth Olympic Festival, with some solid knowledge and passion for volunteering. Josef Pasek, 20 Josef studies computer science, and is a sports person - he likes cycling and…
A creative soul and a social type. Leni and Julius. This duo is definitely there to compliment each other on their journey through volunteering at the European Youth Olympic Festival. Leni Hafenmair, 19 Leni just finished high school and is taking a gap year to do volunteering. Something very specific - she wants to volunteer…
A mixture of calm vibes and fiery personalities! All five volunteers from Aruba are full of youth energy that are ready to make an impact during EYOF. Shainy Lampe, 18 Shainy is a bold, social and funny person who brings a lot of energy into the room. She loves going to the beach and listening…
Two out of 40 volunteers and first to present are Wilhelm and Yohann. They may be of different personalities, but what they have in common is passion for sport. Just the perfect to volunteer at European Youth Olympic Festival 2025! Wilhelm Verwaerde, 23 Wilhelm is a wandering spirit and introvert but also loves to make…
In April, I was sitting on campus in Ankara, just thinking about summer internship plans. I had no idea that in just a few weeks, everything in my life would change. While browsing through the university’s programs, I came across a three-month volunteering opportunity in Skopje, Macedonia. At that moment, I realized that something important…
Hi there! My name is Loline, and I am 21. I am from Reunion Island but I live in the region of the castle of the Loire (that you should visit). I was always surrounded by this mix of cultures and histories. That is why when I have the opportunity to travel and study I…
Hey everyone! I’m Narjesse, I’m 19 years old, I come from France and I’m proudly half-French, half-Moroccan (team couscous and baguette). I love adventure, blasting music in my ears, volleyball games with friends, and I’m (very) curious about everything related to South Korea. This is my very first volunteering experience, and I’m super excited to…
Exactly one year ago, I gave all the documents to the Macedonian embassy in Poland and was waiting to receive temporary residence to go to Macedonia. I felt contradictory emotions about moving abroad for one year and volunteering at Volunteers Centre Skopje (VCS). On one hand, I felt excited to change my life, meet new…
If you told me five years ago that I’ll live in the Balkans for a year, I would probably assume you’re joking. Not only Balkans, but Macedonia out of all places – a country I never really heard much about, maybe apart from the characteristic red flag with yellow sun and location on the map…
Bonjour! My name is Cassandre, I’m 21 years old and I come from the French mountains. I’m always thrilled to have some great conversations and to learn from everybody. If you like jazz music and life philosophy, it's sure we will get along. I love drawing, playing piano and photography, especially in the sun. I…
Dawid: As my time in Skopje slowly nears the end, I find myself naturally becoming more reflective about my volunteering journey. Stumbling upon the opportunity, struggling to write an application, accidentally missing the interview (thanks to my poor judgement of time zones) and arriving at the airport, all of this seems like it happened a…