Dylan has set off on a new adventure: a period of volunteering in Estonia, in Tallin.

Here’s Dylan’s story of his first time in Estonia:

“My name is Dylan, I’m 21 years old, I’m from Cesena I ended up here in Tallinn, Estonia, for my very first experience outside Italy as an ESC volunteer at the beautiful Võsukese Lasteaed kindergarten, located a bit outside the capital in Jüri.

I decided to take this path because I had a desire to try living abroad, especially in a country I had never visited and one as unique as this.

As soon as i landed, I didn’t realize my journey had just begun… The first week was difficult because I didn’t know anyone and had to adapt to a country completely different from Italy. Over time, day by day, I got to know other people like volunteers, teachers, and Erasmus students who helped me make the most of my days with outings and walks in the city center.

In the kindergarten, during the first few days, the children were a bit shy, just like I was with them, but over time we strengthened our bond. As soon as I arrive, they all greeted me, and when I had to go back to my dormitory, they hugged me sadly because I was leaving.

I don’t see volunteering at the kindergarten as work; in fact, I really enjoy helping the teachers, thinking of creating activities, participating, and especially playing with the kids.

One thing I miss about Italy is the food because estonians have a very different food culture than ours. People here are cold to strangers, but once you make friends and get to know them, they open up and become quite fun.

I can’t wait for the snow to arrive; they say there’s a lot in winter, and why not, and i would like visit other nearby countries to explore the cultures and traditions of northern Europe!”