Eight members, with a range of interests and backgrounds, make up the group, but they are all bound together by a shared love of culture and history. Tod, 24, is well-known for his joyful disposition and passion for blues music. Victoria (20) is flexible, likes music from the 1980s, and studies history at Malaga. Rad, a 18-year-old history lover from Bulgaria, is trustworthy and enjoys pop music. Elina, 23, is always on the go, enjoys rap music, and is studying for a Master's degree in Chemistry in Thessaloniki. Sandra, 25, loves folklore, works hard, and specialises in cultural heritage conservation. Mario is a 23-year-old history student at UNED who enjoys pop and rock and is curious about the world. Ula – funny rock star, me – Ailin – 20 years old between journalism, psychology and animal cares and Adrián (31), a helpful professional archaeologist and teacher, enjoys music from the 1980s.
Together all of us come to Rupite village (Bulgaria) to explore the culture, meet new people and gain new skills.
When my new friends came in Sofia (Bulgaria) for the first time, the most striking aspect of our initial moments in Bulgaria was the large apartment blocks. “The abundance of green areas and the presence of old buildings that are very well preserved keep the traditional urban character alive,” they commented. Another feature of Bulgarian culture that did not go unnoticed was the food, as well as the public transportation, which caught their attention. At first, they saw it as chaotic, but later on, everything worked in a surprisingly organised way. Over time, they found that the most attractive aspect of Bulgaria is the warm people who welcomed the participants with exceptional local products, making them feel connected to the land and local traditions.
As volunteers in a foreign country, there is not only beauty but also growth opportunities. Some challenges they faced during the project were related to the language barrier, different meal times, and difficulties adjusting to the local transportation and currency. “On top of that, we had to adapt to new archaeological methods and ways of working that were different from those we were used to in Spain,” shared Adrian (the leader of the group). The young Spanish volunteer – Victoria, were impressed by the Bulgarian landscapes, the vast fields, and the close connection people maintain with agriculture and livestock, which remain such an important part of everyday life here. They were happy to be met by kind and helpful local people who always ensured they felt comfortable in their city.
Other skills they developed included resilience and the ability to express themselves skillfully, especially in a language that was not their first. It is a great pleasure for us to see how they learned to work as a team, confidently face challenges, and manage different situations more effectively. As they prepare to return home, their suitcases hold not only clothes but also new friendships, unforgettable memories, and many photos that capture their experiences. “We also bring back new ways of facing problems, a deeper understanding of Bulgarian culture, and countless stories that will stay with us forever,” they concluded.
In conclusion, the volunteers' time in Bulgaria was informative and life-changing. They were amazed by the nation's culture, architecture, and scenery, but above all, by how friendly and welcoming its citizens were. They gained determination, teamwork, and effective communication skills as a result of the difficulties they encountered. In addition to developing
professionally and personally, students depart with enduring friendships, treasured memories, and a greater understanding of Bulgarian culture.
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