It is hard to believe that six months have already passed since I left France to begin my volunteering placement in Belgrade. While it is not my first experience of international volunteering, I did not know what to expect. This has been a different kind of learning experience to what I have known before, shedding light on the broader realities of the international non-profit sector. Indeed, one of the most significant insights I’ve gained over the past half-year is learning how complex the internal, administrative machinery of an NGO can be.  

Coming from an outside perspective, it is easy to focus solely on direct field intervention. Being embedded in the daily office routine has taught me how much energy goes into background coordination, organisational processes, and administrative navigation. Observing these subtle structural dynamics has helped me cultivate patience, adaptability, and a much more realistic understanding of how non-governmental organizations function behind the scenes. 

I also had the opportunity to prepare and deliver a presentation on the European Solidarity Corps to a group of university students studying social work. Sharing the values of international volunteering and youth mobility with future social care professionals was a rewarding experience that allowed me to bridge my own journey with local community engagement. Another work event I particularly enjoyed was one dedicated to the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at Europe House, which provided valuable insights into human rights advocacy, social protection for older people, and intergenerational support in Serbia. The topic of elderly people’s rights is very interesting to me as they unfortunately often fall through the cracks of our various social safety nets. 

On the personal side, over the last six months, establishing a rich routine outside of work has turned Serbia into a genuine home away from home. Beyond my official placement, my passion for animal welfare led me to volunteer at a local cat shelter once or twice a week, depending on availability. Hands-on involvement with local animal rescue efforts has been one of the most rewarding ways to give back directly to the city. I have also been able to find a local gym and keep up an active lifestyle, which has provided a grounding anchor, and have become a regular at the Cine Club at the Instituto Cervantes has been a wonderful monthly highlight. Finally, another highlight of my time here was welcoming a close friend visiting from France. Showing her around Belgrade through my own eyes was a great way to reflect on how much of a home this city has become for me. 

Having six months here has also given me the time to explore beyond the capital. I have taken weekends to travel north and discover Vojvodina, exploring the historic streets and fortress of Novi Sad and Petrovaradin, the remarkable Art Nouveau architecture of Subotica, and the serene shores of Lake Palić. More recently, I have also visited Novi Pazar, a majority-Muslim city in southwestern Serbia. Experiencing its rich Islamic heritage, historic mosques, and distinct cultural atmosphere offered a fascinating window into the country’s diversity. Looking ahead to my remaining time, I am especially eager to head south to get to know Niš and explore more of Serbia’s regional heritage. 

Of course, living in Serbia for half a year means tackling the language. Practicing in daily situations, when buying groceries, ordering coffee, or asking for directions during my travels, has been a great adventure. Serbians are exceptionally warm and patient whenever you try to speak their language, which makes every attempt encouraging. 

Looking back on this half-year milestone, I realize that volunteering abroad is just as much about personal growth, observational learning, and adaptability as it is about the task list itself. I am grateful to my sending organization in Czechia for facilitating this opportunity, and I look forward to bringing back a well-rounded perspective at the end of my project. 

Did Marina’s experience catch your interest?

Our volunteers are involved in humanitarian work in Serbia, Zambia, and Uganda. If you’d like to experience something similar, read more on our website and join us! 

Volunteer abroad with ADRA

The Humanitarian Volunteering for Solidarity Activities project (No. 101140258) runs from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2027, and is co-financed by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed in this text are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the grant provider (the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency). Neither the European Union nor the grant provider are responsible for them.