Milena Trajkoska comes from North Macedonia and arrived in Split in March 2026 as a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer to become part of the Sunce team. Although she is a molecular biologist and geneticist by profession, she decided to swap the laboratory for a completely new environment. Her curiosity, love of nature, and desire for new challenges led her to work on environmental protection projects and educational activities for children and young people.
A new opportunity for personal and professional growth
Milena first learned about the European Solidarity Corps while searching for international opportunities that would allow her to gain new skills and grow personally.
“The Sunce Association attracted me because of its work in environmental and marine protection—areas that are very close to my heart. I especially liked the opportunity to contribute to the community through volunteering while learning from experts in different fields,” says Milena.
Although living abroad was not entirely new to her, moving to Split for a year represented a completely different challenge. Her previous experiences outside North Macedonia had mainly been connected to scientific research and laboratory work, while volunteering in a civil society organization meant stepping far outside her comfort zone.
“At first, I felt a bit scared and uncertain because I didn’t know what to expect. But the opportunity to try something completely new motivated me to take that step. Today, I can honestly say I’m glad I decided to embark on this ESC adventure because I’ve learned so many new things and met wonderful people,” Milena adds.
Split as a second home
Although Milena had previously visited Split as a tourist, living in the city gave her a completely new perspective.
She spent her first days exploring the city, wandering through its hidden streets, and enjoying its Mediterranean atmosphere. Before long, Marjan became one of her favourite places.
“I enjoyed exploring the city the most, especially its small streets and hidden corners of the old town. I also spent a lot of time on Marjan, which amazed me with its combination of nature, sea views, and the possibility of escaping the city’s hustle and bustle within just a few minutes.”
Educating young people as the greatest motivation
During her volunteering experience at Sunce, Milena has taken part in a variety of activities, but working with children and young people has been the most rewarding part of her journey.
“The workshops on marine and environmental protection have stayed with me the most because I could see how small changes in knowledge and awareness can have a huge impact on future generations. Although I had already been aware of the importance of protecting the environment, volunteering at Sunce showed me even more clearly how our everyday habits can contribute to preserving nature. I’ve become much more mindful of waste, resource consumption, and my own impact on the environment.”
Milena says that international volunteering has made her more independent, self-confident, and open to new experiences. Besides her professional development, the friendships she has built during her stay in Croatia are especially meaningful to her.
One of her most memorable experiences was the On-Arrival training in Orahovica, where she met young people from different countries who, like her, had chosen to embark on a new life adventure.
“There, I met young people from different parts of the world who, just like me, had come to a new environment with the same goal – to learn, grow, and find their place through volunteering. The friendships I made there and the moments we shared have left a lasting impression on me.”, says Milena.
Don’t be afraid to take the first step
Experiences like these confirmed once again that applying for the ESC programme was the right decision. Milena has a clear message for young people who are considering applying but are still unsure whether they should take the leap.
“To all young people thinking about applying for the ESC programme, I’d say: don’t be afraid to take the first step. The ESC is not just an opportunity to volunteer—it’s an opportunity for personal growth, gaining new knowledge, discovering different cultures, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone leads to the most valuable experiences.”, says Milena.
Milena’s story is yet another reminder that volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps is about much more than gaining skills and knowledge. It can become an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, grow as a person, and experience unforgettable adventures.
