In March, we wrapped up our time with Sergej Sarchevski, the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer. Although he was with us for “only” three and a half months, Sergej brought incredible dedication, creativity, and an amazing eye for detail to his work, contributing to various aspects of Sunce’s mission, especially in increasing the organisation’s visibility and helping carry out events such as the Swap Fair. Read on to find out how his volunteering experience went and what he enjoyed most about Split.
First impressions of Split and Sunce
My name is Sergej, and I come from Skopje. Since December 2, I’ve been in Split as the European Solidarity Corps volunteer. Before arriving at Sunce, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty – I was looking forward to new challenges, but I also wondered how I’d adapt to a completely new environment.
From the very first moment, Split charmed me with its atmosphere – a blend of historic heritage, mild climate, and laid-back Mediterranean rhythm gave me an immediate sense of calm. Although my first days were filled with adjusting and meeting new people, I quickly felt at home. It also helped that my friend Nana, who’s also from Skopje, was already volunteering at Sunce.
Arriving at Sunce was equally inspiring. I immediately felt the warmth and dedication of a team passionate about their work, and what won me over instantly was the incredible office view of the Riva. On top of that, the office culture was relaxed yet professional, which motivated me to get involved from day one.
My volunteering experience
During my time at Sunce, I took part in a wide range of activities – from photographing and filming conferences to organising the Swap Fair and Quizos, Sunce’s pub quiz. Each task brought a new lesson, whether in teamwork, event organisation, or communicating with the local community.
The first week at Sunce, as I was told, was a true trial by fire – intensely busy and packed with events to be delivered. There wasn’t much time to settle in; I jumped straight into action and did my part. Even though the pace was fast, I felt fulfilled because I could see the tangible results of my work. This variety of tasks and the constant opportunity to learn made the experience even more valuable.
Getting to know Croatia and local culture
Outside of my volunteering duties, I made the most of my time in Split to explore the city and its surrounding gems. Strolling along the coast, discovering hidden corners of Diocletian’s Palace, and enjoying local specialties like pašticada, black risotto, and fritule became a regular part of my everyday life.
Through conversations with Sunce’s staff, fellow volunteers, and local residents, I learned a lot about Dalmatian culture, mentality, and life in this part of Croatia. That helped me experience Split not just as a tourist, but as someone who, for a short but meaningful time, became part of the community.
What I’ll take away from this experience
As my time volunteering came to an end, I can confidently say this experience exceeded all my expectations. Beyond the knowledge and skills I’ve gained, I’m leaving with priceless memories and friendships that will last even after I return home. I’m also taking home some new habits I picked up while volunteering at Sunce. One of them is waste separation – a practice that, unfortunately, isn’t very widespread in North Macedonia.
Split has shown me the importance of embracing new experiences, stepping outside your comfort zone, and surrendering to the unpredictable but meaningful moments that come with an adventure like this. To anyone considering volunteering abroad, I would say – be brave, embrace the challenges, and let the experience shape you in ways you never imagined.
Thank you to Split and Sunce for becoming my second home!
