Meet Sanja, a young volunteer from North Macedonia who, after completing her degree in biology, decided to step beyond her country’s borders and embark on a new life adventure. Today, she is volunteering in Split with the organization Sunce as part of the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programme, where she has chosen to combine her interest in ecology with her love of travel and discovering new cultures.
A leap into the unknown
The programme she is participating in enables young people from across Europe to develop skills through volunteering, support local communities, and build bridges between cultures. Sanja felt this opportunity was a natural continuation of her education, as well as an answer to her personal desire to broaden her horizons.
– I studied biology, majoring in molecular biology, and I have always wanted to experience something beyond my own country – to travel, to learn, to meet new people. When I saw the call for this project, I didn’t hesitate. It was immediately clear to me that this was exactly what I wanted, – Sanja explains.
Her decision to apply for a project in Croatia was no coincidence. During her first visit to the country, when she travelled to Dubrovnik, she felt a strong connection with the nature, the people, and the Mediterranean atmosphere.
– I had always wanted to get to know Croatia better. When I saw that this project was also connected to my field of study, everything made perfect sense. Croatia seemed like a wonderful place to live and learn, and it turns out I was absolutely right, – says Sanja, who at Sunce met two other ESC volunteers: Martina Cekova and Jeanne Dournel.
Her favourite places: Marjan and Lidl!
Sanja now speaks with a smile about her everyday life in Split. The city beneath Marjan Hill has won her over with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxed lifestyle. Yet in her eyes, there is also a special charm in the small, everyday joys that we often take for granted.
– I love going for walks on Marjan, but I have to admit that my favourite thing is going to Kaufland and Lidl! We don’t have Lidl in Macedonia, and I’m fascinated by how much choice there is. Besides that, Split is truly beautiful: the nature, the sea, the people… everything suits me perfectly, – Sanja emphasises.
‘Give yourself the chance to experience something different’
As part of her volunteering role at the Association, Sanja takes part in various projects (such as the Swap Fair and the Split Biking Tour) related to environmental protection, citizen education, and the promotion of sustainable development.
– At Sunce we do so many different things, and I really like that. You can get involved in a bit of everything or focus on what interests you the most. The Sunce team is truly open, communicative, and kind, – she says.
For all young people who may be hesitating, Sanja has a simple message:
– Be open and don’t be afraid of change. Give yourself the chance to experience something different: a new culture, a new city, a new way of life. This experience has enriched me, and I’m glad I dared to take this step. If you feel like you want to try something, do it. Just say yes, – Sanja concludes.
