They wanted to leave; Europe gave them the means to do so. Jelena, Sara, and Cornelia, European volunteers in Frontignan, testify with the Europe Day of May 12.
The Journey to Frontignan
Jelena from Croatia
Jelena, a 26-year-old from an island in southern Croatia, always felt the need for change. After juggling odd jobs during her studies in tourism and economics in Zagreb, she decided it was time to reassess her life goals. “It was time for me to change my life and take a break to think about what I wanted to do when I grew up,” she recalls. This pivotal moment led her to volunteer missions across Europe, eventually landing her in Frontignan in September 2025. Although she arrived without knowing a word of French, her determination fueled her commitment to learning.
At the CPIE Bassin de Thau association, Jelena’s passion for ecology flourished as she engaged with schoolchildren in her new community. The preparation for Europe Day became a major project, allowing her to immerse herself fully in French culture. Despite missing her family and Balkan cuisine, Jelena finds solace in the cultural similarities between southern France and her homeland. “I feel good here… I want to stay in France and continue my studies,” she shares.
Sara from Azerbaijan
Sara, a 21-year-old from Baku, Azerbaijan, was already enamored with France. Her academic background in French and English translation paved the way for her teaching and translating roles. “My childhood dream was always to come to France one day,” she states. The acceptance of her application in Frontignan—near the sea—was a dream come true.
Though not much surprised her upon arrival, the experience challenged her to grow personally. Living independently revealed new facets of her character, such as self-reliance and public speaking. At the media library where she works, Sara intends to bring back innovative ideas to Azerbaijan, saying, “This structure does not exist in my country. I’m going to talk about it at home so that he can be inspired by it.”
Cornelia from Sweden
Cornelia, 30, hails from Malmö, Sweden, and found herself unemployed after studying sociology. At a job fair, she learned about the European Solidarity Corps program, which she saw as her last chance to experience life abroad. “I applied for several missions… Not being alone was important to me,” she explains, highlighting her arrival in Frontignan last August.
Cornelia engages with schools to inspire youth and is also active in local cultural activities. “Everything I experience here is like an enchanted parenthesis,” she shares, noting that while language barriers can make bonding challenging, she appreciates her work and the opportunity to explore a country she’s long admired. Her journey proves that there is no age limit on pursuing new experiences.
Volunteering in Europe: How to Get Involved
Many young people aged 18 to 30, residing in a Member State of the European Union or an associated country, can apply for volunteering missions. Registration is done through the European Youth Portal. Volunteers may commit for short (2 weeks to 2 months) or long (12 months) terms, requiring a full-time commitment of 30 to 38 hours per week.
Importantly, no prior qualifications, language skills, or degree criteria are necessary to participate. All missions are subsidized, ensuring that volunteers do not incur expenses out-of-pocket. This program offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to explore new cultures, develop skills, and make lasting connections while contributing positively to their host communities.