5 Things Haitam Learnt Volunteering in Bucharest, Romania!
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When Haitam decided to go on a Global Volunteer exchange, he knew he was signing up for something new. But he didn’t realise just how much the experience would shape his character, challenge his assumptions, and expand his view of the world. What started as a step into uncertainty became one of the most transformative journeys of his life. Let’s explore the five biggest lessons he brought home! But first, some context about his journey...
Haitam had seen many young people around him travel abroad and return with inspiring stories. He wanted to experience AIESEC first-hand, though not as a leader, but as a participant. He was eager to push his boundaries, step out of his comfort zone, and discover what global leadership truly means. As he explored his options, he was drawn to a program in Romania focused on education and youth development.The project offered the chance to engage with young minds, make a meaningful impact, and see first-hand how AIESEC contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, his work supported SDG 4: Quality Education, helping students reflect, think creatively, and learn beyond the traditional classroom.♫₊˚.🎧 ✩｡✎ᝰ📋
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1. Stepping into the unfamiliar builds resilience
From the moment he arrived in a small Romanian village, reality hit—he was far away from home, surrounded by unfamiliar language, landscapes, and customs. Every day tasks suddenly required effort and creativity. He had to navigate local transport routes without understanding the signs, communicate with locals using Google Translate, and find his way through conversations built on patience and gestures. At first, the unfamiliar environment felt overwhelming. But over time, he learned to adapt. He began to embrace the challenge rather than resist it. The experience taught him a crucial lesson: growth doesn’t happen inside comfort zones- it happens when you dare to explore beyond them.“Fundamentally I realized deep down we human are all the same. The difference is just culture and that’s the beauty to learn and share and grow with each other.”
2. Seeing life through different realities is humbling
One moment in particular left a lasting impression on him. He was invited to visit one of the local teachers he worked with. Her home was simple, warm, and surrounded by farmland. In the backyard, her family grew their own food- fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs- all harvested by hand. This was normal life for them. It wasn’t driven by convenience or technology, but by tradition, hard work, and community support. It gave him a glimpse into a different reality- where sustainability wasn’t a buzzword, it was a way of life. This experience reminded him to appreciate what he has and to never take small things for granted.3. Confidence grows when you face your fears
Haitam confesses public speaking wasn’t always his strength. In fact, on his very first day of volunteering, he stood outside the classroom door feeling nervous to even step inside. The idea of teaching alone, in a foreign country, was intimidating. But he took a breath, walked in, and tried. Day after day, he returned. He made mistakes, learned from them, and kept improving.By the end of the project, he was confidently teaching classes of 30 enthusiastic students! Not only did his public speaking improve, but his belief in himself grew stronger too. He learned that confidence isn’t something you’re born with- it’s something you cultivate yourself!4. Cultural exchange creates lifelong connections
Volunteering wasn’t just about teaching; it was about connecting. Haitam didn’t just meet people- he built relationships. He embraced Romanian customs, learned traditional phrases, tasted local dishes, and even attended a village festival! Standing in a crowd of people who spoke a different language but welcomed him like family, he realised something powerful: cultural exchange isn’t about comparing differences, it’s about celebrating them. In return, he shared stories about life in the UK, introducing students to British traditions. Those exchanges were more than educational; they were human. 5. No matter where we come from, we are all human
Through conversations, shared meals, laughter, and community moments, he discovered a fundamental truth: people everywhere are more alike than different. Whether in the UK or a small Romanian village, people care about family, friendship, purpose, and hope. We may speak different languages, follow different traditions, and grow up in different system- but deep down, we share the same humanity. This experience reminded him not just to see the world, but to understand it.““The difference is just culture and that’s the beauty because that’s where we learn from each other.” ”
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Memories
Haitam’s Global Volunteer journey was far more than a trip abroad, it was a life lesson in courage, connection, and personal growth. It opened his eyes to new perspectives and gave him the confidence to take on challenges that once felt impossible. Above all, it showed him that the world becomes better when people choose to learn from one another.Reflecting on his journey, Haitam shared some advice for those thinking about taking the same step:Be curious: every culture, person, and challenge has something to teach you.Step out of your comfort zone: growth only happens when you take risks.Enjoy every moment: the friendships and memories you make will stay with you forever.
In his own words, “AIESEC gave me more than just experience, it gave me perspective.”