3 months of volunteering – discovering, learning, and living a vibrant, creative life in Madeira – our ESC volunteer Kristiāna from Latvia

Hi! I’m Kristiāna from Latvia – I’m 20 years old, a budding graphic designer, and a huge fan of nature, food, and psychology. I’m passionate about exploring both the world around me and the one within us as humans.

Why did you decide to come and volunteer here? What inspired you?

I try to appreciate every opportunity life offers, and this one came to me quite unexpectedly – so I embraced it.

After finishing my studies, I took a gap year and started looking for ways to volunteer somewhere beautiful, ideally involving creative work where I could grow my design skills. That’s when I discovered Young Folks (a Latvian NGO) and their open call for this ESC project at the Art Center Caravel and ARTE.M associationon this insanely beautiful island – Madeira.

I was truly inspired and intrigued by how different the nature and environment are here compared to my home country. I knew I’d experience a totally different culture and lifestyle.

What have you learned from the time you’ve spent here?

So much! I’ve learned a lot about myself – both as a person and as an artist. Living on an island with such a different pace of life has shown me new ways of thinking and being. It encouraged me to live more authentically and to experiment more with my artistic expression and even my identity.

What do you think of the working atmosphere in ARTHubMadeira and ARTE.M Association? What was your input here?

I really enjoyed working in this environment and learning more about the rhythm and life at an art gallery – the daily tasks, preparing exhibitions and events, communication, and so on.

My main contributions were my personal exhibition "IDENTITY LAB" .

Also I aws busy with creating creating media content, posters, photos, videos, signs, and supporting the team during events. I also helped capture moments through photography and video.

Do you have a favourite place on the island?

If I wanted to be cliché, I’d say the friends I made were my favourite place – because I truly wouldn’t have enjoyed this island as much without the amazing people around me.

I also loved the simple things and places – São Tiago beach after work, Barreirinha catch-ups and dancing with friends, as well as adventures like hiking in the mountains, walking through Fanal Forest, swimming in Seixal, and so on.

What is your favourite element of Portuguese culture?

How slowly things can move. Even if it’s sometimes a little annoying, I genuinely appreciate this approach to life – it’s the complete opposite of hustle culture, and it really made me rethink how I live.

Do you have any tips about living and working here?

First of all – let yourself take the time to settle in and find your space. The rest will fall into place.

Some other tips:

1.  Talk to people and make friends – most of them are open and friendly.

2.   Rent a car or become friends with someone who has one 😄 – otherwise, it’s a bit tricky to get around, and exploring the island is so important.

3.    Get out of the city and explore all the beauty the island has to offer.

4.    Get yourself snorkel goggles and take them everywhere – the sea life is amazing!