Agnė Komkienė, Lithuania. Long term ESC volunteer in the Mushrooms Growers project, at IDC (april – december 2025)
Hello!
My name is Agne and I come from Lithuania. Volunteering abroad was an old dream of mine, one that I kept on hold for years. As I was getting closer to the age limit for participation, I realized it was now or never – otherwise, I might always regret not taking a chance. So I decided to catch the last train in every sense of the word and started my project just one day before my 31st birthday!
I’m currently volunteering in Carcassonne, where I’m a part of a unique mushroom project that grows oyster mushrooms on used coffee grounds. Every day I walk through the charming streets of the old town, ride an e-bike along the Canal du Midi while listening to music and waving to the passing ships. I stop by local restaurants to say a friendly bonjour and pick up the coffee grounds where our mushrooms love to grow.
It’s now been six months since I arrived and I can’t believe how quickly time flies. A lot has happened during this time, but what makes me the happiest is my progress in French. When I first came here, I didn’t know a single word, yet now I can understand simple conversations – which feels incredible!
This project has taught me about sustainability, teamwork, problem-solving and a lot about myself. It was an interesting journey in both ways: inside and outside. I’m grateful for this experience – a grounding space for personal growth.
I’m not saying goodbye yet – two more months to go.
A bientot!
