Arts Lab 6.0: Salah Mehdaoui - Month 6 - Final Reflections

The Exhibition at the French Institute

One of the highlights of this month was our exhibition at the French Institute in Iași. This time, it felt more polished and professional, thanks to the collaboration with the institute. We had a great audience, mostly young people, who engaged with our artworks and provided insightful feedback. I shared a space with other volunteers and set up a corner to display my artworks from the previous three projects. It was nice to see how much we had all grown and to witness the impact of our work on the youth.

Exploring the Cucuteni Civilization

We also took a deep dive into history by exploring the Cucuteni civilization. Our journey started with a visit to Cucuteni Village, where we hoped to see the museum, but unfortunately, it was closed. Instead, we wandered around, exploring the old houses and taking in the atmosphere of the place.

Later, we visited a museum in Iași, where we finally got to see Cucuteni artifacts, vases, tools, and remnants of their daily life. The guided tour was incredibly detailed, helping us understand the significance of this ancient culture. We also visited a smaller museum in Târgu Frumos, located in Liceul Teoretic Ion Neculce, which gave us another glimpse into the Cucuteni civilization through a different collection of artifacts.

All of this research was crucial for our final Cucuteni-related projects. My artwork was a 2D platformer video game that blends fun, interactivity, and education. The game introduces players to the Cucuteni civilization, showcasing their environment, tools, food, and artistic styles. It took me around four days to develop most of it, and I’m now working on completing the final level from home.

Unfortunately, I missed the exhibition for our Cucuteni projects due to feeling unwell. In March, I made the decision to leave the project earlier than planned.

Returning Home and Reverse Culture Shock

Coming back home was not as easy as I expected. I left Romania suddenly, packing my things and rebooking my flight. The journey back was exhausting, and although I felt happy for a brief moment upon seeing my family, the overwhelming fatigue quickly returned.

Adjusting to life back home has been challenging. I knew about culture shock when moving to a new country, but I didn’t anticipate how strong reverse culture shock would be. Romania and Algeria are so different that it feels like I’m navigating two worlds. I expect it will take about a month before I fully settle into my old routine.

Now, my focus is on reflecting on the entire journey—what I’ve learned both professionally and personally—and figuring out my next steps.

Târgu Frumos: A Second Home 

Among all the places I visited, Târgu Frumos holds a special place in my heart. It truly feels like a second home to me. I met so many people of different ages, each leaving a lasting impression on me. Even the mayor welcomed us, and I still remember sitting at a table with him, nodding along as he spoke in Romanian—without understanding a word.

The town was filled with friendly faces. From my barber, Cosmin, to the cashiers at Penny Market, and even the two ladies running the small shop downstairs, everyone made me feel welcome. Of course, not to forget the local volunteers who were always ready to help, making the experience even more special. One of my favorite encounters was with the man working at the reverse vending machine in Penny. We met in my first month, and though we never exchanged names, he became my go-to person for practicing Romanian. He once mentioned that his young daughter speaks English fluently.

Beyond Târgu Frumos, I had incredible experiences all over Romania. The people of Todirești welcomed me with warmth and kindness, making me feel at home from the very start. I loved exploring Cluj-Napoca, even though walking through its empty streets made it feel like an apocalyptic town. I had an unforgettable (and extremely bureaucratic) dinner in Bacău. Bucharest amazed me with its chaotic architecture, and I also had the best mid-term training there—along with the best water.

I was fascinated by Ruginoasa and the history it holds, and Tătăruși left a strong impression on me with its deep cultural roots. Romanians have a strong connection to their heritage. Tătăruși was one of the best villages I’ve ever visited. And of course, a special shoutout to Tătăruși’s mayor — “Super tineri, super talentați, super…”

One of the best things about living in a shared house with other volunteers was the cultural nights. Each time, someone would present their country, traditions, and food, and it became one of the most enjoyable activities we had together. We cooked traditional dishes, learned about each other's countries and shared personal stories that connected us beyond borders.

Photography and the Romanian Folk Parade

Throughout the project, I also enjoyed practicing my photography skills. Romania is full of visually stunning moments, from landscapes to cultural events, and I tried to capture as much of it as possible. One of the most memorable experiences was the Romanian folk clothing parade in Iași. Seeing so many people proudly wearing their traditional outfits was incredible, and I was thrilled to be among the finalists in the competition. It was a great opportunity to immerse myself in Romanian culture and celebrate its traditions.

Six Months in Romania: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

After spending half a year in Romania, I can confidently say that this experience has been one of the most intense and transformative periods of my life. From cultural exchanges and artistic projects to unexpected challenges and deep personal reflections, these months have shaped me in ways I never imagined.

Looking back, my six months in Romania were filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories. This volunteering project was ambitious, challenging, and deeply enriching. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both as a person and as a professional.

I am beyond grateful for this experience. Volunteering abroad is not just about the work you do—it’s about the people you meet, the culture you immerse yourself in, and the experiences that shape your perspective on the world. Romania gave me all of that and more. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth every moment.

Report by Salah Mehdaoui, a volunteer from Algeria and one of the 14 participants in Arts Lab 6.0, a project co-funded by the European Union through the European Solidarity Corps program.