An International Experience to Remember: CU Student Volunteers through ACE-RISE in Riga

One week of volunteering, new perspectives on community work and many personal encounters: CU student Olga Polodiuc shares her experience of the ACE-RISE Volunteer Program from 11 to 18 May 2026 at the Latvian Academy of Culture in Riga.

The ACE-RISE Volunteer Program was launched in February 2026 to give students across the ACE²-EU Alliance practical experience in topics related to culture, diversity, equality, respect and well-being. The volunteer activities are designed around the needs of local communities across the alliance.
The experience was hosted by ACE²-EU partner university Latvian Academy of Culture (LAC), with activities supported by Active Rainbow, a community platform working towards a more inclusive society through LGBTQIA+ learning programmes and projects.

Learning by getting involved
During her week in Riga, Olga gained first-hand insight into the work of a community organisation. For her, one of the most valuable aspects was the opportunity not only to learn about social issues, but also to experience how projects and events are developed and organised in practice.
She explored the role of queer museums and archives, learned more about the importance of preserving and documenting queer history, and gained insights into different European initiatives and projects.
The experience also gave her a better understanding of what it takes to run community-based activities:
“I got to see how events are organised and how organisations work from the inside. I realised that this work is more complicated and more important than I had thought.”
Funding and the role of European programmes were also among the topics she encountered during the week.

Experiencing community and gaining new perspectives
Beyond the practical learning, it was the people she met that made the experience particularly memorable.
Olga expressed her gratitude to Asnāte Kalēja from the Latvian Academy of Culture, Cathy, founder of Active Rainbow, and the other volunteers who supported the group throughout the week.
“This week really felt like we were part of the family and belonged here all the time.”
The flexible programme also gave Olga the opportunity to explore Riga and learn more about the queer history of the city, Latvia and the wider Baltic region.

An experience that reaches beyond one week
The volunteer programme also encouraged Olga to reflect on what she herself can do to raise awareness and support queer communities – both in her home country and in the country where she is currently studying.
“Now I have a better understanding of what I can do to spread awareness about the queer community.”
Although the stay lasted only one week, its impact was lasting:
“This experience was very helpful. I will forever remember this week and would definitely come back, even for a longer period of volunteering.”

New ACE-RISE opportunities in 2027
Olga is one of several students from CU Hochschule Kärnten who took part in the ACE-RISE Volunteer Program in 2026.
An updated catalogue of volunteer opportunities within ACE²-EU is planned for 2027. Interested students are encouraged to look out for the announcement of the next application cycle.