Zhaleh arrived in Italy from Iran in 2015 to pursue a PhD in History in Rome. Thanks to the VOC Project (Volunteers of Communities)—an initiative led by INTERSOS and UNHCR across several Italian cities—Zhaleh overcame the initial feelings of disorientation and discouragement and began helping other Iranian students find their way.

 

 

I arrived in Italy ten years ago to pursue a PhD in History. I was happy; I imagined a beautiful university filled with students and professors ready to change the world. But reality hit me differently. Even though my course was in English, many lectures were held in Italian, and I understood almost nothing. I felt lost, as if I had become a child again, unable to communicate even the simplest things.

But there was a bigger problem. I was carrying a secret that had caused me a great deal of fear in Iran: I have epilepsy. In my home country, this condition is often a taboo—something to be ashamed of or hidden to avoid being judged as “different” or less capable. For years, my illness was a shadow hanging over me. Even here in Italy, I lived in silence throughout my first year. I didn’t have a GP, and I used to ask my parents to mail my medication from home because I was terrified of how much a doctor might cost here.

When Loneliness Becomes Darkness

Over time, the stress of the transition and the challenges of integration took a toll on my health. My seizures became more frequent and severe. At that point, I realized I couldn’t make it on my own anymore.

When I finally saw an Italian specialist, I experienced my first true “positive culture shock.” I discovered that here, epilepsy is not a fault or a secret to be guarded, but a protected medical condition. I learned about the exemption system (medical co-pay waivers) and, for the first time, I felt that if I spoke about my illness, the people around me could help me instead of judging me.

However, after finishing my PhD, I fell into a period of deep depression. My Italian wasn’t great, I couldn’t find a job, and I didn’t know how to navigate the complex world of Italian law. I felt stuck while the world around me was racing ahead.

The Turning Point: The VOC Project

One day, I decided I wanted to do something useful. I wanted to help other Iranian students who had just arrived so they wouldn’t make the same mistakes I did. I went to the UNHCR office and joined the VOC Project (Volunteers Of Communities) in collaboration with INTERSOS.

The training path with the VOC project was the key that opened all the doors that had remained shut for years. That was the start of my true rebirth. Thanks to these courses, I stopped feeling like a victim of my circumstances. I began mapping local companies and creating lists of training courses and internships specifically for refugees and migrants. I took part in focus groups on vital issues like labor rights and LGBTQ+ rights, building a wealth of knowledge to share with my community.

Helping Others Not to Feel Alone

Thanks to everything I learned, I finally found a job by attending a training course recommended by the project. But what makes me proudest is that today, I am no longer a person who hides.

Now, I help the Iranian community: I explain to newcomers how the healthcare system works, where to find training courses, and what their rights are. I know that by participating in discussion groups and listening to people’s hardships and experiences, I will keep learning more and more.

My journey never ends; I learn something new every day. But now I know that my story can help others feel less alone. Thanks to the VOC project, I have turned my secret into my greatest strength. Integration isn’t just about finding a place to live; it’s about finding the strength to raise your voice and say: “I am here, I know my rights, and I can help others find their way”.