We are excited to share a story from Faruk, who some of you remember from his ESC volunteering days at VIEWS International. He recently attended the International Computers and Communication Camp (ICC) 2025 in Portugal. In this post, he reflects on his ICC experience, the diverse workshops, the international spirit of the camp, and why he now recommends it wholeheartedly to young people who are blind or visually impaired.
Hello again! Long-time readers may remember me from my volunteer days at VIEWS International. I’m back to share a new adventure. I attended the International Computers and Communication Camp (ICC) 2025 for the very first time. What made it even more special was that I wasn’t there as a participant, but already as an instructor to share and inspire with my experiences. I went in curious and a little skeptical, and came back convinced of its value.
So to start, what exactly is ICC? It’s a summer camp for blind and visually impaired young people between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one, and it offers a 9-day period packed with learning, exchange, and fun. Participants can attend workshops that cover a wide range of topics such as technology and programming, daily living skills like cooking, educational and career-related issues such as studying abroad or finding a profession, and even disability or just personal advocacy.
A Truly International Experience
Every year it takes place in a different country, and this year’s edition was in Aveiro, Portugal. I guess at this point, I don’t even need to mention that I tried pasteis de nata and other delicious pastries that Portugal offers extensively.
But ICC is not just about the workshops, or learning, or pastries in my case. It is also a truly international meeting point. Young people come from across Europe and sometimes from much further away, this year, for example, even as far as from Japan. That means it is as much a cultural exchange as it is a learning camp, also with good practices in accessibility and disability rights being shared across borders.
And of course, there was plenty of time for fun too. The evenings were filled with activities like dancing classes, painting sessions, treasure hunts, and even making local sweets. Learning and growth were at the center of the program, but joy and friendship took the front seat just as much.
Discovering ICC
As for my own role, I represented the European Blind Union and co-led a workshop on studying abroad together with Paraskevi, another travel and study-abroad enthusiast. We shared our personal experiences of studying abroad, talked about how to plan a semester or two in a different country, and gave practical tips on everything from mobility and accommodation to funding and accessibility.
Later, I also joined Paraskevi’s workshop on languages and language-related professions, where I introduced participants to computational linguistics, human machine interaction, and artificial intelligence. The curiosity in the room was palpable, and the conversations were so passionate that we barely stopped it from spilling beyond the official workshop time. Beyond my purpose to be there, I loved meeting people from so many different places, exchanging stories, and getting a sense of the vibrant community that ICC aims to foster.
Reflections and Takeaways
At first, I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure whether such a concentrated week of workshops could really make a difference in the long run. But seeing the participants engage, hearing their thoughtful questions, and watching their confidence grow day by day quickly changed my mind. It seems like ICC creates an environment where young people don’t just absorb knowledge, they also meet role models, discover concrete opportunities, and realize that paths which once seemed distant or impossible or unimaginable are actually possible.
The social side of the camp only strengthens this effect. Friendships formed at mealtimes or during evening activities often become just as valuable as the lessons learned in the workshops.
Looking back, I can say that ICC 2025 was a unique experience. For me, it was both rewarding and inspiring to contribute as an instructor, and for the participants it was clearly a chance to grow in ways that will continue to matter long after the camp ends. If you’re blind or visually impaired, between sixteen and twenty-one, and curious about technology, independence, study or career opportunities, or simply the chance to connect with peers from all over the world, I can definitely recommend applying to ICC next year. It’s a week that can open doors, expand horizons, and leave you with friendships and memories you’ll carry for a long time.
