The brochure introduces three ESC volunteering opportunities in Liège:

• VIEWS International – Support European youth projects, awareness-raising activities and international cooperation while working alongside a diverse and inclusive team.
• CSCSM & La Baraka – Contribute to educational, cultural and community activities for young people in one of Liège’s most vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods.
• IRHOV – Support children and young people with visual and hearing impairments in a specialised school, promoting inclusion, independence and accessible education.

Whether you are interested in communication, youth work or inclusive education, the brochure provides an overview of each placement, the activities involved and the support available throughout your volunteering experience, from accessibility arrangements and mentorship to practical guidance before and after arriving in Belgium.

I am visually impaired and almost blind, and the two IRHOV schools support children and young people with visual impairments from the age of three to 19. I chose this project because I wanted to spend some time in another European country and be involved with children and young people.

Before starting my placement, I spent the first two weeks receiving individual support to become more independent in my new environment. Different people helped me with mobility, shopping and everyday life in Liège. After those two weeks, I officially started my volunteering experience at the two schools.

At the beginning, I got to know the students, the teachers and the school environment. Step by step, I started supporting students both individually and in groups. From early on, I was encouraged to develop my own ideas and activities, which I really appreciated.

I enjoyed the warm and open atmosphere, which allowed me to create my own ideas and methods. Getting to know the students little by little and being part of their daily school life was a very positive experience.

One of the activities I organised was introducing the younger pupils to the piano and sharing my own approach to the instrument. On another occasion, we listened together to “Pierre et le Loup”. Later in the project, I also organised piano activities with older students.

I also supported students individually at both schools, for example by helping them use the computer or by practising French together. I especially enjoyed spending time with students from different countries who were learning French and supporting them throughout that process.

During my volunteering experience, I learned about the way teachers and students interact and learn together. I also learned a lot about myself and about how I communicate and teach. Teaching in French was a challenge, but it was one that I really enjoyed.

Throughout the project, I felt welcome both in Liège and at IRHOV because of the openness and support I received.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Greetings, my name is Silviu, I am from Bucharest, Romania, and for 8 months I was an ESC volunteer in Liege, Belgium, with VIEWS International.

Coming into this project was a big challenge for me. At one point I was doubting whether I should go away from Romania for this many months, if it’s the right choice for me or if I will manage. I chose to trust my intuition and the process, which indeed was proven to be the right path.

The beginning wasn’t too easy since Wallonia isn’t known for fluency in English, so I had to follow French classes and learn the local language, which was the biggest challenge for me, but also the process that gave me the biggest satisfaction when I started seeing results and was able to talk with everybody. And it was indeed such a helping tool in my day-to-day activities at the youth center at La Baraka, at the office at Views or at Coordination Sainte-Marguerite, where there was a lot of French being spoken.

In terms of activities specifically, I was never a quote to quote ,,Office person”, but with the team at Views office we found some tasks that sparked my interest, for example opening a new Instagram profile for the organisation and making videos on the activities we had during my stay.  Also, it’s worth mentioning that I was part of the organising team for 2 Dinners in the Dark, awareness-raising nights in the dark which were very tiring but equally very fun to set-up and coordinate in team.

At La Baraka, I can say I was right in my element. A lot of games to play with the youngsters, cooking workshops, events such as the “Fete de la Musique”, a music festival in Parc Sainte-Agathe in Liège, and so on. Lots of things to get my hands on and start doing with the staff and volunteers, which really helped me in the more stressful periods.

At Coordination Sainte-Marguerite, I got to help a bit with the administration, but the fun part was to go to the local school of French as a Foreign Language for newcomers and do activities with the groups of youngsters and adults, in order to help them learn French in an engaging way. We did everything from guessing games, to acting to even playing “Mafia”.  While it wasn’t easy to come up with a new activity every single week, I took the challenge and had fun with it.

8 months fly by just like that when you get a tight schedule, especially when you also do things after activity hours such as going to the gym, going to a bar or a party in the city, or simply hanging out with your mates.

I’d lie if I said that everything was perfect and I didn’t face not-so-good periods as well. There can always be things happening to us that are not in our power to prevent, combined with moments of doubt. Not being able to communicate unless I was speaking in French made me indeed question if I was even supposed to be there. I had moments where I was frustrated my activity wasn’t as good as I thought it would be, or when I couldn’t explain myself, or other instances where I felt lonely and stuck. And let me tell you right now that all that is perfectly normal and its part of the process. With time, things got better, and day by day I was building more confidence in my abilities.

Also, very important to mention, I learned a lot about living alone through this experience. From money managing to fixing things around the house or making a routine in cleaning clothes and the house, this is something that I am super proud of. Being this independent was super fun and inspiring, and now I look forward to move out and live by myself as soon as I can.

Overall, these 8 months have seen ups and downs, but the ups definitely compensated the downs, so if I had a piece of advice for future volunteers it would be to be patient with yourself and to trust your intuition.

All the thanks to the Views team, and everybody that was involved in my experience!

Silviu

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

My On-Arrival Training took place from the 1th to the 5th of June in a small village next to Halle, in Flanders. We were around 20 ESC Volunteers from several countries like France, Türkye, Spain, Italy, Palestine, Germany.

I have really enjoyed the seminar as I got to meet many new people from different backgrounds. The environment was very open and friendly, we participated in a lot of activities to get to know each other, but it felt really natural to just talk, and ask questions. We talked about our projects, our personal lives, our own experience here in Belgium and the ESC programme, but also about the history of Belgium, which was very interesting to me.

We often worked in smaller groups or in pairs and presented our thoughts to each other, but we also spent a lot of time all together, sitting and sharing our ideas in a big circle. I really enjoyed the open, respectful atmosphere we created together.

We also had the chance to travel together to work on a group project. My group and I went to Brussels and we really had a good time together.

I think that this Seminar was really an important part of my ESC project here in Belgium, because I had the chance to meet a lot of cool personalities and get new perspectives on me and on my time here.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Hello everyone! I’m Caroline, currently in the Netherlands since nearly 8 months. So much has happened since the first months. It’s hard to sum up my experience in just a few words and photos, but I’ll give it a go!

Since January, two new people have moved in and share our house with my roommate July. Together, we work hard on the farm, whether during the cold, snowy winter months, the lovely spring months, or the last few stormy, hot months. We’ve seen the landscape change far more than we’d ever noticed before. Working mainly outdoors and moving mostly by bike is a completely new experience for me. I’m grateful to be living in such beautiful countryside.

At work, I now feel closer to everyone: staff, volunteers and participants (people with mental disabilities). I learnt a lot from each of them and so much about myself too. Being faced with new people and new situations in a new country is teaching me a lot.

The work hasn’t changed much, but I now feel more confident about taking initiatives, asking more questions, training new people, and so on. In the vegetable garden, the tasks vary depending on the vegetables in season, but we always have to plant, weed, and harvest. At the dairy, it’s very regular, I go there on Wednersday to prepare the quark (kind of fromage blanc). In the stable, I milk the cows on Tuesday mornings (at 6:30 AM!), then I take them out to pasture and clean cowshed.

Finally, I do lots of activities with my roommates. We’ve been to Dutch special events and concerts, visited several towns, gone swimming in a nearby lake and had picnics. At home, we sometimes cook dinner together, watch movies and just chat and laugh a lot. I’ve made some wonderful friends, and it’ll be hard to say goodbye to them when this project comes to an end. But I’ll tell you how I’m feeling back to Belgium next time! I hope my adventure inspires you to try that kind of experience yourself. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to know more.

Bye bye!

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

These first months in Burgos have already been very rich in experiences. I have had the chance to participate in different activities linked to sustainability, education and local community projects, such as:

• helping in the community garden and at the chicken coop, taking care of the black Castilian hens, an endangered local breed;
• participating in workshops with people with brain damage and cerebral palsy. These workshops mainly included garden related activities as well as educacional workshops about the fauna and flora of the surroudings.
• working in the community gardens alongside retired local volunteers ;
• taking part in environmental workshops related to the community gardens or the black Castillian hens in local schools and centers;
• collaborating with different local organisations and community projects in Burgos. 

I have had the opportunity to meet several people from organisations working either on sustainable development or with people with disabilities. For example, I propose to my organisation to collaborating further with another rural development organisation, leaving to a co-organised workshop.

What I enjoy most so far is the variety of the activities and the opportunity to meet many different people through the project. It is a very hands-on experience, and I am learning a lot ; not only about sustainability and environmental education, but also about community life and the local culture here in Burgos.

I am very happy to be part of this project and excited for everything that the next months will bring.

Louise

On April 4th, Carmen, Selma, Silviu, and I headed to CPSE Liège for a day that went far beyond a standard awareness session. As an ESC volunteer, I’m used to new experiences, but this session was special. We weren’t just there to talk; we were there to bridge the gap between “theory” and “reality” for the people who are shaping and will shape the next generation of our community: social studies students, educators and youth workers. The energy was infectious from the start. We didn’t just show them inclusive tools; we put them to work. This hands-on approach is vital because true inclusion starts with understanding the lived experience.

• Exploring Tactile Play: It was eye-opening to watch the students realize how a simple game changes when you rely on touch rather than sight.
• Navigating the Streets: We took the training outside, teaching the “human guide” method and white cane techniques. There is a profound shift in perspective that happens when you have to trust a partner to navigate the sidewalk (it builds a level of empathy that a textbook simply can’t provide).

The most important part of my day was the incredible exchange we had with the participants! We talked and exposed the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) opportunities for young people and the participants had so many questions about our projects, especially regarding my and Silviu’s journey as volunteers. By sharing our path we showed them that international opportunities are for everyone! Often, young people with disabilities or fewer opportunities feel that traveling abroad or volunteering in another country is a closed door – not only because of physical barriers but also due to socio-economic ones. They may never even apply because they don’t believe these programs are “for them”. But educators, teachers, youth workers are the frontline to open them! By sharing the possibilities to the youth, you aren’t just giving them a brochure: you are giving them the tools to gain independence, confidence, and be part of a global community they might never have dreamed of reaching!

Sofia Mangiaterra

Our journey started with an introductory seminar designed to melt the ice. On the very first night, we held the International Night, a vibrant celebration of European diversity. Standing with the Belgian team, I presented local specialties while tasting flavors from our neighbors in Germany, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein. 

Of course, it quickly turned into a wonderful party filled with music and dancing! It was the perfect way to realize that while we come from different places, we share the same heartbeat: a goal to empower youth.

Throughout the week, we dove deep into the concept of intercultural learning, diversity and Inclusion, Communication, Conflict management, and International Project writing, and much more. We used creative tools like “identity flowers” to map out who we are: a difficult question that forces you to interrogate not only yourself but the world around you. 

In one of the most eye-opening exercises, we split into groups to create entirely new cultures: the “Spi” and the “Fa.” We developed our own social rules, values, and languages, then “met” the other culture. Without knowing each other’s codes or meanings behind gestures, we faced the raw difficulties of intercultural exchange.

This experience taught us how to deconstruct our own biases and explore practical activities to teach young people about diversity and inclusion.

Connected to this was our work on conflict management. We simulated being mediators in various contexts, learning the delicate balance of group dynamics. From this, I walked away with three new skills:

• Navigating cultural communication styles within a diverse team.
• “active listening” to ensure every voice is truly heard.
• Managing the natural tensions that arise when a group tries to innovate together.

The most rewarding part of the week was the “engine room” of project management. I worked closely with my peers to:

• Draft SMART Objectives: Writing specific goals for a project focused on environmental awareness and sustainable lifestyles.
• Co-Creation: Visualizing a project’s lifecycle, from the initial spark to budgeting and final impact assessment, on large sheets of craft paper.
• The Pitch: Developing the confidence to present our projects clearly and inclusively to the entire group.

Although, the learning didn’t stop at the classroom door; it continued through every meal, break, and late-evening conversation. One highlight was our city exploration of Trier, where we split into small groups for “funny tasks”: interviewing statues, taking photos with locals and much more.

After the city visit, we shared a group dinner in a rustic local restaurant, a moment filled with laughter but also a touch of sadness, knowing our time together was drawing to a close.

The final night was a huge goodbye party back at our accommodation. It was full of music, tears, and emotion, but also immense hope. We left with the promise to meet again and a shared drive to work together and give back to others everything we had the opportunity to learn!

Sofia Mangiaterra

We had the privilege of supporting young participants as they expressed themselves through street art and a moving theatre piece. What made this experience unique was the seamless connection between art and nature; the group spent time exploring the stunning Ardennes surroundings through walks and outdoor activities, proving that inspiration is often found right under our feet.

Beyond the workshops, this week became a deeply personal journey for me. Seeing these young people so motivated, energetic, and sensible served as a powerful mirror. It reminded me of where I started, where I am now, and the core of my commitment to this path.

Observing how a local project with young people was organized and taking part in its activities was a remarkable example of the profound value of local communities in building and empowering their youngest members. Seeing local youth find their voice has strengthened a sense of motivation I already thought was at its peak!”

Sofia Mangiaterra

At the Jean Boets school, I am providing assistance during French classes, helping create fun and interactive activities to support language learning with non-formal approaches. I typically follow both an adult group and a class of younger learners from Monday to Tuesday, and I really enjoy experimenting with new ideas and methods. It is exciting to see how small changes in approach can make learning French more engaging and accessible!

At La Baraka, besides helping the team with the daily activities at the youth centre, Together with Pierre, one of the volunteers at La Baraka, I have also started developing an Erasmus+ project for the young people who attend the centre. For this project application I am supporting the writing process, bringing in my experience with Erasmus+ programmes. The goal is to submit a DiscoverEU project and, fingers crossed, get it approved.

Outside of work, I try to make the most of my free time. I go to the gym, spend time with friends around the city, plan future trips, and enjoy meeting new people.

Overall, my experience so far has been great. I feel supported in my tasks, which really helps me stay motivated and confident in what I’m doing.

Silviu Musat