My ESC volunteering experience in Belgium

Volunteer Jana Matuško from Slavonski Brod took advantage of the opportunity for individual volunteering in Belgium, thanks to the European Solidarity Corps programme, and she received support to join the volunteering project from the PRONI Center for Social Teaching, as a "sending organization".

Below is Jana's story about the ESC experience that she wants to share with young people and encourage them to do the same!

"You want to live and work abroad, but you don't know where to start? ESC is the perfect opportunity for you!"

The acronym ESC stands for European Solidarity Corps.

What exactly is ESC?

Formerly known as European voluntary service, ESC is a program that allows you to live abroad under the auspices of the European Union. The projects differ in terms of topics, so you choose what interests you the most, work, live abroad and with very little of your own money. The EU covers pocket money, money for food and rent, and part of the travel expenses (within the approved budget).

My ESC started after the Erasmus student mobility, I lived for two different semesters in two different countries, in Poland and Lithuania. That was not enough for me, so my idea after graduation was to go to volunteer via ESC. The good side of ESC is that the only requirement is that you are between 18 and 30 years old and a citizen of the European Union, so unlike Erasmus, you don't have to be a student to be able to apply. After detailed research on Facebook pages and the European Youth Portal, I found a project in Ghent, Belgium, from where I am currently writing this article. The program was volunteering in a non-governmental organization, Kiwanis, which helps children all over the world. The work itself is office work, work in marketing and in various trainings that we prepare for other volunteers in our organization. The process of joining the organization consisted of 3 online interviews because a lot of people applied for the project, but I managed to get into the program and a week later I was on the plane. I've been living in Ghent for almost a year now, and my project is coming to an end soon. In this year, I managed to meet other ESC volunteers at two joint trainings organized by the National Agency in Belgium. Every project is different, so it was very nice to meet people who are in the same situation as me and to compare projects and conditions.

I learned a lot in this year, experienced Belgian culture, life in the West, traveled and had fun, and of course improved professionally. This year has flown by and the only thing I regret is that I can't stay longer. I sincerely recommend everyone to try ESC, you can learn a lot, both about work and about yourself as a person. Likewise, we really grow when we are in multinational environments. I know one thing, you won't regret it for sure."

Source: Jana Matuško

Do you want to give yourself a chance for life experience, are you between the ages of 18 and 30 and are you interested in individual volunteering, which is made possible under the European Solidarity Corps program?

Feel free to contact the PRONI Center at the address 204. Vukovar brigade no. 47., in Vukovar or call the number: 032 450 107 or write to volonterski-vukovar@proni.hr.

We provide, free of charge:

information about the ESC program

help with applying to the European Youth Portal

help with writing a CV and motivation letter (for applying to the desired volunteering program abroad)

continuous communication with the organization that will receive you as a HR volunteer

technical assistance regarding departure (finding adequate transport, etc.)

meeting/connecting with foreign volunteers who also use individual volunteering at the PRONI Center to exchange information and experience

answers to your questions and support throughout the process

We are here for you! Greetings from the PRONI Center!

Updated on Wednesday, 07/06/2023