Why choose the European Solidarity Corps?
Elena’s take on volunteering abroad
From moving to Brussels to joining Serve the City’s Comms team, Elena shares what it’s like to spend one year volunteering abroad through the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). Since January, she’s been capturing moments on the ground, creating visual content, and giving a platform to local projects. In this interview, she reflects on stepping out of her daily routine, discovering community work and why an ESC is a valuable opportunity for young people today.
Let’s start from the beginning. How did you first hear about the European Solidarity Corps?
ES: Last year, I was doing a civic service at a non-profit in France. It happened to be both a receiving and sending organization for the ESC, which meant some of my colleagues were ESC volunteers. Thanks to them, I got to meet young people from all over Europe and learn about their experiences first-hand. So when my civic service contract came to an end, applying for an ESC felt like a good option for me. I decided to give it a shot, and here I am! I was happy to be able to start with Serve the City here in Brussels.
What were you looking for when you decided to do an ESC experience, and were you specifically looking for an experience in Belgium?
ES: I was already fond of Brussels to begin with, so I was motivated to apply for ESC projects located here. To be honest though, I was mostly looking for a change of scenery and an experience that was different from what I was used to.
What was it like moving to Brussels for the ESC?
ES: Well, it wasn’t that big of a change since I lived for a long time in the north of France, it’s culturally very similar. I think one of the things that might have thrown me off at the beginning was seeing everything in two languages. I did nearly miss a few bus ad train stops (laughs). But I’m really curious about Dutch, and I’m currently learning it.
What did you expect your experience to be like?
ES: I didn’t really have any specific expectations. I was mainly looking forward to meeting a brand new team of people and being in a multicultural environment, both at work and in Brussels in general. I wanted to be in a place where people from all different backgrounds could meet. So that wish was definitely fulfilled, and I’m very happy about it!
What are your responsibilities in the Comms team here at Serve the City?
ES: We cover quite a few things in the comms team. My role is mainly geared towards creating visual content like posts and videos to promote our projects and events across Brussels. For example, it was lots of fun filming Dani, another ESC volunteer, during some food distribution projects!
On top of content creation and promotion, I also help out with event organization, get involved in hands-on volunteering, and handle some day-to-day admin tasks like answering emails or the phone. So it’s a really nice mix of office work and field action.
Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?
ES: I’m particularly proud of some of the fun video content we’ve created, as well as seeing some of the events we promoted turn out so well, like the second-hand English Book Sale. It had a reputation already, but we had the challenge of bringing people to a brand new location here at URSquare, in Ixelles. In the end it was quite a success, so I was happy to play a part in it!
What have you learned through this ESC experience at STC?
ES: It has confirmed the value that teamwork has for me. I remember the very first time I volunteered here, it was for the Lunch4All project, and it really made an impression on me. I hadn’t volunteered in that specific way before, and it was striking to realise how much these projects make a difference and truly help people. To work in the comms team at Serve the City is to give a platform to these meaningful projects that are making a real and tangible impact, so that’s very rewarding.
Who do you think an ESC experience is for?
ES: I think it’s for anyone, especially for someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to live, work, or travel abroad yet. I think it’s really important to open yourself up like that and step out of known territories. Even if it was not such a big shift for me, it was still enough of a change to feel something new and to feel like you’re building new things both inside yourself and around you.
On top of that, we all know that the job market is quite tough for young people right now, so programs like this are very valuable. I hope that they keep getting renewed, because nowadays opportunities like this are rare. So if you have the chance to do it, go for it!
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about applying for an ESC but isn’t sure?
ES: An ESC experience is always going to help you in one way or another and give you some new experience and skills. You’ll always come out of it with something positive and useful for your future.
How is the team here at STC?
ES: People here at STC are very open. There’s a really good atmosphere, both in the office and out on the projects. Within the core team and among the volunteers, I’ve met so many interesting people. From day one, everyone was extremely welcoming, and I know I can always turn to any of my colleagues if I need help or have any questions.
Financed by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the International Youth Bureau. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
