Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Belgium from $645

I volunteered with IVHQ in Belgium working on the "Mobile Library" project to assist with the immense refugee population in Brussels. This project provided a recreational outlet for the homeless. From start to finish I had constant support from the IVHQ team. I have volunteered through other programs and have found program fees to be overly expensive, but IVHQ offered a reasonable price and a quality program. The team I worked with during my program was "Serve the City". I have never found a group of more like-minded people and this made my placement the perfect fit for me. I stayed at the Norton House where the hosts provided us with a full breakfast and lunch each day. I have dietary requirements which I am normally able to deal with on my own, but they went out of the way to make sure that I was properly accommodated. Overall, I would highly recommend IVHQ! I am looking forward to my next trip with them.

My short time volunteering in Brussels has been at once inspiring, challenging, eye-opening and hugely rewarding. As part of my placement, I was assigned to a number of NGO's throughout the city aimed at tackling homelessness, poverty and the ongoing refugee crisis.

The broad and varied nature of our work meant that as a volunteer, I was able to gain experience in a number of different charitable settings ranging from a kitchen serving hot meals to those affected by homelessness and/ or poverty to an organisation based in the Raphael center through which we collected and distributed leftover foods from businesses and schools around the city.

Although a six or seven o'clock start might not appeal to many, the early morning starts meant that we would usually finish by one-ish at the latest; a timeframe which allowed us plenty of time in the afternoons and evenings to explore the city, see the sights and sample some of the local foods.

I found that the concept of voluntourism enabled me to make effective use of my Easter break whilst also getting to experience a new country, culture and language; and most importantly, make a positive difference in someone else's life.

For me, I think that one of the most rewarding parts of my time spent in Belgium was the gratitude and optimism shown by clients towards volunteers and vice versa in spite of their personal circumstances. I found this to be both heart-warming and eye-opening as we so often take for granted the little things like a hot meal and shelter.

When applying to volunteer in Belgium I was conscious that I was taking a chance in terms of the programme itself, the people I would be volunteering with and the nature of the work. However, is a chance which I am glad I took as it has led me to an amazing adventure and led me to meet some equally amazing people.