What an experience...

I had an amazing time volunteering with IVHQ Belgium and Serve the City Brussels. My overall experience on this international volunteer program was 100% worth it. I have never been outside of the United States and it was my first ever experience in another country unlike my own. I learned to adapt in Brussels very quickly and learned to just go with the “Brussels Freestyle” as my project coordinator Annelise described the city. Staying in Brussels for six weeks, I never felt lost. I felt right at home, especially while working on the projects and connecting with the refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants I had met during my time on these projects. It never was difficult for me to understand the cultural as well as the languages (French and Dutch). I was able to grasp it and adjust to it. It has also helped with learning French more too. Just volunteering with STC and then participating at the Council of Europe conference gave me a better understanding of the refugee crisis in Europe.