Volunteer Programs in Belgium

Belgium is divided into three regions, each of which has multiple different languages: in the Flander region, situated in the North of the country, locals speak Dutch (colloquially referred to as Flemish); in Wallonia, situated in the South, the most common language spoken is French; and in Brussels, the nation’s capital and home of the European Union headquarters, multiple languages are spoken on any given day, in any given place.

When choosing where to volunteer in Belgium, keep the language factor in mind. However, don’t panic if you don’t speak French or Dutch; English is widely spoken throughout the country, so a smoooooth transition awaits those who speak it! Here are some of the most popular cities for volunteering in Belgium:

Brussels. Belgium’s dazzling capital, often called Europe’s capital, is many cities in one. Volunteer work in Brussels will allow you to explore a highly bureaucratic town, home to both the EU and NATO headquarters, but also a culturally rich, charming city. The streets of Brussels host magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Grand Place (one of the most unforgettable squares in all of Europe). During the nineteenth century, Brussels went through a period of modernization and expansion, making it a more multinational destination. Volunteers will find that Brussels is home to a very diverse crowd of people, as well as volunteer opportunities.

Liege. Though it may not be the most visited in Belgium, Wallonia’s largest city, and the birthplace of emperor Charlemagne and writer George Simenon, has a rich artistic and architectural heritage. After undergoing many battles and rebellions throughout history, Liege is now home to several museums and to one of the biggest breweries in Belgium. The friendly Liegois will surely show you how to enjoy Belgium when you aren’t busy with volunteer work.

Antwerp. Despite its relatively small dimensions, Antwerp has all the advantages of a big city. As Belgium’s second most populated city, Antwerp is famous for being home to several fashion designers and art galleries. Those who decide to volunteer abroad in Antwerp will be able to soak up the incredible architecture, ranging from Gothic to postmodern. Volunteer projects in Antwerp often revolve around community development efforts to support refugees and other marginalized populations.