One year of volunteering in Landschap De Liereman: "It is all about stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unknown."

Hi friends! I’m Meyra, I’m 24 years old and from Turkey. I’m Clemi, I’m 18 years old and from Germany. This year, we both made the decision to take a break from our usual lives and embrace the adventure of spending a year in Belgium to volunteer in Landschap De Liereman via a project of the European Solidarity Corps. It’s a journey we started as strangers, but now we’re navigating this new experience together, forming a unique bond along the way. We’re excited to share this chapter of our lives with you and give you a glimpse into what it's like to be here.

What attracted you to volunteer at the visitor center?

M: I’ve always been drawn to animals and nature, so the opportunity to work outside was really appealing, especially since I live in a crowded city.

C: Ever since I was young, I was surrounded by nature. My family and I often took walks in the woods, and I’ve kept that routine up until now. During high school, I learned that I not only love the outdoors and working in nature but also working with people. Before I came here, I was a waitress, so I figured keeping that up by working in the cafeteria, and combining my love for nature with working outside, would be the perfect deal. And so far, I really love it!

How did you prepare yourselves before starting this volunteer adventure?

M: I can’t really say that I was very prepared for this. I always had the idea of "taking a year off" in my mind and was applying to some ESC projects, but whenever they got back to me, I would back out. However, when this project gave me a positive response, I felt like I had to accept it.

C: I don’t really think I prepared myself. Obviously, I bought all the necessities I needed, and I also made sure to bring some stuff with me that reminds me of home. Other than that, I just tried to mentally prepare myself for living alone for the first time and for missing my friends and family. But right now, all of this still feels kind of like a really nice fever dream.

How did you experience the first weeks?

M: The work environment feels really safe, and the nature around us is just beautiful. Everything is more intense than I expected, but I’m slowly adjusting, learning new things every day, and figuring out how to get around.

C: Before I came here, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But on my first day, everyone was so welcoming and warm, and I instantly felt like I had a support system. During the first week, I realized how fun but also exhausting work in general can be. However, I also learned that I have to depend on myself. I biked to work alone and lived in an unknown country all by myself. And while that might have been a little scary, all the nice people and the fun I had at work made—and still make—me feel like every bad phase that might come within the year will totally be worth it.

How have you adapted to living in Belgium?

M: I’m still in the early stages of adapting, but I’ve been trying to establish a routine and balance between work and personal time. It’s all about staying open to new experiences and asking for help when I need it.

C: I don’t feel like I have really adapted yet. I am still trying to process everything that is happening. I guess knowing how to get to certain places and discovering the nature around our home is something I have picked up in the last couple of weeks. What I have realized, though, is that I am getting more and more comfortable with all the people around me. But the new language is definitely something that will take some getting used to.

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BC Landschap De Liereman

 
How do you deal with cultural differences and language barriers?

C + M: The language barrier has been one of the biggest challenges.

M: The food is also quite different from what I’m used to in Turkey!

C: Even though Germany and Belgium are neighbouring countries my home town is very different from Turnhout.

What does a typical day look like for you as a volunteer at Landschap De Liereman?

M: We wake up, go to our Dutch course, and then head to work, where we help out in the cafeteria and kitchen. We also spend time working outside or contribute to social media by managing the ESC Instagram page. After work, I make dinner, maybe watch a movie, or practice my Dutch.

C: We also feed Dutske, one of the ponies. This is my favorite thing to do. At home, I also go on walks and usually call my friends and family or read before I go to bed.

What challenges have you already encountered?

C: In the beginning, one of the biggest challenges for me was finding my way around. I got lost quite a few times, but Google Maps always helped me out of my misery and led me the right way (after it led me the wrong way). And nowadays, the language is the major challenge we face day to day.

Does the volunteering match your expectations?

M: It’s better than I expected! Turnhout is much more beautiful in real life, and everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming.

C: I came to Belgium with no expectations at all, and I never thought I would feel so happy and be so pleasantly surprised. I just finished high school, and it feels like I am now truly living for the first time. After work, I can just watch a movie or go on a walk without having to worry about homework or tests. In general, I feel really free right now, and I love having made the decision to volunteer in such a wonderful place.

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BC Landschap De Liereman

 
What tasks do you enjoy most?

C: We really love feeding Dutske and the sheep. Other than that, I am always happy to work outside with other volunteers or do the big walk around the reserve with our mentor, Nancy. I love seeing the animals and discovering new parts of the nature reserve.

Are there any specific personal goals you have set and want to achieve?

C + M: We both want to become more independent during our time here and explore what it's like to live far from home, figuring out if it's something we want in the long term. Learning Dutch is a key goal for both of us, and we're also excited about the opportunity to meet new people and connect with the local community.

What impact do you hope to have on the visitor center and the local community by the time your volunteer work ends?

C + M: We want to start a project that future volunteers can keep alive and pursue in the future. Other than that, we just want to make a good impression and leave a positive memory by doing a good job.

How do you think this volunteer work will affect you personally and professionally in the long run?

M: Volunteering has already made me more independent and open-minded. It’s teaching me to ask for help, work in a team, and push through homesickness.

C: I agree with that. I know that throughout the year, I will face some challenges and difficulties. And even though not everything will be sunshine and rainbows, I just hope to look back at this experience and be proud of myself for overcoming them.

Volunteering at Landschap De Liereman has been an eye-opening experience for both of us. From learning new skills and overcoming language barriers to immersing ourselves in nature and working with amazing people, every day brings something fresh and meaningful.

We’re looking forward to the months ahead, continuing to grow personally and professionally, and leaving a positive mark on the visitor center and the community. It’s not just about giving back—it’s also about discovering ourselves in the process. We hope our journey inspires others to step outside their comfort zone and explore what the world has to offer.

You can follow us on Instagram: @ESCLiereman.

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European Solidarity Corps