finances

what you are entitled to under your ESC project

The European Solidarity Corps has established guidelines for organizing our activities. As such, ESC volunteers are entitled to the following benefits:

Travel:
Your travel to and from Flanders is covered. While you will book your own flight in consultation with us, we will refund your ticket. Upon arrival at Brussels airport, you will take the train to Mechelen Nekkerspoel, where someone will meet you to guide you to our office and your accommodation. Additionally, upon arrival in Flanders, you will receive a pass for using buses throughout Flanders and a quarterly 10-ride ticket for trains. Furthermore, a bike will be provided for your use, as biking is a common mode of transportation in Belgium.

Pocket Money and Food Allowance:
As per ESC guidelines, volunteers participating in a program in Flanders are entitled to €6 per day as pocket money, which will be paid at the beginning of each month. Similarly, a set amount will be transferred to your account monthly for food, totaling €280. This allowance is expected to cover the costs of maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet.

Accommodation:
We rent two similar rooms in a student dormitory located in the center of Mechelen, within walking distance of the office and the train station. This means you will share a well-equipped kitchen and bathroom with other young people, primarily students from Thomas More University of Applied Sciences. We provide sheets, pillows, and towels. It's important to note that your volunteer project is not a typical 9-to-5 arrangement. You will live together with others, fostering a shared social life, engaging in leisure activities, and learning the Dutch language together. Our ESC volunteers are more than just colleagues; they form a close-knit community.

Language:
Learning the Dutch language is a fundamental aspect of your project. Not only will it assist you in communicating with partners, students, and colleagues, but it will also enhance your sense of belonging and unlock a myriad of opportunities in Flanders. To support you in this endeavor, you will be enrolled in a language course upon your arrival. These courses are led by experienced facilitators, and you will be placed in a group based on your proficiency level in Dutch.

Insurance:
Participants will enroll in Henner, the insurance provided by the European Commission for the ESC program.

If you want to learn more about the ESC and the options the Corps provides for both young people and organizations such as YFU, take a look at their yearly guidelines. Here you can find everything ranging from ensurances to travel costs. If long reads are not your cup of tea, you can always reach out the the national agency in your country. They can probably provide you with answers to all your questions.