Learning Through Service in Belgium

Brussels is one of the hidden jewels of Europe, and you’ll experience its wonders shortly after arriving at its airport. Take the train to your hotel, which is located right in the heart of it all, where you will unpack and have a welcome meal with traditional Belgian food.

After a scrumptious lunch, your group will take a brief tour of Brussels with a tour guide. Admire the beautiful palaces along the Place des Palais and learn about Belgium’s rich history. You will end your tour at the vast Grand Place where your group will have the chance to take plenty of pictures in this grand open space. 

Today, your group will be helping some of the most at-risk people in Belgium. Gare du Nord is one of the busiest railway stations in Belgium, and there are refugees that need your assistance. Hundreds of asylum seekers line up outside the World Trade Center here on weekdays, and your group will start the day by helping serve them a healthy, hearty breakfast.

Once breakfast is over, you will have the opportunity to experience more of Brussels. Visit the Atomium and marvel at its unique architecture. This building was the centerpiece of the 1958 World’s Fair, and millions of tourists have visited over the last six decades.

Then, your group will discover one of the most interesting little tidbits about this city. Brussels is known as the home of the comic strip, and a tour guide will take you on the Comic Strip Route until you reach The Belgian Centre for Comic Strip Art.

Food waste is a major problem in many industrialized countries. Today, your group will help minimize food waste and put fruits and vegetables to good use. CollectMet needs volunteers to help collect food that isn’t sold at the Abattoir Market in Anderlecht, and this is a great way to help. The food collected will be sorted and distributed to those in need.

Later in the day, discover the vaunted Belgium beer scene. Belgium is renowned for its incredible beers, and there are special brews you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Enjoy! You’ve earned it!

Never mind the Colin Farrell movie “In Bruges” that often uses this city to comic effect. Bruges is a must-visit when you travel to Belgium. The center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and that will be the first stop on your trip. You will discover a textbook example of a medieval city center and see how it has been modernized over the centuries. Close your eyes and try to imagine what it would be like in that exact same spot more than 500 years ago.

Be sure to climb the Belfry of Bruges so you will be able to get the best view in the city. However, if you’ve seen the film, don’t try to re-enact this scene! 

Antwerp is the most populous city in Belgium, and you’ll be spending today exploring this city. Take the train from Brussels to Antwerp, where you’ll experience one of its most beautiful sights as soon as you step off the train. Antwerp Central Station is widely regarded as one of the most incredible railway stations in the world. Admire its use of space and gothic architecture before heading out to explore the city.

This city is renowned for its diamonds, so make sure to take a walk through the diamond district before heading to the museum district. A tour guide will take you to Museum aan de Stroom where you will learn about Antwerp’s rich history, followed by a trip to Plantin-Moretus Museum where your group will gaze in wonder at the world’s oldest printing presses.

There is a lot of incredible architecture in Ghent, and you’ll be taking note of it today. The first stop will be the Gravensteen, a 10th-century castle that has been remarkably preserved. This castle towers over its surrounding area, and you’ll learn about its role in medieval warfare.

Another building that is over 1,000 years old resides in Ghent. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral has been part of the city landscape since the 10th century, and it is another example of classic gothic architecture. Compare this building with some other examples of Gothic architecture you’ve seen on your journey and try to note if there are any major differences.

In the morning, you’ll head back to Brussels and have one last lunch before returning home. Enjoy this beautiful, quaint city that many don’t experience, and think about what you’ve seen during your week in Belgium. Remember some of the lessons you’ve learned and the people you’ve helped along the way.