Chloe Gregg – Pagoda Projects, Sustainability in Brussels, Belgium

Sustainability in Brussels, 2024

“I had the most amazing week with the best group of people, full of great experiences!”

Memorable moments

I had many memorable moments whilst on this trip! However, the ones that stood out to me the most were experiencing the Climate Simulator, which was really fun, and having the opportunity to visit the European Parliament and see the hemicycle where all the big decisions are made.

Other highlights include the incredible friendships I made during the trip, as well as the fun we had each evening and throughout the day when we had free time to explore.

Learning new culture

I found it fascinating how almost everyone there could switch between speaking French, or other languages, and English so easily!

The culture in Brussels is quite similar to that in Ireland—everyone is so welcoming and friendly. However, we did discover that many of their famous beers and alcoholic beverages are much stronger than those at home!

Brussels is known as the multicultural centre of Europe, so there were lots of different cultures to experience around the city, with three main languages spoken: French, Dutch, and German. However, as I mentioned before, English is also widely spoken.

Challenges while abroad

One of the main challenges I faced was trying new food, as I tend to struggle with this. However, once I tried it, I loved it!

Brussels has a wide variety of restaurants situated all around the city, so the food options are endless—from pizzas to fish to burgers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Another challenge I faced was sharing a room with people I had never met before. However, after an hour or two, I got to know everyone well, which made it very easy to quickly settle in and feel at home.

Making friends

Making friends is something I don't usually find easy, as I always get nervous and shy around new people. However, on this trip, I found it extremely easy to make friends! The people were so lovely, and the project leaders were so welcoming, making it easy to get to know each other.

On the first day, we took part in an orientation meeting where we learned more about each other by participating in fun games and sharing facts about ourselves. This was followed by a scavenger hunt around the city, which allowed me to see more of Brussels, get to know others on the trip, have fun, and make great friendships.

Sightseeing

During our free time, which we had quite a bit of, we visited the Atomium just outside Brussels, an aquaponic farm, the Arc du Cinquantenaire, the Museum of Illusions, and many waffle shops!

Advice

Go for it! You won’t regret it. It’s an amazing opportunity to see more of the world, experience new cultures, and make great friendships that will last a lifetime.

Although it may seem daunting, it’s a fantastic way to gain new skills and step out of your comfort zone. Experiences like this also look great on a CV and make you stand out from others, so why not!