Gain new skills while staying with us on a non-profit historic castle project near Theux, Belgium

Details

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  Description

  We are a small, dedicated group of volunteers building an open community of higher learning where art, movement, and deep conversations are as important as academic content. Our castle in the Ardennes is an oasis of free speech—a place where students, volunteers, and academics can challenge each other to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
  
  Why Volunteer With Us?
  Since opening our doors in September 2024, we’ve been shaping Academia into a thriving space for education, creativity, and meaningful exchange. To ensure we can welcome 40 students in 2025, we are inviting volunteers to support our daily community life and help maintain our beautiful surroundings.
  
  Volunteer Tasks & Contributions
  We welcome motivated and open-minded volunteers to assist with:
  ✅ Helping with general upkeep – Assisting with organizing and maintaining shared spaces
  ✅ Garden & Outdoor Care – Helping care for our vegetable garden and green areas
  ✅ Light Housekeeping & Cooking Assistance – Contributing to meal prep and keeping communal spaces tidy
  ✅ Cultural & Community Support – Organizing social activities, helping with events, and sharing skills
  
  What You Get in Return
  In exchange for 4 hours of volunteer participation (5 days a week), we offer:
  🏰 Accommodation in our historic castle
  🍲 Three shared meals per day (vegetarian-friendly options available)
  📚 Opportunities to join educational weekends & cultural salons – Topics include social sciences, folk dancing, music, and more (subject to availability)
  🌿 A peaceful countryside retreat – Perfect for those who enjoy nature and meaningful interactions
  
  Who Are We Looking For?
  We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds who:
  ✔️ Are motivated and adaptable
  ✔️ Appreciate intellectual exchange and deep conversations
  ✔️ Are available for at least two weeks
  ✔️ Enjoy being part of a supportive community
  ✔️ Like cats 🐈 (we have a very friendly resident!)
  
  Interested? Let’s Talk!
  If this experience resonates with you, send us a detailed application about your skills, motivation, and how you’d like to contribute. We set up a short Zoom call with every applicant before making a final decision.
  
  We look forward to welcoming you to our castle!

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We aim to foster a truly open dialogue among people from diverse backgrounds, creating a space where meaningful conversations and shared experiences enrich everyone involved.
  
  As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to join parts of our academic program free of charge. You will connect with other volunteers from around the world, and starting in September, you’ll also have the chance to meet and exchange ideas with our students.
  
  Additionally, we collaborate with other volunteer groups from the international region, including people from the Southern Netherlands, Germany, and both French- and Flemish-speaking Belgium. Our location in Theux provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in this culturally rich part of Europe.
  
  We deeply value the experiences and perspectives of our volunteers, students, and visitors. Your insights help shape our community, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!

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  Help

  We would love to welcome you to help with:
  
  -Garden and for outdoor spaces
  -Creating and maintaining a nature trail
  -Helping in the vegetable garden
  -Assisting with the upkeep of our natural swimming pond
  -General cleaning and light household tasks
  -Other small chores (nothing heavy, of course)
  
  This summer (starting at the end of June), we will host several boot camp weekends, where volunteers may also assist with organizing activities and supporting logistics.
  
  We kindly ask for a minimum stay of two weeks to ensure a meaningful experience for both you and our community.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Dutch: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  Spanish: Intermediate
  French: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  Since you’ll be staying in a beautiful historic castle, we offer unique and charming rooms. Depending on availability and the time of your stay, you may have a private room or share a dormitory-style space with other volunteers. Bathrooms are shared.
  
  Meals are provided, and help with cooking is always welcome as part of our community experience. We enjoy shared meals and encourage volunteers to contribute their own recipes or assist in the kitchen when possible!

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  What else ...

  You’ll be staying in the countryside, where a car can be useful but is not essential. There is bus transport to Liège, from where you can easily travel to other destinations, such as Maastricht and the rest of Belgium.
  
  This region is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor activities in a scenic, mountainous landscape. Whether you love hiking, cycling, or simply being in a peaceful natural environment, you’ll find plenty to explore!

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  Free Wi-Fi available

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have more than enough space.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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