From Slovakia to the Heart of Europe

My name is Lívia, and I'm a recent graduate from Slovakia with a passion for international relations. My academic journey took me from studying abroad in London to spending time in China, experiences that shaped my understanding of global interconnectedness and strengthened my desire to work in the international relations field. However, I quickly learned that breaking into IR requires more than just academic credentials. It demands practical experience through internships, volunteering, or traineeships that can open doors to future opportunities.

When I discovered the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) opportunity with Youth for Understanding (YFU) on LinkedIn, it felt like the perfect next step. I was specifically looking for office-based opportunities rather than fieldwork, as I believed this would give me a better understanding of how international organizations operate and prepare me more effectively for a career in international relations. The selection process mirrored that of professional employment: I completed exercises in the first round, was selected to move forward, and then went through a formal interview. When I received the acceptance, I knew this year in Brussels would be transformative.

About Youth for Understanding: Building Bridges in a Divided World

Youth For Understanding (YFU) is a volunteer-based global nonprofit network of over 45 Member Organizations across six continents that organize immersive cultural exchange programs driven by the passion of people. Since 1951, YFU has impacted the lives of over 270,000 exchange students, their host families, schools, and communities worldwide.

In a world facing rising polarization, increasing social division, and democracies under pressure, YFU offers something more vital than ever: real, human connection across borders. YFU enables young people and their host families to see the world — and themselves — differently through immersive educational exchanges that spark personal growth, empathy, and global awareness.

YFU doesn't just organize exchange programs. The organization empowers citizens of one world. At a time when global cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and democratic values are urgently needed, YFU programs help participants build exactly those skills. Whether it's a high school student learning to adapt to a new culture, a volunteer supporting a young person's journey, or a host family opening their home to a new worldview, every YFU experience fosters deeper understanding and human connection while challenging stereotypes and biases.

YFU was born out of a simple but powerful idea: that peace can begin with people learning to understand and respect each other by living together and becoming family. What began in the wake of World War II as a small initiative has grown into a global movement for intercultural understanding, with a reputation for quality, dedication, and educational ambition. As YFU often says, "What starts with a single person, over time, influences nations."

The Office Experience: Redefining Professional Work

My ESC year in Brussels has been a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Unlike many volunteering experiences, my role was mostly office-based and felt almost like a full-time job. This gave me a realistic view of working in a professional environment today, where you need to manage tasks, collaborate with colleagues, and stay organized.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that office work doesn't have to fit the typical stereotype of being boring — I actually enjoyed the routine, the teamwork, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects. Working at YFU meant being part of an organization with a clear mission: fostering intercultural understanding and building connections across borders. Every task, from coordinating communications to supporting program operations, felt connected to this larger purpose.

Being part of an international NGO also allowed me to participate in some events and conferences, which added variety and helped me connect my office work with the broader mission of the organization. These experiences reinforced my understanding that office-based work in the international relations field can be dynamic, purposeful, and deeply rewarding.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

first day in an office, official email signature, my office desk, official profile photo for YFU website

Engaging with EU-Asia Policy Spaces: Conferences and Networking

Beyond my day-to-day responsibilities at YFU, I searched for more opportunities in field of my interest and have actively participated in several significant forums that deepened my understanding of international relations and policymaking:

Young Indo-Pacific Forum This forum provided invaluable insights into the strategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region, allowing me to engage with discussions on geopolitics, economic cooperation, and regional security.

European Guanxi Youth Conference Participating in this conference enabled me to exchange perspectives with policymakers, scholars, and practitioners on EU-China relations, geopolitics, supply chains, and strategic autonomy. The discussions were nuanced and challenged me to think beyond headlines and stereotypes.

EuroHub4Sino This initiative further strengthened my ability to comprehend complex ideas about EU-China relations and respond thoughtfully rather than ideologically. It emphasized the importance of informed, balanced dialogue in understanding sensitive and strategic issues.

China Horizon Through Bruegel's China Horizon initiative, I deepened my understanding of how European institutions approach economic and strategic questions related to China, always seeking to balance accuracy, accessibility, and trustworthiness in communication.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

 European Guanxi Youth Confernece, EuroHub4Sino conference, work  conference, China Horizon conference, Young Indo-Pacific Forum

Building Professional Connections

These experiences strengthened my interest in how EU institutions communicate complex realities in a way that is accurate, accessible, and trustworthy. At these events, I had the opportunity to meet remarkable professionals, including:

• Representatives from foreign affairs ministries, such as officials from the Netherlands, who shared their perspectives on European diplomacy
• Scholars and PhD researchers specializing in EU-Asia relations and geopolitics
• Researchers from MERICS (Mercator Institute for China Studies), who provided data-driven insights into China's political and economic developments
• The President of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, who offered a business perspective on EU-China economic relations
• Fellow young professionals and peers who shared my passion for international relations and became valuable connections and friends

These interactions taught me that policy discussions and strategic communication are shaped not just by formal positions, but by the quality of listening, the depth of understanding, and the willingness to engage with complexity rather than simplification.

Life in Brussels: Professional Growth Meets Personal Development

Living in Brussels has been equally valuable. For young professionals interested in international relations, it's a great city to grow both professionally and personally.

There are always events, conferences, and networking opportunities, whether organized by EU institutions or other organizations, which allow you to meet interesting people and learn more about how the EU works. Brussels truly lives up to its reputation as the capital of Europe — you can attend a policy briefing in the morning, a cultural event in the afternoon, and a networking reception in the evening, all within the same neighbourhood.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

EU Committee of Regions events, Parlamentarium, The European Parliament Hemicycle

Finding Balance: Work and Personal Life

At the same time, I learned how to balance work with personal life — going to the gym, taking dance classes, spending time with friends, and exploring the city — which is an important skill for any future career. Brussels offers a quality of life that supports both professional ambition and personal well-being. The city's international character means you're constantly surrounded by people from different backgrounds, which enriches everyday life and expands your worldview even outside of formal professional settings.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•  

Medieval Festival at Parc du Cinquantenaire, enjoying sunny day in the city, Grand Place at night, Christmas time at Grand Place, Atomium, sunset at Parc du Cinquantenaire

Reflections: A Valuable Foundation for the Future

Overall, my ESC year gave me the chance to experience an office environment in today's world, discover what I enjoy professionally, and gain confidence for the future. I learned that: office work in international organizations can be meaningful and engaging when connected to a mission you believe in; professional networking is about genuine curiosity and learning, not just collecting business cards; building a career in international relations requires patience, practical experience, and continuous learning; but also most importantly work-life balance is essential for long-term success and personal fulfilment

At the same time, living in Brussels offered opportunities to grow personally, meet people from different backgrounds, and explore the city's professional and cultural life. It has been a valuable, steady, and realistic experience — not overly exciting in a dramatic sense, but very useful for preparing for the next steps in life and career.

For anyone considering an ESC opportunity, especially in the field of international relations, I would encourage you to seek experiences that align with your professional goals. Whether office-based like mine or more field-oriented, the key is finding a placement that will give you the skills, connections, and confidence you need for your next chapter.

on-arrival ESC training

Written by