Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Bruxxelles Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/21/2013 to 07/11/2013 with

CIEE: Brussels - Summer Business, Communications and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience in Brussels was definitely worthwhile. I'd say the most important thing I took away was the connections and friendships I forged with the local students. I tried hard to not always hang out with people from my program but make as many European friends as possible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Professors and classes were very engaging and rewarding. The work was manageable and the cultural insights that I gained through field trips was invaluable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My daily routine and freedom in general made me feel very integrated with the people of Brussels .

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Brussels is generally a very safe city. As always, you should be aware of your surroundings and avoid behavior that can put you in a bad situation. The area around Gare du Nord should be avoided at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 75-100 Euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the outdoor sunday markets instead of the regular grocery stores in order to save money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The program excursions and dinners
  • Helpful program staff
  • housing arrangements
* What could be improved?
  • Include an excursion to Antwerp.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to better budget my spending.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'