Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Brussels: One of Hopefully Many New Homes to Come Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 09/20/2015 to 07/12/2015 with

CIEE: Brussels - Summer Business, Communications and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to value personal time and free time again. I learned there are many different ways of doing things even in what are thought to be similar cultures. I learned that just because a country is westernized it doesn't say almost anything about the actual place or culture. I learned I love to explore. I learned I can be on my own and be okay. I learned a lot of things and yes, it was completely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $142.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? create a budget for food ahead of time

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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 people
  • Brussels/traveling
  • the outings
* What could be improved?
  • meeting more locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? bring a converter for chargers? There wasn't much, I felt prepared.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.