Parliament: amazing, Brussels is not as safe as you might think. Past Review
By Rodrigo P (History/International Relations, University of Rochester) for
Study Abroad Programs in Belgium
Only because of Parliament. Brussels is a beautiful city but I came with a lot of anger because of the safety, housing, and education situation.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Vesalius was a complete joke. That I had to pay full tuition for that mediocre level of education is infuriating. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The internship was the only strength. While the administrator tried in many ways she failed. EPA should seriously reconsider Vesalius and especially the housing situation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Again housing was horrible. It was dangerous and gross. The living space was so crammed it seriously was depressing to have absolutely no personal space whatsoever, not to mention I was robbed on my way home while two girls who lived upstairs had a man try to take their purses as they tried to enter the apartment. |
| * Food: |
Had to cook for myself and the food in Parliament was awesome and cheap. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Again program made no effort in this regard. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health care was great because we had parliament to help us. Safety as I have already mentioned was horrible. Never walk alone even in areas which are deemed 'safe' and since I was robbed close to my apartment while some suit mates were robbed at the door all I can say is always stay vigilant. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | around 60 Euros. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | None. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | ALWAYS BE MINDFUL OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Never be too confident and try to mentally prepare yourself for the horrible housing. |
