Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

International and Traveling Experience - BCA Brussels - Vesalius College Past Review

By (Managerial Economics, Bentley University) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/14/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Belgium

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was an amazing experience. The weather in Brussels is not very good, but the people there, the city and the location is amazing. It is easy to travel anywhere in Europe, very international

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

I didn't follow Bentley family housing, but I looked for my own independent housing which was perfect.

* 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? 300
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Open an account there because the fees and taxes they charge you each time you use your card there or take money out is very high

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Elementary French I
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? force yourself to speak the language and not look for people that speak your own language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Easiness to travel
  • Brussels
  • Friends
* What could be improved?
  • School is not very good
  • Help with bank
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.