Brussels and European Parliament are amazing Past Review
By Jiore C (International Relations And Global Studies, University of Rochester) - abroad from 01/13/2012 to 05/13/2012 with
Study Abroad Programs in Belgium
Living in a foreign country helped me to think independently. Brussels is a small and manageable city, but I also traveled to 7 other European countries while I was abroad because Belgium is so close to so many other countries. I learned how to travel efficiently and safely. Working in Parliament was the best professional experience I've had. It is easily the part of my resume I discuss most during interviews for post-grad opportunities. At Parliament, I learned to work proactively and manage my time. I also learned how to research for and write speeches for committee sessions, weekly articles, and draft legislation. It was definitely worthwhile and I would recommend it to anyone looking to work in a professional setting while abroad. I was able to experience all of the fun aspects of studying and living abroad while also gaining irreplaceable professional experience. My EPA advisor made the experience easy, and I was comfortable using public transportation and navigating the city (despite speaking no French or Dutch) right away.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses I took were relatively easy compared to courses at my home university. The teachers however were helpful and knowledgeable. I enjoyed my time learning amongst international students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had a great advisor, Ruby Bhambra, who was very helpful. She was concerned about our stay in Belgium and the success of our internships. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I liked living near Place Flagey. We were equidistant from school and Parliament. Transportation was only a quick walk away. Our apartment was brand new and for a time was under some construction, but our landlord, Javier was very nice and always accommodating. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Brussels is filled with expats. As a result, it's relatively easy to feel at home as a foreigner. Almost everyone in Parliament spoke some English which made it easy to meet English-speaking friends. I did not speak French which would have helped a lot, but it was not impossible to manage. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any experience with healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
Brussels is safe, but pickpocketing is prominent. I never felt at risk or in danger during my time in Brussels, however I was also vigilant about keeping track of my belongings and locking my door. As long as you are mindful, it is easy to stay safe in Brussels. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
3, Brussels is moderately priced. Working in Parliament was nice because the food there is subsidized. Transportation monthly is around 30 or 40 euro if you get a monthly MoBIB pass. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75-100 euro |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Brussels has a foreign language component because the native languages are Dutch and French, however it's not necessary to know these languages because Brussels is so international. My advisor encouraged us to try to speak French, but none of us were there to speak the language. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had studied French or Dutch |
| 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? | I would study basic French or Dutch phrases such as (thank you, I'm sorry, I would like___, Where is the bathroom/bus/restaurant/train station, basic foods, I want to go to___) |
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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| 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? |
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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? | What to expect from working in Parliament |
