Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Brussels is a great city where students can learn about themselves. Past Review

By (Marekting, Bentley University) - abroad from 05/27/2013 to 07/13/2013 with

Vesalius College: Brussels - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained confidence in my professional abilities. I also learned I can take care of myself in a country where I am alone and may have language issues.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was well organized, but I do not think the company I worked for should have had interns this summer, since they were in the middle of a move.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am very satisfied with my living arrangements. My host family was very kind and helped me adjust to living in a foreign country. The biggest obstacle I dealt with in the house was the language barrier. My host family spoke and understood very little English.

* Food:

The food was very good, and it was prepared for me like I was told it would be.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My host family and the other students in the house helped show me Belgian culture and ways of life. Everyone worked to include and show me what it was like to live in the country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Brussels is a very safe city, but some of female friends had issues with men making them uncomfortable when traveling alone. My advice is to never travel alone and it is better to pay for a cab at night than walk.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It is important to take advantage of deals. Restaurant prices in tourist areas are much more money if you eat early dinners.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • living with a host family
  • working in foreign country
  • the diversity in Brussels
* What could be improved?
  • organization with the internship
  • communication with the internship office
  • more group activities through the school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I realized how difficult the language barrier would have been at first.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!