UI Programs in Belgium
About Belgium
Belgian Educational System

Belgium

Language Requirements Key:

Study in English: Main program courses are offered in English.
All Levels: Students with any level of the language can study at the school.
Intermediate: Students must have at least 2 college semesters or equivalent.
Advanced: Students must have at least 4 college semesters or equivalent.
Superior: Students must have at least 6 college semesters or equivalent.

City	University	Program	Language Reqs.
Brussels	Vesalius College	ISA • CIEE • ISEP	Study in English (Summer Available)
Brussels	Université Libre de Bruxelles	CIEE	Study in English

About Belgium

Often called the Essence of Europe, Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Situated between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses an array of attractions in an area no bigger than Maryland. A dense train network connects all of Belgium and makes navigation simple and comfortable for travelers. The climate is cool, temperate, and rainy; summer temperatures average 77°F, winters average 45°F.

Brussels is the capitol of Belgium and is the headquarters of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Thus, the multi-lingual status of the nation is very much justified and useful.

Belgium is known to be friendly & welcoming with people who speak three official languages and still can converse in English which is becoming the 4th unofficial language. Stunning architecture decorating the quaint cobblestone squares and the incredible cuisine make it a unique place to visit. Chocolate lovers find euphoria with the famous Belgian chocolate that is known world-wide. Many of the confection shops line the streets and one report claims Belgians annually consume over 16 kg of chocolate per person! The country also produces over 1,000 brands of beer. A sense of energy is in the overall mood of Belgium and is infectious.

Belgian Educational System

Belgium is proud of the high standards of its educational systems. Education also has high priority in Belgium’s budget, garnering the largest share of the regional governments’ annual budget. Complete systems of public and private schools are available to all children between the ages of 4 and 18, at little or no cost. A "Crêche/Kinderdagverblijfplaats" is available for younger children.

The French and Flemish Communities provide nursery schools, primary schools, middle or secondary schools, and technical schools; and universities or other educational institutions at university level are readily accessible.

A complete system of private schools "écoles libres/vrije scholen" parallels the official systems in both countries. The majority of "écoles libres/vrije scholen" are Catholic schools.