Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Work hard, play harder! Past Review

By (Drexel University) - abroad from 08/19/2013 to 12/16/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in Belgium

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! The work experience in a foreign office alone is worth it. Meeting international kids as well was so great!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot both from my courses and the real time experience I had living in Brussels. My time there was definitely an eye-opener to what other parts of the world are like. I think I value my internship experience and living experience higher than the academic part of the program because it improved my 'street smarts', if you will.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the program was great. I had no trouble getting settled and getting into the groove of things. The program director was very friendly and helpful as well.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied with my living arrangements. However, I will say that my experience was very different than most of the other study abroad students.

* Food:

The food was great, I did wish the living expenses did include some source of food. Other than that, I enjoyed the food in Brussels very much.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made a lot of great friends in Brussesl, but the Belgians seemed very stand offish to the Americans. Luckily I was able to be integrated with other Europeans that were much friendlier.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no experience with the health care aspect of the program.

* Safety:

The city of Brussels felt much safer to me than West Philadelphia, so I have no complaints there. But students from rural campuses may take a while getting acclimated to the city environment.

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)

Be prepared to spend a lot of money! The conversion rate and surcharges at ATMs will get you alone. Students that have little cooking experience will find them burning through cash quickly. And learn to walk and take public transportation, no cabs because they will rip you off!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Between 100-150 Euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Grocery shop and drink before going to the bars! Same advice as living in the US.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Location, Brussels is so close to everything.
  • Work experience
* What could be improved?
  • A little more preparedness before getting to Brussles (i.e. what your flat is like, how far you are from school, etc.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If planning to travel while you are there, plan very far in advance if possible. Traveling is cheap compared to the US, but not nearly as cheap as people make it out to be.

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.