Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unforgettable semester in Belgium Past Review

By (Political Science And International Studies, University of Oklahoma) - abroad from 01/13/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

Vesalius College: Brussels - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about a different lifestyle than America. It opened my horizons and I gained insight on European business through my internship and about European culture. It was the most beneficial experience ever, and I can not stop recommending it.

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.

The courses were relatively rigorous, but each students opinions varied depending on the classes taken. I had one major paper in each class which took a decent amount of time. However, despite all the work I felt as if the professors were very knowledgable as they all either worked or had intense connections within the European Union. The professors were mainly concerned if we learned and fully maximized our experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our directors went above and beyond to make us enjoy our program. If we had issues they would help us at all times. I could not rave enough about how good of a job they did with ISA and making sure we all had a pleasant experience in Brussels.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For European standards, our apartment was nice. Shared a bedroom and living facilities with one roommates. Our kitchen could have been bigger, but it sufficed.

* Food:

The food in Belgium was superb! Best cheeses, beers, fries and bread!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While I did not meet too many locals, I do believe it was easy to blend in with the local culture. From the markets to restaurants to parks, it is nice to integrate with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I experienced one injury, and our directors called the doctors offices and helped me fill out the paperwork. The system is a lot different than the United States, as it is very socialized. Sometimes, this would be difficult as getting a specific doctors appointment required several previous visits. Fortunately, Belgium does not require and vaccinations.

* Safety:

Brussels is just like any other major European city. There are pickpocketers, but only in the center of town. There are less pickpocketers than in Spain, but it still does occur. Students must be careful at night on the metro, but other forms of night transportation are fine. In the area near the school, I rarely felt unsafe late at night.

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)

It is significantly cheaper than cities such as Paris, London and Copenhagen. However, it is still more than most American cities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300-500 including travels
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan your travels early on. Go to the market for groceries. Buy the local drinks at the bar.

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

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Internship
  • Directors
  • Planned trips by ISA
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is actually a "study" part to study abroad!

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.