Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Belgium: Business, Communications and Culture in Brussels Past Review

By (Economics/ International Relations, The University of Texas at Austin) for

Vesalius College: Brussels - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. It was definitely one of the best, if not the best experience of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was not extravagant and my teacher spoke great English. The grading system was very similar to the system at my current school. It also included many field trips and guest expert speakers, which was very interesting. Overall, I enjoyed the school there. The campus, though, is not very nice. But honestly, when you are in a foreign country, there is only so much time you want to spend at school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were very interactive, helpful, approachable ect. The program activities were always fun and a great way to reunite with the group. Furthermore, they were very helpful in helping me plan individual trips outside of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was wonderful and in great part of the city. The neighborhood was safe and I did not need to buy anything for the apartment. I,however, never met my landlord, which I would have liked to do.

* Food:

The variety of food was different, but anyone with specific dietary restriction should be ok. They may have to search a little harder though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were many memorable trips, and the program manager always tried to make them as authentic as possible, especially with food and drink. We went to Bruges and the Caves of Hans but also littler trips like to museums or a castle or brewery right outside Brussels.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is very safe, however it is still a city are there are incidents of muggings and such. But the program made us aware of this as well as emergency contacts and any info we might need.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No, I thought the included cultural activities and other amenities was worth it.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • I like the focus on culture experiences and the internship opportunities.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing, it was wonderful. Be cool if it wasn't so expensive though.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This program would benefit anyone interested in a very international experience and an international culture. Brussels is a very international city with a mix of all sorts of people.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Understanding the EU: Institutions, Policies and partnerships
Course Department: POL 289E
Instructor: Tolksdorf
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was challenging and the class included lots of field trips and guest speakers, which I enjoyed. The teacher was very good, if a bit dry. Despite that, he knew his stuff and was very willing to help. And I felt my level of participation remained the same, as he strongly encouraged participation.
Credit Transfer Issues: I do not know if I had any issues transferring the credit. I did not get it evaluated before hand ( my study abroad adviser was let go a month before I was supposed to go). But hopefully not and my adviser assured me that I shouldn't have any difficulty getting it transferred.