Home of the European Union (EU) and NATO, Belgium is a very international country within a very small geographical space. And within this tiny area that borders France and the Netherlands, exist three very distinctive communities with three languages – Flemish (a dialect of Dutch) is the language of Flanders, Belgium’s Northern region; French is spoken in Brussels and the area known as Wallonia; and citizens in the eastern part of the country speak German. English is fairly widely spoken, particularly in the bigger cities of Brussels and Antwerp.
If you intend to study Political Science or International Relations, Brussels is probably your place. With 20,000 people working in the EU offices on any given day, you will have a better chance of meeting influential people who may be able to help you find related jobs after graduation, whether you intend to remain in Brussels, or relocate abroad.
Culinary Belgium isn’t just made up of famous waffles, chocolates, and chips. In no other country in the world is beer such a celebrated commodity. Producing more than 450 types of beer in breweries dating back to the 14th century, the country is worshiped by beer connoisseurs out to sample everything from the country’s prized Lambic beer to raspberry and chocolate beer. Accordingly, if you love beer, everything from brewery tours to beer festivals and museums await you in Belgium.
If fashion is your thing, look no further than Antwerp – Europe’s best-kept secret and diamond capital of the world. This creative outlet in the Flemish centre of Belgium has bred such famous designers as Ann De Meulemeester, Dirk Bikkemberg and Dries Van Noten, and is home of the impressive MoMu (Mode Museum) fashion museum. Subsequently, Antwerp is a great place if you want to study fashion. The prestigious Antwerp Fashion Academy is probably THE fashion institute to attend – some of the school’s graduates have gone on to lead the international fashion scene.
With 5 universities ranking within the THES-QS World University Rankings Top 200, Belgium is a small country that places a big emphasis on higher education. While French and Dutch are the standard languages of teaching, Belgium does cater to international students by offering many international study abroad programs in English.
Leading universities in Belgium:
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Accommodation in Belgium is readily available; however, if you wish to rent a private flat, it’s often necessary to sign a 1-year contract. Expect to pay between €150 and €400 per month, depending on whether you prefer university housing or private accommodation. Home-stays are also popular in Belgium, and give students a chance to learn, first-hand, about Belgian culture, while possibly taking on a new language. Contact your university’s international student support services or international student department for further information on securing housing in Belgium.
Weather in Belgium can be slightly unpredictable but generally summers are warm and winters relatively cold. Snow can be expected throughout the winter months.
The public transportation system throughout Belgium is excellent. The most dense railway network in the EU includes SNCB, which operates frequent and affordable trips to places as diverse as the Netherlands, Poland, Czech Republic, Portugal, and Denmark, making weekend getaways irresistible. Additionally, the Eurostar links Brussels with Paris and London, and Thalys runs a rapid service to Amsterdam and Paris.
Trams and buses operate in most Belgian cities and students receive discounted fare. The metro system in Brussels is exceptionally efficient and the perfect way to get around town. Ghent even has a trolley – the only trolley in Belgium. But the healthiest and most interesting modes of transportation in Belgium are your feet and a bicycle.
| Item | Price |
| litre of petrol | €1.60 |
| movie ticket | €6.00 |
| souvenir t-shirt | €13.00 |
| litre of bottled water | €0.75 |
| soft drink | €1.30 |
| loaf of bread | €1.50 |
| street snack (frites) | €1.80 |
| baguette sandwich | €3.00 |
| bottle of Trappist beer | €3.50 |
*WorldGuide Index from Lonely Planet
Dialing code: 32
Currency: Euro (€)
Time zone: GMT/UTC +1
Highly ranked universities
Not all courses taught in English