Study Abroad in Belgium-Flanders

Academic Year Programs

School

With its 99% literacy rate, Belgium is no pushover when it comes to schooling. Belgium is ranked 16th by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) when it comes to education, proving that it has top-quality teachers and schools. The Belgian school system offers a strong foreign language program and almost everyone in Flanders (Dutch-speaking Belgium), and Wallonia (French-speaking Belgium) speaks at least three languages: English, French and Dutch! The educational system is divided between a state system and a private, mostly Catholic system, both of which are free. While native Belgians can choose from Technical, Vocational, or Art Secondary Schools, most YFU students will be enrolled in General Secondary Education.

Orientations

All students applying for the year program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which is typically held in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Year students have an arrival orientation, mid-year orientation, and re-entry orientation in Belgium. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Extracurriculars

Belgian schools typically do not offer extracurricular activities, but you may participate in sports and other activities through private or community clubs.

Optional Excursions

Year program students may also have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay at an additional cost.

Students may also have the opportunity to participate in field trips organized by their local high school. More information will be provided by their school.

Language

Dutch. No previous language study is required for Dutch-speaking Belgium. Students will be enrolled in an online language course for beginners. This additional language course is included in the tuition and organized by YFU Belgium.

Special Interest Programs

Visual Arts: Study art in the country where famous painters, including Rene Magritte, Peter Paul Rubens, and Luc Tuymans, began their careers! Students enrolled in this program are typically enrolled in a school with a strong visual arts program. These are regular high schools, but in addition to offering basic subjects (math, languages, history, sciences), they also offer subjects related to practical and theoretical visual arts. Please note that this program is only available for the full academic year; students will not be accepted to this program for a shorter term.

Requirements: Students must submit a portfolio with their application. Students should prepare for possibility of extra costs for materials.

Fashion: Ever thought about creating your own clothing line or owning your own boutique? If you love to sew and design clothes or have aspirations of working in the fashion industry, this program offers the opportunity to learn about the creative and commercial aspects of the fashion business. Depending on the school, students typically take 16-22 hours per week of practical courses such as design and drawing, retail, fashion presentation, trend studies, fashion development, fashion and tailor-made, clothes for men, patterns design, internships and projects, management, ready-made clothing, retouch (touch up), material research, social and communication skills, costume and art history, and marketing and distribution. General subjects may include Dutch, French, English, and social studies.

Requirements: Students applying for this program must have a keen interest in fashion! Students should prepare for possibility of extra costs for materials.

Sports: This program is designed for the athletic student who wants to combine a general education in math and sciences with sports coursework. Depending on the school, students can have around 10 hours per week in courses such as physiology, movement research, anatomy, sports theory, athletics, gymnastics, rhythm and dance, swimming, basketball, soccer, handball, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, tennis, and fitness.

Requirements: Students with no prior sports experience should not apply.

Music: Students applying to the music program can choose to specialize in either classical or jazz. They will take all of the courses of a traditional high school but also study subjects related to practical and theoretical music. Please note that this program is only available for the full academic year; students will not be accepted to this program for a shorter term.

Requirements: Students must submit a portfolio with their applications. All candidates will be interviewed via Skype after their portfolio has been reviewed.