Study in Belgium-Flanders
Home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, Belgium offers you a chance to immerse yourself in the history, culture, and epicenter of today’s global community.
YFU Belgium is represented by two offices, one for the French-speaking part of the country and the other for the Dutch-speaking. YFU Belgium-Flanders is the Dutch-speaking program, and it offers academic trimester, semester, and year-long high school exchange programs, as well as five unique programs in Visual Arts, Dance, Fashion, Music, and Sports. For each of these programs, students will attend a traditional high school and take courses in their chosen specialization. Students are advised to apply early if interested in these specialized programs, as spaces are very limited. Since all of these programs are intensive, beginners should not apply.
+ More About Belgium-Flanders
Helaba! In the Flanders region of the Kingdom of Belgium, you’ll find yourself speaking Dutch. Embark on a cultural adventure and see the lush wooded landscapes, glistening rivers, and beautiful valleys of your new home!
The time you spend with your host family will surely have a deep impact on your stay in Belgium. Your Belgian host family will welcome you with hospitality as you explore their country’s diverse traditions, beautiful arts, and neoclassical architecture. Many of the Belgian people consider their homes to be a very private retreat, thus welcoming you to join them represents a great honor.
With a 99% literacy rate, Belgium offers you top quality schooling to attend. Just as they are proud of their cultural and educational achievements, Belgians equally appreciate their delicious cuisine, which consists of various foods such as beef, cheese, fruit, vegetables, soup, and seafood. After satisfying your stomach with a tasty meal, you may find yourself in the mood to ride a bicycle or play soccer, two of Belgium’s most popular sports! If you are looking for more relaxing activities to participate in, you may find yourself taking a trip to the movies or going to a museum or local theater.
+ Scholarships Available
YFU USA is proud to send over 200 American students on cultural exchange with a full or partial scholarship each year. Financial assistance may be in the form of a merit-based scholarship, needs-based financial aid, or Legacy Grant for students who are previously involved in the YFU Community. Scholarships may vary in deadline, requirements, and eligibility. To learn more, please visit our Scholarships Page to find details on the following scholarships eligible for Belgium-Flanders:
Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund
YFU Legacy Grant
YFU Financial Aid Fund
Karla Topolka Scholarship Fund
Passport to Equity
+ Application Deadline
Applications for tuition based programs must be submitted by October 1 for Winter/Spring departure programs and March 15 for Summer and Fall. Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a case by case basis depending upon availability.
+ Additional Information
Visa Information
Information regarding visas and other immigration processes will be provided upon enrollment. To learn more, you can visit the embassy website. Students who are 18+ years old at the time of visa application will have to pay a 350€ fee to the Belgian Ministry of Interior, Aliens Department, in Belgium. YFU Belgium will provide further information on this fee in country.
Additional Costs
Tutition does not include spending money. Students are responsible for the costs of school or optional YFU trips, visa fees (which may include travel if you are required to appear in person at a consulate), textbook costs, transportation fees, uniforms (typically not required), and activities fees.
Choose Your Program
+ 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.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
Fall year students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June. Year students also have an arrival orientation, mid-year orientation, and re-entry orientation in Belgium. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
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 must also pass an entrance exam before being accepted.
Dance:
Students traveling to Belgium on the dance program are usually enrolled in a school that has a strong dance program. They will take all of the courses of a traditional high school, but will also be offered the opportunity to study dance in a rigorous environment, with people from all over the world that have similar interests. 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 video of themselves performing both ballet and a contemporary dance. All candidates will be interviewed via Skype after their portfolio has been reviewed.
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!
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. Previous practice of the student’s chosen sport is required.
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.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Year | Mid August | Early July | $12,695 |
| 2024 Fall Year Visual Arts | Mid August | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2024 Fall Year Fashion | Mid August | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2024 Fall Year Sports | Mid August | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2024 Fall Year Music | Mid August | Early July | $13,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Belgian high school
- Dutch language courses
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Belgium Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departures: Students born August 30, 2006 – August 30, 2008.
Language
Dutch. No previous language study is required for Dutch-speaking Belgium. Students are encouraged to partcipate in a language course outside of their high school in Belgium. This additional language course is included in the tuition in the form of a reimbursement.
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed in suburban areas or in villages. Students on the summer program typically stay with host families and in hostels while they travel. In Belgium, all members of the family usually participate in household chores, such as cooking dinner, washing dishes, and grocery shopping. Belgian families are typically very close knit and participating in these activities will help you bond with your new family!
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.
Capital City Tour: In the past, students on the Semester program have had the opportunity to travel to a near-by capital city such Paris or Amsterdam for a four-day cultural excursion. The cost of the trip to is usually included in the cost of tuition, but students should be prepared to be responsible for the cost of their own meals while touring.
Students may also have the opportunity to participate in field trips organized by their local high school. More information will be provided in country by their school.
+ Semester 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 semester program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation*, which is typically held in mid-July (early-mid December for spring programs). This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas. Fall semester students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
In Dutch-speaking Belgium, semester students will participate in the post-arrival and re-entry orientations. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Optional Excursions
Semester program students will also usually have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Capital City Tour: In the past, students on the Semester program have had the opportunity to travel to a near-by capital city such Paris or Amsterdam for a four-day cultural excursion. The cost of the trip to is usually included in the cost of tuition, but students should be prepared to be responsible for the cost of their own meals while touring.
Students may also have the opportunity to participate in field trips organized by their local high school. More information will be provided in country by their school.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Spring Semester | Early January | Early July | $13,595 |
| 2024 Fall Semester | Mid August | Late December | $11,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Belgian high school* Dutch language courses
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Belgium Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departures: Students born August 30, 2006 – August 30, 2008.
- 2025 Spring Separtures: Students born December 30, 2005 – December 31, 2008.
Language
Dutch. No previous language study is required for Dutch-speaking Belgium. Students are encouraged to partcipate in a language course outside of their high school in Belgium. This additional language course is included in the tuition in the form of a reimbursement.
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed in suburban areas or in villages. Students on the summer program typically stay with host families and in hostels while they travel. In Belgium, all members of the family usually participate in household chores, such as cooking dinner, washing dishes, and grocery shopping. Belgian families are typically very close knit and participating in these activities will help you bond with your new family!
Extracurriculars
Belgian schools typically do not offer extracurricular activities, but you may participate in sports and other activities through private or community clubs.
+ Trimester 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 Three-Month or Four-Month 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. Fall semester students will participate in a one-day local pre-departure orientation along with their families in May or June.
*Due to COVID-19, the 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation described above may take place on-line dependent upon recommended guidelines at the time of the event. YFU will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
In Dutch-speaking Belgium, trimester students will participate in the post-arrival and re-entry orientations. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.
Optional Excursions
Trimester program students may also have the option of participating in a number of educational trips and excursions during their stay, at an additional cost.
Capital City Tour: In the past, students on the Spring Trimester program have had the opportunity to travel to a near-by capital city such Paris or Amsterdam for a four-day cultural excursion. The cost of the trip to is not included in the cost of tuition and students should be prepared to be responsible for the cost of this excursion if participating.
Students may also have the opportunity to participate in field trips organized by their local high school. More information will be provided in country by their school.
| PROGRAM | DEPARTURE | RETURN | FULL TUITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Fall Trimester | Mid August | Late November | $10,995 |
| 2025 Spring Trimester | Early January | Early April | $12,595 |
Tuition Includes
- Placement with a host family
- Enrollment in a local Belgian high school
- Dutch language courses
- Airport transfers
- Domestic and international travel
- All pre-departure and post arrival orientations
- Pre-program support by trained YFU staff
- Support from a YFU Belgium Area Representative while on program
- Comprehensive insurance
Age Requirement
- 2024 Fall Departures: Students born August 30, 2006 – August 30, 2008.
- 2025 Spring Separtures: Students born December 30, 2005 – December 31, 2008.
Language
Dutch. No previous language study is required for Dutch-speaking Belgium. Students are encouraged to partcipate in a language course outside of their high school in Belgium. This additional language course is included in the tuition in the form of a reimbursement.
Host Family Placement
Students are typically placed in suburban areas or in villages. Students on the summer program typically stay with host families and in hostels while they travel. In Belgium, all members of the family usually participate in household chores, such as cooking dinner, washing dishes, and grocery shopping. Belgian families are typically very close knit and participating in these activities will help you bond with your new family!
Extracurriculars
Belgian schools typically do not offer extracurricular activities, but you may participate in sports and other activities through private or community clubs.