Study Abroad in Belgium-Wallonia

Semester Programs

Spend a semester immersed in the heart of French-speaking Belgium. You’ll live with a host family, attend a local high school, and experience Wallonia’s rich culture, language, and traditions from the inside out.

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 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 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 your program aimed to prepare you for your experience overseas.

Belgium Wallonia offers two in-country orientations: “post-arrival orientation” and “re-entry,” to support their students and host families throughout the program. All orientation costs are included in tuition.

Extracurriculars

Most Belgian high schools do not offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, or teams in their local communities in order to get involved and meet locals!

Optional Excursions

Students in the semester program are invited to partake in an optional cultural trip at an additional cost. More information will be provided in Belgium during the arrival orientation.

Cologne Trip: An exciting one-day cultural trip to Cologne, Germany, that typically takes place in late November. Students who participate in this trip will visit the city center of Cologne to not only see cultural sites, but witness firsthand the lively Christmas markets. While visiting the local street market, students will experience the magic of the Christmas festival and have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and trinkets and try delicious food!

Language

French. Students are required to have previous study of French. Language requirement is minimum B1 via an online test. A1 and A2 level students are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Trimester Programs

Spend a trimester immersed in the heart of French-speaking Belgium. You’ll live with a host family, attend a local high school, and experience Wallonia’s rich culture, language, and traditions from the inside out.

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 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 trimester must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which is typically held in mid-July or early-mid December (Spring Programs). This orientation is a required part of your program aimed to prepare you for your experience overseas.

Belgium Wallonia offers two in-country orientations: “post-arrival orientation” and “re-entry,” to support their students and host families throughout the program. All orientation costs are included in tuition.

Extracurriculars

Most Belgian high schools do not offer extracurricular activities. However, YFU students are encouraged to join sports, clubs, or teams in their local communities in order to get involved and meet locals!

Optional Excursions

Students in the trimester program are invited to partake in an optional cultural trip at an additional cost. More information will be provided in Belgium during the arrival orientation.

Cologne Trip: An exciting one-day cultural trip to Cologne, Germany, that typically takes place in late November. Students who participate in this trip will visit the city center of Cologne to not only see cultural sites, but witness firsthand the lively Christmas markets. While visiting the local street market, students will experience the magic of the Christmas festival and have the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and trinkets and try delicious food!

Language

French. Students are required to have previous study of French. Language requirement is minimum B1 via an online test. A1 and A2 level students are considered on a case-by-case basis.