Brussels Courses & Internships
Internships
As the European Union continues to grow in power both economically and politically, there has never been a better time for students of politics, international relations, business and law to work and study in the "Capital of Europe".
European Parliament students may work in the English-speaking offices of MEPs from the United Kingdom or Ireland or in the offices of MEPs from any of the other EU countries (language proficiency and MEP-availability permitting). Interns in all other areas may request English or French-speaking placements, or a mixture of the two. Students normally work the equivalent of 3 days a week.
Courses
Students are enrolled for their courses at Vesalius College, the undergraduate English-language division of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). The campus is located just 20 minutes from the European Parliament headquarters.
Orientation
The first week of the program is devoted to orientation. During this week, students are housed in the orientation hotel before moving to permanent housing at the end of the week. Social activities are held to acquaint students with each other and with Brussels. All aspects of the program are covered in detail during orientation and particular emphasis is given to familiarzing students with the major European institutions.
French skills are tested at the beginning of the orientation period for students interested in taking French courses; a non-credit multi-level French language course is provided for those who register.
Courses
Brussels students take courses at Vesalius College, the undergraduate English-language division of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB). The campus is located 20 minutes from the European Parliament. Students have access to all the facilities of the Vrije Universiteit including the library and computer resources. European Parliament interns also have access to the European Parliament library.
There is some variation of course offerings between the fall and spring semesters. To check a specific term's offerings and to obtain course descriptions, please consult the Vesalius College website.
The Brussels programs director will contact students in advance of the program with a course list for the semester and ask them to pre-register for two courses. When making these choices, students will be asked to consider their internship schedule.
- International Communication — CMM 302
- The International Role of New Media — CMM 332
- Political Communication — CMM 351
- The European Economy: Structure and Performance — ECN 271
- History of Post-war Europe — HIS 213
- Introduction to the History of Eastern Europe — HIS 231
- History of 20th Century Conflicts — HIS 301
- Origins and Development of the European Union — HIS 316
- European Legal System — LAW 201
- European Union Law — LAW 333
- Elementary French — LFR 101
- Intermediate French — LFR 103
- Evolution of the International System: 1815-1945 — POL 211
- Political Theory from Machiavelli to Marx — POL 251
- International Political Economy — POL 311
- Peace and Security Studies — POL 317
- Politics of European Integration — POL 332
Internships
- Politics
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These placements include:
The European Parliament
NGOs and Pressure Groups
Public Affairs and Lobby Groups
Research Institutions and Think Tanks - Banking
- Internship description to come.
- Non-Profit Organizations
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Health-related organizations
Peace and Conflict resolution organizations
Humanitarian aid organizations - Media (French language skills required)
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Public Relations
Advertising
