
WHY BRUSSELS?
There is never a dull moment in the quintessential capital city of Belgium. This is the place for multifaceted students who want a little of everything Europe has to offer!
All year around, you can discover beautiful scenery in Cinquantenaire Park, eye-catching architectural monuments at the Hôtel van Eetvelde, or shop like the Belgian Royal family in the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.
The beauty of the city can only be experienced by spending time exploring your surroundings. It’s no surprise that you’ll find many people walking outside! Particularly in the well-preserved medieval center, you’ll have the opportunity to meet locals while enjoying their unique street art or browsing an abundant collection of vinyl’s.
If a “big city” environment doesn’t sound like your thing, don’t worry. There are many spacious parks and quiet squares in its center and wide-open spaces on its outskirts.
US TO YOU
EPA works to ensure the high quality of our program and the day-to-day safety of our participants. This is why we take special care to have a low student to staff ratio which allows our staff to answer questions, stay updated with our student’s acclimation process, and provide guidance at all turns.
The Brussels Program Director, Alex Nice, is dedicated to ensuring the safety and academic progress of our students as they prepare and triumph in their abroad travels.
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
In your free time, there are a ton of different things to explore during your time in Brussels.
- ◦ Settle the debate on which city produces the best chocolate by visiting a chocolate factory like, Choco-Story or Belgian Chocolate Makers!
- ◦ Hop on a guided tour of the St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral
- ◦ Take a lift on The Atomium and get a bird's-eye view of the city
QUICK FACTS
Language | English, Good to know a little French, too. |
Internship Areas | Politics, International Relations, Business, Marketing, Communications |
Academics | Vesalius College |
Housing | Single Rooms in Student Housing |
Terms | Fall, Spring, Summer |
Application Deadlines |
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Dates and Fees | Click Here |
LANGUAGE
Students take classes in English. Most internship placements can be done in English, but some placements such as health care do require French skills.
If a student is fluent in another European language and would like to intern with a Member of European Parliament for that country, we can try to arrange that as well.
Non-native speakers must have a B2 skill level or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL).
ACCOMMODATION
In Brussels, you’ll have your own room with a communal kitchen, bathroom, and study area as well as an inner court with a garden. The complex also has a partnership with a fast-food restaurant in the building where you can enjoy a delicious hamburger with a refreshing drink.
CONTACT WITH STUDENTS
Vesalius College is part of a broader student community in Brussels that consists of four other universities: the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the Universite Libre Bruxelles, and Kent University.
Together, they support a vibrant student lifestyle. You can also take part in clubs, groups, or athletic organizations.
PASSPORTS
A passport is an official identity and travel document issued by the U.S federal government allowing you the opportunity to travel internationally. (It’s a must-have!) You can apply for your passport at any time, but it must be valid for 6 months after your time abroad.
To apply, go to local US Post Office or County Clerk's Office in your area. Call ahead to find out if there are any regulations or fees specific to your area. The processing of a passport application can take 12 weeks or more. If you don't already have one, apply now!
VISAS
A visa is an official permission, granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or visit, which allows you to enter and remain in that country for period of time.
To study in Belgium during the fall or spring terms, US students will need a Belgian higher education long term study visa. This visa cannot be applied for until 90 days before the start of the program. US citizens do not need a visa for the summer, but international students will need to apply for a Short Term Schengen Visa for the summer.
Orientation | Academics | Internships |
ORIENTATION
Who would we be if we didn’t offer you some guidance before you started exploring? Within the first few days of your arrival, there will be a main orientation for students detailing all aspects of your life overseas.
We’ll provide details on cultural and social activities, need-to-knows about academics and internships, guide you to your housing/lodging situations, prepare you for local transportation and health/safety precautions, and allow you to connect with the other students!
ACADEMICS
At the heart of the city, students are invited to pull their real-life experiences into their academic learning — the only way to learn is to truly do! 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.
INTERNSHIPS (Academic Work Placements)
PAST PLACEMENTS
Here are some of the recent placements EPA Interns have enjoyed. We encourage students to let us know if you see organizations that specifically interest you. While we cannot guarantee any placement, we are delighted to understand where your passion lies. Preferences are prioritized on a first come, first serve basis. Get your application in early!
Placement | Field |
BusinessEurope | Business Consultancy |
American Chamber of Commerce, Belgium | Business NGO |
The Right Street | Communications and Advocacy Consultancy |
87Seconds | Communications Consultancy |
Kreab Gavin Anderson | Communications Consultancy |
ENCATC: European Network of Cultural Management and Policy | Cultural NGO |
ENCC: European Network of Cultural Centres | Cultural NGO |
European Parliament | Government |
EHMA: European Health Management Assoc. | Health NGO |
EAPN: European Anti-Poverty Network | Human Rights NGO |
Grimaldi Legale | Law |
ACP-YPN: African, Caribbean, Pacific Young Professionals Network | Politics and Business NGO |
CBL-ACP: Belgian Chamber of Commerce: Africa, Caribbean, Pacific | Politics and Business NGO |
Grayling | PR and Public Affairs Consultancy |
EURAFFEX Group | Public Affairs Consultancy |
COST OF ATTENDANCE
The price of the program includes tuition and housing, internship placement and oversight, pre-departure and visa application materials, comprehensive on-site orientation, welcome and farewell dinners, on-site student support, and on-site program management.
Grade reports and supervisor evaluations are also sent to schools upon completion of the term.
You'll want to budget for the cost of academic credit, air travel ($1000+), visa fees (Semester $500+), meals, and commuting. These costs are NOT INCLUDED in the program fees. Most students budget $200-$300 per week for expenses depending on their lifestyle and the value of the US Dollar.
For more information on the exact fees for individuals paying directly, click here.
TERMS
EPA offers programs in Brussels during the fall, spring, and summer terms.
- Fall (Mid-August until Mid-December)
- Spring (January until Mid-May)
- Summer (Mid-May until Mid-July)
For more information on the exact dates, click here.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Some students finance portions of their semester abroad through scholarships and grants. Check with your university for specific opportunities. You might even want to consider a GoFundMe campaign.
We listed a few opportunities below to help you get started!
- www.iie.org
Gilman Scholarship
(Must be Pell Grant Recipient to Apply) - www.transitionsabroad.com
Vesalius College
Brussels students take courses at Vesalius College. Over 300 international students from 50 countries attend Vesalius College every semester, providing a truly cosmopolitan and culturally enriching environment. All classes are taught in English and subjects include business, communications, law, international relations, economics, history, law, and politics.