years-experience access-alumni-network airfare airport-pick-up assistance-with-application-process community-service-placement continuous-support cultural-trips domestic-transport emergency-support field-trips global-competence-certificate grade-transcripts host-family-placement housing individual-contact-person internship-placement language-instruction meals medical-insurance orientations-during-your-time-abroad other pre-departure-orientation product-materials re-entry-orientation school-dipolma school-materials school-placement school-transport school-uniform stipend teaching-materials vaccinations visa-and-passport-fees visa-application-assistance world-wide-presence

Highlights: 

  • Very enthousiastic group of volunteers to guide the participants
  • A rich culture with medieval cities
  • Diverse opportunities to join a youth movement
  • AFS orientation camps
  • Brussels camp at the end of the program

Exploring Culture in Belgium Flanders

Belgium is one of the smallest European countries that’s produced some of the finest artists and thinkers. For a small country, it has a lot of beautiful and historical cities, fine food, and a rich culture. Tolerance and diplomacy are key words for Belgium. According to international polls, Belgium is one of the most satisfied countries in the world! Belgian culture has been influenced by the French, Dutch, Austrian, and Spanish, making it a unique combination of cutting edge and traditional cultures.

Belgium may be small in size, but it is vast in its diversity and opportunities. By choosing a program in Flanders, the northern part of the country, you will immerse yourself in a region where tradition meets innovation. This is a place where your daily commute is a bike ride through historic streets or green landscapes, and where your afternoons are spent with new friends at a local café.

Belgian teenagers are very casual and usually enjoy sports, especially soccer and cycling, going to concerts, cinemas and scouting on weekends. Teenagers often get involved in the regular fairs and carnivals that parade through both small towns and big cities. Belgium has festivals celebrating anything from electronic music to historic witch trials! Belgium is also the home of popular characters like Tin-Tin and the Smurfs, also belgian teenagers often participate in activities like tennis, bowling, swimming, ice-skating, and canoeing.

People in Belgium Flanders commonly speak French. Many people also speak Flemish or German and are quite proficient in English.

A multilingual and multicultural hub In Flanders, Dutch is the primary language, but you will find yourself in a truly international environment. Because of its central location in Europe, Belgium is a crossroads of cultures. During your stay, you will not only improve your language skills but also get in touch with many different cultures and hear a variety of languages every single day. This unique mix makes Flanders the perfect place to develop a global perspective. Live like a local Your exchange is more than a visit; it is about becoming part of a community. You will live with a local host family who will open their home and hearts to you, offering a true sense of belonging.

What's included in your experience

  • Airfare
  • Airport Pick-up
  • Host Family Placement
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • School Placement
  • 24/7 Emergency Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Orientations during your time abroad
  • Re-entry Orientation

What you are responsible for

  • Vaccinations
  • Visa and Passport Fees
  • Stipend