High School Study Abroad in Belgium

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Travel For Teens
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Come join us for a trip that provides a thrilling mix of Europe’s most popular destinations and its lesser-known marvels! Stroll along the canals of Amsterdam, tour its notorious Red Light District, and visit Anne Frank’s house, all while familiarizing yourself with Dutch culture, history, and food!
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As one of the multicultural microcosms in the heart of Europe, mixing contemporary society with a rich history, Belgium provides an enjoyable and exciting study abroad experience. You'll walk through medieval town squares and streets in the midst of a thoroughly modern country with influences in its
GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and med
The Experiment in International Living
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Begin your journey in Frankfurt, Germany’s dynamic hub of culture, commerce, and education, before exploring key cities that shape Europe’s identity and influence. Experience daily life in western Germany through a 10-day homestay, where you’ll live with a host family and attend school with local s
A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Belgium
Locations
Belgium is divided culturally into two distinct regions. The French speaking south incorporates about 41 percent of the country’s population, while the Dutch speaking north is home to the 59 percent majority. Although much of the country’s recent history has been marked by cultural tensions between the Walloon and Flemish populations, Belgium continues to thrive as a unified state nonetheless. In most cities you will hear people speaking both French and Dutch, and many Belgians are proficient in English as well.
As the capital and largest city, Brussels is first on many students’ lists for high school programs in Belgium. A central hub for international political and non-governmental organizations, students who take an interest in global affairs will be delighted by the sense of international prominence that pervades Brussels. Its architectural beauty, having been built upon for over 1,000 years, is just the icing on the cake. Brussels is bilingual, though French is the dominant language spoken in the city.
Other popular destinations for high school programs in Belgium include Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. These cities are significantly smaller than Brussels, but each offers a unique taste of Belgian culture in its own right. Many high school programs in Belgium will also include travel, with students visiting a few of these cities, as well as nearby countries, such as Netherlands and France. These multi-location high school programs abroad can be great for getting a taste of the regional diversity of Western Europe.
High School Programs in Belgium
Belgium excels in education, so high school study abroad programs in Belgium will be both a challenge and incredibly rewarding. Many high school programs in Belgium will place students at a local high school, where they will be learning alongside Belgian and international peers. It is possible to study at either a Dutch or French speaking high school in Belgium, depending on your language proficiency. Courses in either language are a popular area of study in Belgium, but subjects such as european history, international politics, and other such studies are also common.
Some high school programs in Belgium are not academic oriented at all, and will instead focus on cultural exploration activities throughout Belgium and the surrounding region. These high school programs in Belgium are typically shorter in length, though jam packed with an array of activities ranging from touring the European Union headquarters to learning how to make chocolate.
Generally high school programs in Belgium run in the summertime, so that students will not have to miss the regular school year. Students usually have the choice whether to go abroad for a shorter session of two to four weeks or a longer session lasting up to two months. It is also possible to spend a semester or whole academic year attending high school in Belgium, just be prepared to go through a whole lot of planning and organization with your home high school if this is the route you want to take.
Scholarships & Costs
As a wealthy country, it can be expensive to attend high school programs in Belgium. That being said, many on-the-ground costs, such as housing, meals, and transportation, are often included in upfront program fees, so students shouldn’t have to worry too much about spending money after arrival. If program is affordability is a concern, you should explore all the scholarship and fundraising opportunities out there that can help make your trip happen!
Accommodation & Visas
Foreign students generally have the option to live in a homestay with a local Belgian family or in dormitories with peers. Either can be a great choice, depending on each student’s personal preferences, and both include consistent supervision for high school students. Students should talk with their families and program providers about which housing situation might be best for them.
You also might need to obtain a visa to attend a high school program in Belgium. In a broad sense, students coming from within the European Union will not need a visa, students coming from several countries outside of Europe will only need a visa if they plan on staying for longer than 90 days, and the rest will need a visa for entry. You can learn more about your specific situation by checking out GoAbroad’s Embassy Directory.
Benefits & Challenges
Be at Center Stage. As the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, Belgium finds itself at the center of a lot of Europe’s policy decisions. While relatively small, it is a very important country in the international community.
Go Trilingual. French, Dutch, and English are all commonly spoken in Belgium, making it a linguistic gold mine for students interested in learning a second (or third) tongue.
Explore History. Belgium has played a vital role in the development of Europe, ever since it won independence from the Netherlands in the 19th century. A major force in colonization and the industrial revolution, Belgium also suffered as a major battleground in both world wars.
Latest Program Reviews
Best Summer
January 16, 2026by: Emily Nolasco - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
I loved visiting Germany so much that I wish to visit again when I am older. I had a lot of fun embracing the new culture and participating with students my age. The best part of the whole trip was trying new food and seeing how different each fast food shop was from those in the U.S.
I learned so much!
November 10, 2022by: Adam Lempert - United StatesThank you so much for leading an incredible trip. When I went on the trip, I had the most amazing time. The consolers were fun and knowledgeable. I made many friends on the trip. It was a perfect trip. I truly enjoyed visiting other countries and learning their culture.
Such a wonderful and unique experience!
December 28, 2018by: Mac Kalna - United StatesThis past summer I went on the Amsterdam, Belgium, Paris trip with Travel for Teens. Let me just say this, Travel for Teens is THE way to go! The immersion of new cultures and people was in abundance throughout the trip making it that much better. All of my counselors were amazing and you could tell that they truly enjoyed the adventure as much as everyone else, but they still knew how to be very responsible and considerate of others.
I learned patience and gratitude
November 08, 2018by: Mattisen W.Program: AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in Belgium
It chose AFS because it was the most used organization in my area so I only really knew about that one. But I learned once I was there that it was one of the better options anyway compared to other organizations. During my experience I gained friends from every corner of the world, I learned patience and gratitude for what I have, and I learned how to travel.
Truly life changing
August 30, 2018by: Ronnie Coleman - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
Prepare to be educated while going on an adventure. As I traveled across Germany, I learned many helpful things and made friends that will last a lifetime. The trip is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a great and meaningful summer.
Incredible experience
September 06, 2017by: Cordelia - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
My summer in Germany was unforgettable. Every day, I was challenged, whether it be through the culture shock, group discussions, or host family activities. However, it was through each challenge that I learned new things about myself and the world around me. Having difficult conversations, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and being vulnerable allowed me to truly immerse myself in the German culture while creating strong relationships with my group. The group dynamic was absolutely amazing. The 14 of us came from different backgrounds with different opinions and ideas but all with a passion for politics and change-making, that made for thought-provoking discussions and debates, allowing us to constantly learn from each other and think in ways that we never had before. The relationships that I've made - both German and American - are ones that have helped me realize my own capabilities as a leader and truly changed my life for the better. The Experiment has given me a summer that I will never forget, and I strongly recommend this program to any high schooler looking to broaden their world view.
Germany excursion
September 01, 2017by: Sienna Sahagun - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
Through this program, I have grown into a more passionate and aware leader. In this program, I met many new people in my group who have similar and different mentalities. Through this variety of personalities and opinions, I was able to gain more perspectives of life from others. I also got to see how passionate and determined the other attendees are - I left the program hopeful due to the fact that I knew the future was going to be full of individuals who are similar to the individuals in my group. From this impactful experience, I had the opportunity to succeed as a leader that I am meant to prosper into and also got to create life-long friendships with the most amazing people I have ever met.
The best experience ever!!
August 31, 2017by: Abby - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
Throughout the month I was in Germany, I learned so much and gained insight I couldn't have gotten elsewhere. The Experiment provided a perfect balance of education, volunteer service projects and free time in which we could split up and explore the cities with a small group. I learned so much and grew as a person and I feel as if I returned home changed by this experience. I made friendships closer than most I have back home, with both the Germans and my group members. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to study abroad for a summer in high school.
The best month ever!!
August 31, 2017by: Lindsey Andrews - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
While living in Germany for a month during summer I gained so much that I couldn't have gotten from any other experience. The Experiment in International Living provided the perfect balance of education and fun free time when we were able to explore the city on our own. I grew as a person and gained a new perspective and I feel like I came back a different person. I made friendships closer than any I have back home and also connected with the Germans. I would definitely recommend this program for anyone looking to study abroad during a high school summer.
Amazing trip!
January 31, 2017by: Leonardo - ItalyIt was my first holiday with TFT, and it was a great experience. Although I do not speak English very well but both the guys and our trip mates helped me to fully enjoy the holiday. Personally the city that I liked the most was Paris, especially as it was arranged the tour of the city.
Incredible trip!
January 31, 2017by: Leonardo - ItalyIt was my first holiday with TFT, and it was a great experience. Although I do not speak English very well but both the guys and our trip mates helped me to fully enjoy the holiday. Personally the city that I liked the most was Paris, especially as it was arranged the tour of the city.
Best trip ever!
January 24, 2017by: RoseyThis was my first time traveling with TFT and it was amazing! It was also my first time leaving the US so I was a little nervous. Once I met the other girls and the counselors I felt much better. I felt very safe traveling with everyone and the awesome counselors always made sure we were having a great time. They knew so much about the places we went and I learned a lot. Looking back on my pictures is so much fun. This trip was definitely worth it and I really wanted to travel more when I got home. My experience made me realize that I wanted to become an exchange student and I have applied to spend my senior year in Holland.
Very positive
September 08, 2016by: Mary Beth - United StatesProgram: The Experiment: Germany: International Relations & The E.U.
My high-school aged daughter applied to the Germany trip to study Contemporary politics and the EU program through The Experiment In International Living. We looked at various study abroad programs and decided that The Experiment was the best fit for our family. The Experiment in International Living was fabulous from start to finish. From the beginning, the process was seamless. We were regularly updated as to my daughter's application and stayed informed until her arrival home. My daughter has traveled abroad through school exchange and with family and she said that this was the best travel experience. She made life-long friends with the other students in her program, learned so much about the country and the native language and was educated on politics. The family she stayed with may not have been warm and fuzzy, but they kept my daughter protected and comfortable. I felt that the family was well-vetted and I was comfortable knowing she was safe. Being on the other side of the country and having to rely on The Experiment wasn't easy at first, but The Experiment provided a safe, well organized and thoughtful program that went beyond my expectations. Through various (closed) social media outlets, I was kept informed during the month-long program. Whether it was student-written blogs, snapchat videos or email itineraries, I was able to follow along vicariously without bothering my daughter on a daily basis. She was able to immerse herself without feeling like she needed to connect with me on a daily basis. I think that aspect only enhanced her experience. The Experiment in International Living did well planning this program, incorporating fun activities, and educating the students. My daughter would go again and has suggested the organization to her friends. I highly recommend The Experiment to any family looking for a study abroad program.
Best Trip Ever!
November 18, 2014by: EmilyThis was my first TFT trip and I absolutely loved it! We hit all of the famous landmarks in these places, and learned about their history as well. My favorite place we went to was Belgium because it was so beautiful and the people were so kind. The food was amazing too :) I felt very safe throughout the trip, even when we had some free time to wander. I also felt so comfortable talking to the trip leaders about anything. I highly recommend TFT!
Loved it!!!
November 18, 2014by: Frannie - chicagoI had such a great time on this trip! On this trip, I had the ability to reconnect with a great friend whom I met on a previous TFT trip, but I had not seen in over a year. Not only did I get to spend time with my friend, but I was able to meet a group of 17 awesome people! The councilors on this trip were the perfect balance between being responsible and fun. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to meet new people and have a great time!
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