High School Study Abroad in Bruges, Belgium

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 culture from the French, Dutch, Austrians, and Spanish. Belgium's cuisine reflects its varied people and history, boasting one of the best experiences for your palate imaginable. And, of course, there's chocolate! Belgium consists of three regions: Flanders in the north where most of the people speak Dutch; Wallonia in the south, where the majority is French-speaking; and Brussels, the bilingual capital in the center of the country. Both the AFS Flanders and Wallonia programs host students in Brussels and their own areas. In the north, Dutch-speaking Flemings live in a flatland crisscrossed by canals. Being hosted in the French-speaking Community of Belgium, you'll get to know the Walloons who live among the rolling hills of the Ardennes sprinkled with castles and the capital city of Brussels—home to both the European Union and NATO.

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! Leave your mark spraypainting graffiti in Ghent, reflect on the lessons of history at Fort Breendonk Concentration Camp, and bike through the stunning Belgian countryside with a local guide. In Paris, you’ll soak up the City of Light as you explore the hip artistic neighborhood of Montmartre, get the best view from the top of the Eiffel Tower, go on a guided tour of the Louvre including a visit to the Mona Lisa, cruise along the Seine at sunset, and so much more. Come to know these three countries just as well as any local with this hands-on travel experience!