Study Abroad in Belgium | YFU

When I was 15, I embarked on my YFU exchange to Belgium — an adventure that turned out to be one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my life. Living in a completely new country pushed me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a world of exciting possibilities. I had the chance to experience incredible things in my host country, from exploring Belgian culture and traditions to immersing myself in everyday life there. Along the way, I made amazing friends, especially through other YFU students, many of whom I’m still close with today. These friendships became my support system and some of my most treasured connections. Like any exchange, it wasn’t without its challenges. I struggled with my host family situation, but YFU was there to support me, and they were able to move me to a better match. It taught me an important lesson — that not every arrangement will be perfect, but there are always ways to make it work. Looking back, my exchange was the most exhilarating experience I’ve ever had, full of growth, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It shaped me into a more independent, open-minded, and resilient person. I carry these memories — and the lessons I learned — with me for life. I still miss my exchange to this day 🥹

Before I review YFU Belgium (Walloonia and Brussels) I would first like to say that each country and region has its own YFU office and I am specifically review YFU Walloonia and Brussels. Every program has its positives and negatives. I'll start with the positives. This program creates a strong connection between the students studying abroad. Also, all of the administrative parts of studying abroad are handled very well by the program. There is also a fun trip to Paris and a couple of day trips. With that being said, the negatives of this program far outweigh the positives. The program is way overpriced ($10,000 compared to $5,000 of Rotary), the president of YFU Walloonia and Brussels is a very rude, inconsiderate man, and there is a major lack of vetting of the families. Also, they are consistently short of families. It created a few problems for me and a few other students in the program. If you plan on studying abroad, I highly suggest Rotary International and AFS. Both programs are cheaper, provide better family support, and include many more trips.