Programs : Brochure

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Locations: Brussels, Belgium
Program Terms: Fall, Spring
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction:	English	Housing Options:	Apartment (shared), Dormitory, Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Areas of Study:	Art, Culinary Arts, Culture, French, Internships, Sustainability	Program Type:	Internship Abroad, Study Abroad
Minimum GPA:	2.7

Program Description:

Semester in Brussels

Brussels, Belgium

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Semester In Brussels program places you in one of Europe’s most influential capitals, where the institutions shaping EU governance and international politics sit alongside centuries of history, creative movements, and everyday European life. You'll enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Beyond academics, enrich your semester through co-curricular and extracurricular experiences such as a day trip to Bruges and its historic canals, a guided street-art walk through Brussels’ evolving mural and graffiti scene, or a hands-on Belgian culinary experience focused on regional specialties and everyday food culture. If you’re looking for a city that’s easy to love and hard to leave, Brussels is it.

Unique Experiences

Walk through Brussels’ Grand Place and Ilot Sacré

to experience the city’s iconic architecture and the lively atmosphere of its historic center

Follow Brussels’ Comic Strip Route

to spot colorful murals of iconic characters like Tintin, Asterix, and Lucky Luke that celebrate Belgium’s comic-book legacy

Dive into Belgium’s chocolate heritage

with a hands-on workshop and museum visit, learning the bean-to-bar process and crafting pralines alongside a master chocolatier

Learn More About Brussels

Your Destination

Brussels is Belgium’s cosmopolitan capital, offering a welcoming and engaging setting for students across all academic disciplines. The city brings together historic neighborhoods and contemporary culture, seen in grand town squares, Art Nouveau architecture, lively street life, and a diverse food scene shaped by many cultures. Whether you’re studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or the fine arts, Brussels provides a globally connected and culturally rich environment for an unforgettable study abroad experience.

Housing

CIEE Brussels offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in?your home away from home. Our housing ensures students are always well-connected to the best of the city. Set in welcoming neighborhoods, students will enjoy a peaceful and secure living environment.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.

Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Brussels will open doors for you to explore Belgium's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.

Samples of excursions and activities:

Visit the Citadel of Dinant, perched high above the Meuse Valley, to experience dramatic cliffside views and a storybook setting where heritage meets nature
Step inside IMEC for behind the scenes look at Europe’s deep-tech breakthroughs in AI, nanoelectronics, digital health, and sustainability
Explore Antwerp, where a grand medieval center anchored by the Grote Markt meets a world-renowned fashion scene and historic diamond district

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

CIEE students pose in front of famous building in Brussels

brussels-woman-great-market-square-antwerp

Academics

CIEE Brussels: Study in a globally connected European capital where historic charm meets modern influence. Engage in immersive academics alongside opportunities to experience international politics, art, cuisine, and the multicultural energy that defines everyday life in Brussels.

Brussels School of Governance - Vesalius College (BSoG) is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. It is recognized by the European Commission as a Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence. BSoG strives to understand and address critical issues facing society today from the unique vantage point of Brussels, the nerve center of the European Union.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

Internships

Brussels’ work scene is rich in internship opportunities, particularly in international relations, business, communications, and public policy. Organizations and institutions like the European Union and NATO provide hands-on experience in globally focused environments. Its multilingual, multicultural atmosphere fosters collaboration and networking, supporting strong professional growth.

Industry options include:

Finance
Government and Public Administration
Human Services

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
24/7 emergency on-site support

Why CIEE

200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
$8 million in scholarships offered each year
1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
Study tours and cultural activities included
Internships and volunteering opportunities
Rigorous academics
Cultural immersion
iNext Travel Protection included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.