Semester in Brussels
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
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.
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.
Excursions & 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.
Program Blogs
Eat, Drink, Explore: Brussels
Best Food to Eat in Brussels Brussels is a city that knows how to do food right – rich, flavorful, and perfect for both quick bites and long meals. From... keep reading
Top 6 Best Weekend Trips from Belgium for Study Abroad Students
Studying abroad in Belgium isn’t just about waffles, chocolate, and canal-side cafés (though yes, you’ll absolutely indulge). It’s also your launchpad to some of Europe’s most iconic cities – all... keep reading
5 Reasons to Study Abroad in Belgium
Imagine starting your day with a coffee in a historic square, heading to class alongside students from around the world, and ending the night sharing fries and stories with friends... keep reading
Housing & Meals
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.
Standard Housing: Double accommodation in a residence hall within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Brussels or a single accommodation in a shared apartment within a 45-minute commute to CIEE Brussels.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Residence Halls and Shared Apartments: No meals are provided.
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.
Course Information
Brussels School of Governance - Vesalius College
Sample list of courses:
Business
- Financial Markets and Investments
- International Business Management
- Strategic Management
- The European Economy
Political and International Affairs
- Comparative Political Systems
- Theories of International Relations
- Western Democracy in Crisis: Post-Truth Politics and the Rise of Populism
- Global Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism and (De-)Radicalization
- Security, Migration and Cultural Diversity in Europe
- European Union Politics: Introduction to the European Union
- The EU’s Approach to Democratization and Human Rights
- The United Nations and Global Governance
- Military Approaches to Security
- The United Nations and Global Governance
- Russian Foreign Policy
Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Global Advocacy
- Persuasive Communication - Rhetoric
Language
- Elementary Dutch
- Elementary and Intermediate French I & II
History
- Global History since 1945
- International Relations between the Wars
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
Browse the range of internship opportunities available and find the experience that aligns with your academic and career goals with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
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.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Government and Public Administration
Gain insight into global policy-making, diplomatic relations, and governance practices in agencies, nonprofits, and firms.
Human Services
Deepen your knowledge of human services through social welfare work, community development, and international advocacy.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics
Deepen your understanding of international trade dynamics, supply chains, and logistics in firms, agencies, and centers.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2027 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Fees & Housing $18,450 | |
| Program Fall 2027 16 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $500 * |
| Educational Costs | $11,006 ** |
| Housing | $6,750 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $18,450 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
*non-refundable fee
**Direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Andrea Adam Moore
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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