Study & Intern in Brussels (in English)
The Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. The Study Abroad program is organized by Vesalius College.
History buffs and international relations enthusiasts will feel at home in Brussels, which hosts the European Union and North Atlantic Treaty Organization headquarters. Deepen your knowledge of international affairs and business through Vesalius College’s small classes taught in English and a variety internship options.
The Internship Program provides students with an excellent opportunity to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Students pursuing an internship with BSoG gain international experience in a professional environment in Brussels, the ‘Capital of Europe’. Students have the opportunity to test career options, gain useful practical experience, and build relationships with professionals and organizations in their areas of interest. Students confirm and apply the theory they acquire in class by participating in prestigious internships in the public and private sectors in such organizations as NATO, the United Nations, Ernst & Young, MasterCard and many more.
Based on its location in Brussels, the heart of the European community, BSoG has targeted the disciplines most relevant to the expertise available in the local academic and professional sectors. The Business program thrives on the knowledge of professors and guest lecturers with experience in the headquarters of large multinational corporations. As the home of NATO and heart of the European Union, Brussels feeds the International Affairs curriculum with the most knowledgeable experts in the field of public policy and European studies. Students in the the International and European Law program benefit from a more versatile approach to the curriculum, working together on common projects with students in other majors and examining issues from different angles – a great asset in any corporate or public sector career.
Many extracurricular activities are sponsored by the Vesalius Student Government and the associated Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The VSG organizes regular student parties, outings and other activities. Sports include soccer, basketball, swimming, athletics and fitness at a world-class fitness center. ISEP students can also participate in student-driven academic activities such as college publications, forums and assemblies.
HOUSING AND MEALS
A Homestay is the main housing option for ISEP students studying at BSoG. Homestays enable students to immerse themselves in the everyday life of a Belgian family and the Belgian culture, and are the recommended housing option for ISEP students at Vesalius. Vesalius College works with host families who for years have welcomed international students into their homes and are committed to enriching the study abroad experience of these students. All families have a good command of the English language and can communicate with students who have no knowledge of French or Dutch. Eleven meals per week (breakfast seven days per week and dinner on weeknights) are included in the cost of the homestay program.
ISEP students may opt out of the standard homestay option, but students choosing independent housing are fully responsible for arranging and paying for their own accomodation while in Brussels. BSoG provides advice for students opting out of the program-provided housing, but is not responsible for directly helping students to find accomodation or otherwise assisting in independent housing arrangements.
Students will be able to use their own funds for groceries and meals. See here for information regarding estimated expenses and budgeting while in Brussels.
Course Description
INTERNSHIP
There are 2 types of internships available to Study Abroad students. Students will also enroll in courses at to complement their part-time internship.
The ‘single’ internship involves 150–180 hours of work over the course of the semester (roughly 12–15 hours per week). Students are also required to keep a daily log and to write a 3,000-word paper at the end of the term. The single internship is evaluated with a letter grade and is worth 1 academic course, or 6 ECTS (equivalent to 3 U.S. academic credits).
Motivated Study Abroad students are also allowed to apply for the ‘double’ internship, which is offered by a selection of BSoG' internship partners. The ‘double’ internship is worth 2 academic courses or 12 ECTS (6 U.S. academic credits). With the ‘double’ internship, students are expected to work 280 hours per semester (approximately 25 hours per week) and, in addition to the 3,000-word paper and daily log, are required to conduct an academic research project over the course of the term.
COURSEWORK
In addition to the single or double internship, students will enroll in additional regular university courses for a total semester credit-load of 24 to 30 ECTS. You can build your own program by choosing courses from a variety of fields.
A final semester course schedule will only be available after the program application deadline. Course flexibility is necessary. Course schedules will be made available by April 1 for the following Fall semester courses and by November 1 for the following Spring semester courses.
Fall semester students should review the sample fall semester schedule and spring semester students the sample spring semester schedule, as different courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters.
The list of Course Descriptions for the 2021-2022 academic year will provide you with a better understanding of the course offering and prerequisites.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
- There is an additional internal application for the BSoG Internship Program. Students should follow the explicit instructions at this link and submit all required materials to Vesalius College by the stated deadline.
- Study Abroad students can apply for the internship program only if they have obtained prior approval from their home university for transferring the internship grade and credits back to their home university transcripts.
- Certain BSoG elective courses are offered by academic partners such as the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the Royal Military Academy and others. Students should note that some of these courses follow the Belgian academic grading system and the Belgian academic calendar, i.e. they start and end later than regular BSoG undergraduate courses. Not all free electives have different dates, only the one or two offered by Brussels partner schools. ISEP Direct students can take these courses at no additional cost other than the extended housing cost. Partner courses with extended calendar dates are not open to ISEP exchange students.
- Students wishing to take a foreign language (French or Dutch) that is above the introductory (101) level must take a placement test (offered in the fall and spring during orientation week) in order to determine their proficiency level and the best corresponding course level.
- Students wishing to take a 300-level (advanced) political science course on the European Union will be required to take a European Union aptitude test during orientation week (fall and spring). Those that fail the test will not be allowed to register for the 300-level EU courses until they have participated in the EU crash course, which will be organized, free of charge for the student, in the first week of classes.
- Housing and meals are not included in the ISEP Direct program fee. Students will apply for housing and pay accommodation fees directly to Vesalius College. ISEP students must choose one of the official housing options for study abroad students at Vesalius College, and are not allowed to seek independent housing while in Brussels.
PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.
VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: Most students attending this program will be required to obtain a visa/residence permit. For more information on the process and estimated cost, please review the ISEP Country Handbook here.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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