Brussels School of Governance

The Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) carries out interdisciplinary research, organizes fully accredited higher education programs and delivers a broad range of academic services in various policy-relevant fields, including energy & environment, security & diplomacy, migration & diversity, and digitalization & democracy. The School is an alliance between the Institute for European Studies (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Vesalius College. The Study Abroad program is organized by Vesalius College.

Vesalius College was founded by a collaboration between the Dutch Free University of Brussels, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Boston University in order to provide university education in the English language in the heart of Europe. Vesalius is located in the center of Brussels and is surrounded by several universities and other institutes of higher learning, including the VUB and the French Free University of Brussels.

Although the Vesalius campus is small to accommodate a small student body, the campus is nestled against that of its parent university, the VUB. As such, students have the same privileges that VUB students have, and access to the facilities of the much larger free university, including sports facilities, cafeteria, classrooms, health services, libraries and more. Brussels School of Governance is conveniently located within rapid walking distance to metro and train stations as well as to tram and bus stops.

By virtue of its location in Brussels, the heart of the European community, Brussels School of Governance has targeted the three 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. The law program is much sought after in the international and EU arena since most of the pressing international and European problems and concerns require such a unique approach.

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 can then confirm and apply the theory they acquire in class by participating in prestigious internships in the public and private sectors.

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  Vesalius College Brussels

  Brussels, Belgium Campus Website

  0 - 5,000 on Campus

  250,000+ residents in Brussels

  Language(s) spoken on campus: Dutch

  Brussels is known as the 'Capital of Europe.' A city of approximately two million, it is the home of NATO and the European Commission. While largely francophone, Brussels is surrounded by Dutch-speaking communities, a peculiarity of interest in this small country with three national languages (French, Dutch and German). Visitors will be fascinated by the international and multicultural nature of this 'small big city,' but will be comforted by the fact that nearly everyone knows at least some English, which is one reason many tourists call Brussels one of Europe’s friendliest cities. Brussels is also the home of some of the world’s most famous foods, drinks and cultural icons, such as 'Pommes Frites' (French fries), waffles, chocolate, thousands of different types of beers, comic books (i.e. 'TinTin'), Hercule Poirot, Eddie Merckx and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

  Brussels' relatively central location offers an ideal starting point for international travel. Brussels is only 162 miles from Paris, 198 miles from London, 194 miles from Frankfurt and 108 miles from Amsterdam. Public transportation within Brussels as well as to and from Brussels is plentiful, well-designed and economical. For longer trips, students can find attractive fares on high-speed trains or discount airlines.

  Many extracurricular activities are sponsored by the Vesalius Student Government and the associated Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The VSG organizes regular student parties, outings, ski trips 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. 

  Vesalius College offers students the opportunity to earn academic credit and professional experience through a unique graded internship program in Brussels. With over 50 internship sponsors in the public and private sectors, students acquire the professional skills and make the important contacts that can propel them into the career of their dreams. Internships can earn three to six U.S. credits depending on the number of hours worked per week.