Programme details
| Programme length | Start | End | Price | Age on departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFS year programme (academic year) | August 2011 | July 2012 | $13,200 | 16 - 18.6 |
Belgium’s art, food and architecture have been influenced by Rome, Spain, Austria, France, the Netherlands and Germany, each of which ruled the country during the past 2,000 years – giving Belgians a healthy scepticism of authority. But such scepticism has not made French-speaking Belgians insular. They are comfortable embracing the world’s contemporary culture while living among streets and squares that still feel medieval. Being hosted in the French-speaking community of Belgium, you’ll get to know the Walloons who live among the rolling hills of the Ardennes sprinkled with castles and the capital city of Brussels – home to both the European Union and NATO.
Thanks to many contacts with various cultures, Belgians are tolerant, flexible, modest, sincere, warm, friendly and open-minded. They value privacy, enjoy a safe and comfortable life, work hard and are self-disciplined. People will be glad to know you, but you may have to make the first steps toward establishing contact. By showing enthusiasm and interest, by using your charm, tact and openness, you will build real bonds with your new family and friends.
Family life
Family life is very important in Belgium. Teenagers are used to deferring to parents at all times, and parents maintain authority and expect the children to follow their rules as long as they live at home. Both parents usually work, and students and children are expected to do their share of the housework and daily chores.
Family members and their friends and relatives will usually be close to each other, but in general, Belgians do not maintain very close contact with their neighbours. It is possible that apart from your family and their friends, few people in the community will know about you or be acquainted with AFS.
School life
School activities are very demanding and rather intellectual, which is why outside activities are practiced in youth clubs. Also available are public swimming pools, sport centres, football clubs and riding schools. School runs from late August to early July and you’ll study a standard curriculum, with possible courses in ethics and religion. Electives like art, music, and drama are taught in the evenings at some institutions.
Sport activities are sometimes linked to school, but then they are mainly competitive team sports and only take place during free time (Wednesday afternoons and weekends).
AFS Belgium French requires students to have high academic levels, pre-existing French language skills and does not accept vegetarians.
