Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Price | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| August | July | $73,800 | 16-18.6 |
Belgium is one of the smallest countries in Europe and lies in the heart of western Europe. Belgium has been independent since 1830 when a revolution led to its secession from Holland. For centuries it had been part of many foreign states including Germany, Austria and France.
Belgium’s crossroads position in western Europe has given the country a long tradition in international trade, and has given it a reputation as a meeting point for people, ideas and enterprises.
There are three official languages spoken in Belgium, reflecting the geographic junction of Latin and Germanic cultures. In the north, Flemish, a form of Dutch, prevails, and to the south, French is predominant. German is also spoken by a small percentage of the population. The capital Brussels is classified as bilingual.
The summer months, from May to September, vary in temperature from 15 to 24ºC, with generally warm and sunny weather. In the coldest winter months the temperature can drop below freezing. The weather is often influenced by either the warm air from the south or the cold air from the north.
AFS in Belgium
AFS in Belgium was founded by Belgian returnees. AFS Belgium has two organizations: Belgium-Flemish and Belgium-French. Both teams work in the same office.
Host Schools
From the ages of two and a half to 18, young people in Belgium can attend day nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and technical, art or other vocational training establishments. There are numerous international schools for children from other countries, where tuition takes place in the native language of the international students.
AFS in Belgium mainly recruits from and places students in what is known as “general secondary education” schools – the academic part of the secondary school. A normal school day begins at 8am and ends at 4pm, with a break of one and a half hours at noon and two 15 minute breaks during the day.
Host Families
Belgian people have a cheerful nature. Generally speaking Belgians are inclined to modesty. The Belgian people are known to enjoy life.
Belgian families are particularly attached to their house and home environment, with many houses having been built over a century ago.
For the official website of AFS Belgium, please refer to the front page.
