L'Institut des langues vivantes: people

L'Institut des langues vivantes : your French professors

Living & studying in Belgium #2

by Laura Davis, Clemson student

     In the spring of 2009, I had the opportunity to study at l’Université catholique de Louvain (Catholic University of Louvain) in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. I am a communication studies major with a French minor and I went there to advance my French language skills.

     And I am so glad I did. Belgium is an amazing country with incredibly nice people. Louvain-la-Neuve is a university town not unlike Clemson, so there was always a part of me that felt at home. Yet, it was not like Clemson in so many ways. Classes are different, housing is different, the food is different, and the people are different…but in a good way.

     Louvain-la-Neuve has an amazing Erasmus (i.e. international students) network so even though I was in Belgium, I got to hang out with people from Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Ireland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and even the United States, to name a few. I was exposed to so many cultures, and as international students go, we knew how to have fun. I even became close to the other Clemson students because nothing like being away from a place you love brings people together.

     So, all in all, Belgium is an awesome place to study. It is in the center of Europe so traveling is easy. It has some of the best food in the world (Belgium actually invented the fry, not France!). They have festivals all year round and they are SO MUCH FUN! (like everything else in Belgium)

 
Take a look at Laura's blog about her experience at UCL, including some great videos!

Living & studying in Belgium

by Helena Williams, Clemson student

     I lived and studied in Brussels, Belgium for the spring 2009 semester. I have to say that living in Brussels for this brief time period is one of the most significant growing experiences I have ever had in my life. I was exposed to so many neat things. Belgium is located right in the middle of Europe so other countries are very easy to get to. I was able to visit Ireland, London, France, Luxembourg, and Italy in just the short time I was there.

     Also, because of its location, the city of Brussels is extremely international. I attended church every Sunday with people from all over the world. Our congregation included people from Belgium, the United States, Brazil, France, and Lithuania, just to name a few countries. I loved meeting new people and learning about their different cultures. 

Brussels also has some very interesting sites that should not be missed (Grand Place Square, the Mannekin Pis, l’Arc de Triomphe, etc.). There is always an adventure to be had in Brussels. And last but not least, Belgium has amazing food! I recommend the chocolate, waffles, and a food called speculoos.

About UCL

Beautiful Belgium: places to visit

How do I apply for Semester Abroad at UCL?

1. Visit the Study Abroad Office (E-307 Martin) or its website for a study abroad application.

2. Schedule an interview with the program director, Prof. K. Peebles (kpeeble@clemson.edu).

3. Submit your application and deposit ($750) to the Study Abroad Office by Oct. 1st.

4. L&IT students also should contact their advisor, Prof. Eric Touya, to discuss courses appropriate to their major.

Apply early! Spaces are limited!