Belgium is a prime European destination for anyone seeking fun and adventure on their exchange. In Belgium, you will find modern meets medieval. The country, historically influenced by the French, Dutch, Austrian, and Spanish, is a unique combination of cutting edge and traditional cultures. The country consists of three regions: Flanders in the north, where most people speak Flemish; Wallonia in the south, where most people speak French; and Brussels, the bilingual capital located in the center of the country, also home to the European Union and NATO.
Flemish-speaking Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its medieval art cities, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. Bruges is a small, picture-perfect pedestrian city. Antwerp, a European ‘capital of cool’, can outdo London for edgy fashion, compete with Berlin for avant garde art, rival Prague for medieval charm, match Amsterdam’s exciting side and challenge Paris for trendy eateries. Ghent is the region’s biggest university town, making it vibrant and laid back.
Flanders caters to music lovers, with millions of people gathering every year for music festivals across the region. More than 280 festivals, 16,500km² of festival ground, the biggest bands and the world’s best festivals make Flanders top of the bill as a music destination. Energetic and carefree, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, and encourages you to enjoy life to the fullest… And we haven’t even mentioned the chocolate!