I'd like to move to Belgium...what do I need to know?
Ok, so I have dual citizenship because my father is from Belgium. I'm 18 and a little tired of where I live. I have no assets per se but I'd still like to know what I'll need to do as most of my research is geared towards those who are burdened with things such as work, houses, kids, pets, cars, businesses etc. I'm a first year student studying international business mgmt at the international uni of london. Can any tell me the average cost of living, what I can and cannot expect, problems I might encounter etc. Also if I can get into any schools etc. I'm looking at antwerpen but as I said money is really an issue for me. So can anyone give me an average cost of living, (rent, food, or anything like that) or if theres anything that can help me out in the process...
Belgium - 2 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
great place to live My family are from Gent beautiful City Belgium has a great community from the seaside to the Arden's you can be anywhere in an hour trams trolley bus and trains are a fantastic service,I would say That using the word "burdened "is incorrect as you need to work to live,a house to live in,kids as you want them pets because you love them too a car as you need it to get around and a Business to work? http://jobs-in-belgium.com/
2 :
If I were you, I would start by looking at the information provided by the major universities in Belgium. For instance, most offer a brochure or information packet to international students that include the cost monthly expenses, tuition rates, and registration fees. The link below is the one from KU Leuven, which is where I'm currently studying. It includes information about monthly expenses (they recommend having 650 euros a month to cover rent/food/etc.), but it also includes general information about visa requirements and health insurance as well (though if you're from the U.K. you probably don't have to worry about that as much). Also, I would look into participating in the Erasmus program. Most undergraduate programs (in the Flemish region) are taught in Dutch, so you would need to be proficient in order to be accepted. However, universities also tend to have strong Erasmus programs for international students, and through that you can take courses in English. It just would be difficult to complete a whole program here without being fluent in Dutch. For grad students, which I am, there are more options to do a complete English-language program. So the main universities I would look at are the University of Antwerp, Ghent University, The Free University in Brussels, and, of course, the Catholic University of Leuven. Good luck!
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
whats the best country to be in exchange student in as a 17 year old american guy?
whats the best country to be in exchange student in as a 17 year old american guy?
my choices are Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Brazil Bulgaria Denmark Egypt Finland Germany Ghana Greece Hungary India Japan Korea Netherlands Norway Poland Romania Russia Slovakia South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Thailand Turkey Uruguay . criteria is i want freedom, cool girls, and to be able to communicate in english without having to only speak small talk.
Studying Abroad - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I was a 17 year old guy in Switzerland and had a GREAT time. Almost everyone speaks English, plus several other languages. The country was beautiful, and the Swiss are very liberal with their young adults. I was there for the whole year, so I did have to function in German, but it wasn't required. Good luck with your choices...
2 :
you picked a lot of countries where you can't really get on just speaking english! japan and uruguay? thailand? brazil? lol... you'd definitely need to learn the language, either because english isn't all that common there, or because they don't care to use it and would rather use their own language (ie japan)!! i say don't worry so much about the language part... if you're going to study abroad for any worthwhile amount of time, you'll be able to pick up a language there and do fine. i did it! and it will look great on college apps if this is what you're doing before college. but otherwise, if you really want to be able to speak english all the time and more than just small talk, you've significantly narrowed down the number of countries you could study in. oh, and all countries have "cool girls," so i guess that depends on what you mean by cool? as in they go out and party? or they're intelligent and beautiful and you can pick them up on campus? and a huge part of study abroad IS freedom... however if you will be underage when you go, the rules may be different for you, for example if you're still in high school... so you'll have to check with the programs you're interested in and ask about that to know for sure. check out ciee.org for some good programs.
3 :
Most European countries have good English programs. Of course it varies (if you look at your foreign language class, I'm sure some kids do quite well and others can barely say a sntence, even thought they ahve taken the same classes). I am on exchange in Germany and when I arrived, I felt everyone spoke really good English. Then I realized everyone speaks English and a few people speak good English -- and it's the ones with good English who talked to me in English. The others COULD speak English, but were not very good and were quite nervous about speaking to a native English speaker (once I assured them all that my part of Canada does not speak French -- Germans know Canada speaks French and English but many haven't got much of an idea as to WHERE). However, that said, I have several friends from South America who speak English fluently. Not PERFECTLY, but I can talk to them just like I talk to native English speakers. Their mistakes are only little things, like saying 'swimmed' instead of 'swam' now and then. But a foreign exchange isn't about speaking English in a non-English speaking country. It's about learning a new language; a lot of programs will not be happy if you are not learning the language. It's okay to speak English at the start (I would have no friends if I no one had spoken English to me), but one of the huge points of exchange is to learn a language if you go to a country where the language is not your native one. I was sort of not-dating this guy and while most of the reason for our not-break up was other stuff, part of it was he spoke English to me, and how was I supposed to learn any German if I started dating a guy who spoke English to me? But I digress. South America is good for partying. Europe too, but a different culture. Funny enough, I feel like the 'Canadian' parties I went to seem 'wild' here, when they were just normal parties. But Germans don't do the 'liquor in one hand, chase in the other, out at night around a bonfire (or in a house in winter) with the smell of weed in the air' thing. It took me awhile to get that when I went to a 'party' with someone, I should not except something at a house or anything, but rather something where ID is checked, money to get in is paid, there's a DJ, and drinks are sold (kinda like a school dance, minus teachers/rules and with alcohol). Plus all the girls get dressed to kill and put on their most uncomfy shoes. It's fun, but different from home. And as an exchange student, it's not hard to get attention. I'm a girl so I guess it's different, but I end up getting a lot of free drinks -- which is cool with me! Freedom is going to depend on where you live (is it safe? can you get around easily?) and your family (do they have strict rules?) and to a smaller degree, your program. I am with Rotary and some of my friends nearby are not allowed to go to Köln (Cologne) for Karneval* because it's "too dangerous". (* Basically 5 days of drinking in costumes, as I understand it, and apparently a very very big deal as people have been mentioning it since I arrived here. They all put on "poor you" faces when i say we don't have it in Canada.)
4 :
If you want something completely different from back home, go to Ghana. English is the official language but when will you ever have an opportunity to live with an African family? Ghana is a beautiful country with great beaches, and stunning nature with lots of big animals - elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, many types of monkeys and birds. Plus any family that can take in a student is going to be a wealthy family so you wont be living in a hut with no toilet, youll probably have maids and drivers and cooks. And Ghanaian girls are gorgeous. India would also be very interesting. You could go to Europe at any time but somewhere like India or Ghana would really be a change
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Thursday, February 7, 2013
what are my chances to get into an American University, as an international student ? ?
what are my chances to get into an American University, as an international student ? ?
Hi ! I am going to take my TOEFL tomorrow morning (Erg...), but I don't know if I will get the scores required to the universities (more than 70%!) where I have applied : UT Austin and the College of William & Mary... I am not stressed, but I haven't had so much time to prepare myself to this test. Anyway, I am not pessimist and I am feeling good and self-confident! But I wanted to know what chances do I have to get into those universities (especially to reassure me...). What is the importance of the TOEFL & SAT scores in an application file ? I think that I have submitted two good applications, but I am afraid that my TOEFL and SAT scores will not be so exceptional...I have some strong experiences (volunteer in Africa and for a world music festival), I have traveled a lot, my native language is French, but I speak Dutch too. I have learned Latin and Greek and I do a lot of extracurricular activities (sports and art)... That is the reason why I think that I have a "strong" application. Moreover, I come from Belgium and I have heard that the universities are looking for students from Europe because they want to diversify their student body... So that's a good point for me ! Excuse me to talk a lot about me, but I have spent a lot of time on my essays and to complete my files (like a lot of students I suppose)... I have received a few days ago my green card. But those universities are very selective and the system is totally different from the one in my country... I think I will be very disappointed if I am not accepted because I have worked hard during several weeks... What do you think ? Thank you ! *Sorry for my grammar mistakes...
Higher Education (University +) - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
your biggest issue will be paying tuition
2 :
It sounds like you will be fine. American is a very Internationally oriented school, it sounds like they would love to have you.
3 :
first of all you don't need to apologize for your grammer mistakes. alot of americans make mistakes even when the shouldn't. dude you have a great chance of getting into a univeristy. you being from another country really helps also you being able to speak multiple languages. colleges are always looking for volunteer work and since you do work in africa that will really help you. so you don't need to worry you will make it.
4 :
Well if you have the scores needed for those schools and can pay the full tuition without any help from loans or other forms then you have a good chance of getting in as long as the State Department gives you the documents you need to be in the USA.
5 :
as an international student, as long as you get accepted into a school, they will issue you an I-20 form. you'll then have to go to the US consulate or embassy and get issued a F-1 or F-2 visa. that visa # will allow you to have access to a lot of flexibility and freedom in terms of negotiating w/ other schools you've gotten into as far as receiving aid. you can also apply for and receive financial aid (it will be limited, but it's better than nothing). since you mentioned that you have received your greencard, you can use your greencard # as your main ID # to apply for financial aid. what you need to remember is, as an international student, you WILL get accepted into a college. most colleges are working hard to expand their international student services/sector. it's all a matter of showing proof of financial responsibility (you need a certain amount - equivalent in USD - to secure your visa). if you know or have an idea of what you want to do after graduation (job), you can narrow down what your major can be. then, find schools that are rank well in that major and see if you qualify for those schools and apply before the deadline. remember, your application deadline may differ from regular deadlines. try getting an international calling card and call the international admissions center and try to talk directly to a live person to see EXACTLY what documents are needed in the application process. do your best to take the ibt toefl and take it as many times as you need to score as high as you can. i highly recommend that you study for and take the act AND sat. it'll be worth your weight in gold. MAKE SURE your admission essays are well done - it is your chance to shine and stand out. get it double checked by someone who is highly proficient in English BEFORE you submit it. finally, take into consideration details such as: region of the US where you want to live - north/northeastern is COLD usually & people are more private but far east coast, people are open-minded; midwest is not very dynamic, but people are kind; south is hot - warm & not as open-minded, but friendly/helpful; west coast is mostly sunny/warm, and people are more liberal. campus culture is important too - do you do well in very large, very crowded places? do you do better in smaller, more intimate settings where people know you by name? (private vs. public schools). most large universities offer much more in terms of majors, classes, etc, but can be intimidating. smaller schools are more intimate, but may not offer as many majors, and choices in classes. there's a lot to think about...so do your research and take your time. it's a huge investment in your time and money, so don't just jump into this w/out knowing where or how you'll land. good luck! should you be interested in getting additional international college guidance and help, please contact me by answering me back and i can see if you qualify for more assistance.
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Hi ! I am going to take my TOEFL tomorrow morning (Erg...), but I don't know if I will get the scores required to the universities (more than 70%!) where I have applied : UT Austin and the College of William & Mary... I am not stressed, but I haven't had so much time to prepare myself to this test. Anyway, I am not pessimist and I am feeling good and self-confident! But I wanted to know what chances do I have to get into those universities (especially to reassure me...). What is the importance of the TOEFL & SAT scores in an application file ? I think that I have submitted two good applications, but I am afraid that my TOEFL and SAT scores will not be so exceptional...I have some strong experiences (volunteer in Africa and for a world music festival), I have traveled a lot, my native language is French, but I speak Dutch too. I have learned Latin and Greek and I do a lot of extracurricular activities (sports and art)... That is the reason why I think that I have a "strong" application. Moreover, I come from Belgium and I have heard that the universities are looking for students from Europe because they want to diversify their student body... So that's a good point for me ! Excuse me to talk a lot about me, but I have spent a lot of time on my essays and to complete my files (like a lot of students I suppose)... I have received a few days ago my green card. But those universities are very selective and the system is totally different from the one in my country... I think I will be very disappointed if I am not accepted because I have worked hard during several weeks... What do you think ? Thank you ! *Sorry for my grammar mistakes...
Higher Education (University +) - 5 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
your biggest issue will be paying tuition
2 :
It sounds like you will be fine. American is a very Internationally oriented school, it sounds like they would love to have you.
3 :
first of all you don't need to apologize for your grammer mistakes. alot of americans make mistakes even when the shouldn't. dude you have a great chance of getting into a univeristy. you being from another country really helps also you being able to speak multiple languages. colleges are always looking for volunteer work and since you do work in africa that will really help you. so you don't need to worry you will make it.
4 :
Well if you have the scores needed for those schools and can pay the full tuition without any help from loans or other forms then you have a good chance of getting in as long as the State Department gives you the documents you need to be in the USA.
5 :
as an international student, as long as you get accepted into a school, they will issue you an I-20 form. you'll then have to go to the US consulate or embassy and get issued a F-1 or F-2 visa. that visa # will allow you to have access to a lot of flexibility and freedom in terms of negotiating w/ other schools you've gotten into as far as receiving aid. you can also apply for and receive financial aid (it will be limited, but it's better than nothing). since you mentioned that you have received your greencard, you can use your greencard # as your main ID # to apply for financial aid. what you need to remember is, as an international student, you WILL get accepted into a college. most colleges are working hard to expand their international student services/sector. it's all a matter of showing proof of financial responsibility (you need a certain amount - equivalent in USD - to secure your visa). if you know or have an idea of what you want to do after graduation (job), you can narrow down what your major can be. then, find schools that are rank well in that major and see if you qualify for those schools and apply before the deadline. remember, your application deadline may differ from regular deadlines. try getting an international calling card and call the international admissions center and try to talk directly to a live person to see EXACTLY what documents are needed in the application process. do your best to take the ibt toefl and take it as many times as you need to score as high as you can. i highly recommend that you study for and take the act AND sat. it'll be worth your weight in gold. MAKE SURE your admission essays are well done - it is your chance to shine and stand out. get it double checked by someone who is highly proficient in English BEFORE you submit it. finally, take into consideration details such as: region of the US where you want to live - north/northeastern is COLD usually & people are more private but far east coast, people are open-minded; midwest is not very dynamic, but people are kind; south is hot - warm & not as open-minded, but friendly/helpful; west coast is mostly sunny/warm, and people are more liberal. campus culture is important too - do you do well in very large, very crowded places? do you do better in smaller, more intimate settings where people know you by name? (private vs. public schools). most large universities offer much more in terms of majors, classes, etc, but can be intimidating. smaller schools are more intimate, but may not offer as many majors, and choices in classes. there's a lot to think about...so do your research and take your time. it's a huge investment in your time and money, so don't just jump into this w/out knowing where or how you'll land. good luck! should you be interested in getting additional international college guidance and help, please contact me by answering me back and i can see if you qualify for more assistance.
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Friday, February 1, 2013
Should I go to Belgium or France?
Should I go to Belgium or France?
I'm becoming an exchange student in 2012, my junior year of high school. I really want to go to a French speaking country so I can come back fluent! By the time I go on exchange, I will have taken French for 2 years. I want to go to France, and even though I'm from a small town, there are a lot of people that want to go there. In fact, half of them do. The other half wants to go to Germany. So, unfortunately, there is a lot of competition for France, my exchange counselor even said that. (by the way, I'm going with Rotary Youth Exchange, so they rarely guarantee your first country choice). I would love to go to Belgium, even more than France, probably... The only problem though is the variety of languages (which is good in some cases). I don't know what my chances are of being placed in a French speaking part. Well, I'm going as an exchange student, but NOT to take French classes. When you go on exchange, you're usually going so you can learn the language fluently by using it in everyday conversation. If I go to France, chances are I'll most likely have to take German or English while I'm there. It doesn't matter what my grades are, since I'm an exchange student and my ability to understand will be low. My grades won't count. When I come back home, I'll have to repeat the 11th grade, no matter what, because my credits won't transfer. That's why I want to go to a FRENCH speaking country. I won't be taking French classes while I'm there.... I get 5 hours of French a week already at school, plus studying on my own.
Belgium - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Go to Belgium. France is so materialistic and the people arent so nice there. Belgium is awesome!
2 :
The Flemish speaking part of the country is wealthier so you have more chance of ending up there. However, French is still taught in schools and most likely at a much higher level than you're used to.
3 :
Consider this : if you go to France or to French speaking Belgium , the French they will be teaching in first year of high school will be highly specialized subjects, literature etc. After all it is their mother language and for the basics they have had 6 years of 5 hours a week in grade school. To you it will be a bit like being taught the innards of the Shuttle engine after only being taught what is a screwdriver . From your one year stay you will certainly learn an acceptable French, which if you do not practice it you will forget , but you will have a hard time at school not only for French but for all subjects. If you decide for the scientific direction of your high school can you image being taught algebra or calculus in a language which to you sounds like something between mandarin and cantonese. I would recommend that between now and the moment of your departure and independently which country you are assigned, you take 3 to 4 hours per week French private lessons.
4 :
Brussels and the Walloon area Do speak French as you know! but not matter where you go they speak French some places in Belgium border Germany and its across the border that you could learn both?Belgium they are so help full and nice depends where you are in France? no matter which you choose you are not too far from home and it will be such a great experience enjoy and have fun!
5 :
If you go to Belgium you will inevitably have French, it's an obligatory class. (in all parts) If you go to the North of Belgium and you will have to chose a certain so called 'direction' in which a series of classes are included a common packet that is the same for everybody: e.g. French, Mathematics, German, Geography, History... and a few others plus the classes typical to the direction. In the direction Greek-Latin you will have Latin and Greek, in Human Sciences you'll get Cultural and Behavioral Sciences, the direction Economics has two subdirections: Economics Modern Languages and Economics Mathematics... In this system you can't drop any classes. There are sometimes some extra classes you can choose. The Walloon part is more liberal, but I'm no expert.
6 :
Belgium is NOT a FRENCH speaking country. It's a multilingual country and they happen to speak FRENCH on top of DUTCH and GERMAN. Oh and you might find the Flemish speak various DIALECTS that sound nothing like DUTCH. Now tell your classmates that and they will all put their name down for Belgium and you will have less competition getting to France because if you want to go to a FRENCH speaking country put your name down for France.
7 :
Belgium to live, France for visit
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I'm becoming an exchange student in 2012, my junior year of high school. I really want to go to a French speaking country so I can come back fluent! By the time I go on exchange, I will have taken French for 2 years. I want to go to France, and even though I'm from a small town, there are a lot of people that want to go there. In fact, half of them do. The other half wants to go to Germany. So, unfortunately, there is a lot of competition for France, my exchange counselor even said that. (by the way, I'm going with Rotary Youth Exchange, so they rarely guarantee your first country choice). I would love to go to Belgium, even more than France, probably... The only problem though is the variety of languages (which is good in some cases). I don't know what my chances are of being placed in a French speaking part. Well, I'm going as an exchange student, but NOT to take French classes. When you go on exchange, you're usually going so you can learn the language fluently by using it in everyday conversation. If I go to France, chances are I'll most likely have to take German or English while I'm there. It doesn't matter what my grades are, since I'm an exchange student and my ability to understand will be low. My grades won't count. When I come back home, I'll have to repeat the 11th grade, no matter what, because my credits won't transfer. That's why I want to go to a FRENCH speaking country. I won't be taking French classes while I'm there.... I get 5 hours of French a week already at school, plus studying on my own.
Belgium - 7 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Go to Belgium. France is so materialistic and the people arent so nice there. Belgium is awesome!
2 :
The Flemish speaking part of the country is wealthier so you have more chance of ending up there. However, French is still taught in schools and most likely at a much higher level than you're used to.
3 :
Consider this : if you go to France or to French speaking Belgium , the French they will be teaching in first year of high school will be highly specialized subjects, literature etc. After all it is their mother language and for the basics they have had 6 years of 5 hours a week in grade school. To you it will be a bit like being taught the innards of the Shuttle engine after only being taught what is a screwdriver . From your one year stay you will certainly learn an acceptable French, which if you do not practice it you will forget , but you will have a hard time at school not only for French but for all subjects. If you decide for the scientific direction of your high school can you image being taught algebra or calculus in a language which to you sounds like something between mandarin and cantonese. I would recommend that between now and the moment of your departure and independently which country you are assigned, you take 3 to 4 hours per week French private lessons.
4 :
Brussels and the Walloon area Do speak French as you know! but not matter where you go they speak French some places in Belgium border Germany and its across the border that you could learn both?Belgium they are so help full and nice depends where you are in France? no matter which you choose you are not too far from home and it will be such a great experience enjoy and have fun!
5 :
If you go to Belgium you will inevitably have French, it's an obligatory class. (in all parts) If you go to the North of Belgium and you will have to chose a certain so called 'direction' in which a series of classes are included a common packet that is the same for everybody: e.g. French, Mathematics, German, Geography, History... and a few others plus the classes typical to the direction. In the direction Greek-Latin you will have Latin and Greek, in Human Sciences you'll get Cultural and Behavioral Sciences, the direction Economics has two subdirections: Economics Modern Languages and Economics Mathematics... In this system you can't drop any classes. There are sometimes some extra classes you can choose. The Walloon part is more liberal, but I'm no expert.
6 :
Belgium is NOT a FRENCH speaking country. It's a multilingual country and they happen to speak FRENCH on top of DUTCH and GERMAN. Oh and you might find the Flemish speak various DIALECTS that sound nothing like DUTCH. Now tell your classmates that and they will all put their name down for Belgium and you will have less competition getting to France because if you want to go to a FRENCH speaking country put your name down for France.
7 :
Belgium to live, France for visit
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