Program Details
| Program Length | Start | End | Program Cost | Age on Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ Community Service | August | February | 19-28 |
Age Explanation: Age on Departure reflect both the years and month(s) of the age of the applicant at the start of the program. For example, if the age is listed as 16.1 the applicant should be 16 years and 1 month at departure.
Belgium French Details :
As one of the multicultural microcosms in the heart of Europe, mixing contemporary society with a rich history, Belgium provides an enjoyable and exciting study abroad experience. You’ll walk through medieval town squares and streets in the midst of a thoroughly modern country that has influences in its culture from the French, Dutch, Austrians, and Spanish. Many towns stage reenactments of medieval times once a year, when the whole town is set to look and live as centuries before. Belgium’s cuisine reflects its varied people and history, boasting one of the best experiences for your palate imaginable. And, of course, there’s chocolate!
Belgium consists of three regions: Flanders in the north where most of the people speak Dutch; Wallonia in the south, where the majority is French speaking; and Brussels, the bilingual capital located in the center of the country. Both the AFS Flanders and Wallonia programs host students in Brussels, as well as their own areas. In the north, Dutch-speaking Flemings live in a flatland crisscrossed by canals. It boasts the medieval cities of Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. 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.
18+ Community Service Program :
French Program: After an arrival orientation, you will meet your host family, begin to learn about your host community, meet your AFS Liaison, and select a language course. You’ll receive 150 Euros to attend a French course in your home community. A basic knowledge of French, at least two years, is highly recommended for the program. After one week you’ll begin your community service project, which might include wildlife preservation, working with the physically challenged, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or in a retirement community. Throughout the program, you and your host family will have the opportunity to participate in cultural and sporting events, visits, meals, and excursions. Other activities might include attending an optional concert, exhibition, or conference, offered at an additional cost. During the last week of your stay you have the option of continuing your service, spending time with your host family, or taking time to explore Belgium or neighboring countries.
