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FAQ about Brussels
Do I need to know Dutch or French to participate in the program?
No. BCA Brussels students attend an American-style, English-language liberal arts College.
Where is BCA Brussels study center located?
BCA Brussels students attend Vesalius College in Brussels, Belgium, an American-style, English-language liberal arts college. Vesalius is registered with the Flemish government as an institution of higher education.
What can I study at BCA Brussels?
Vesalius offers a wide variety of courses in several academic disciplines, including but not limited to art history, communications, business and political science. One of the most popular courses with BCA students is ART 361 - European Studies. In this course you travel to different European cities to study their history, culture and economics. Please note that Vesalius charges an additional fee for this course.
You can find complete course lists and additional academic information at www.vub.ac.be/VECO/bveco/studResCenter/allThingsAcademic.html.
Where will I live?
BCA Brussels students live with host families. This is the ideal way to become immersed in the Belgian culture.
Will my school accept credit from BCA Brussels?
It is important that students check with their university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits will be accepted. Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, and it is the students’ responsibility to follow their home university rules and regulations. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from Vesalius College to students and their home universities. If the home university or college requires a transcript from a U.S. school, BCA provides a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.
Will my financial aid transfer?
Federal aid is transferable; some state aid is transferable. Aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.
Why study with BCA?
BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are: unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.
What are the application deadlines?
BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by October 15. Fall semester applications are due by April 1. Students are notified of their acceptance within three weeks of submitting a complete application.
Do I need a visa to study in Belgium?
Yes. All U.S. citizens must obtain a student visa from a Belgian embassy or consulate in the U.S. in order to study in Belgium. Please consult the Belgian Embassy website at www.diplobel.org to determine to which consulate you will need to apply for a visa. Regulations are generally updated each May for the following academic year. It is important to call the consulate or embassy prior to getting your visa to ensure that you have the necessary documents and that you follow the proper procedures.
Can I study abroad as a freshman?
To study abroad with BCA Brussels a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their freshman year and investigate which program is a good fit for their individual needs.
I’m worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?
BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application; however it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s essays and their letters of recommendation. BCA encourages students to apply even if they do not quite meet the GPA standards.
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