The Essentials
Language Requirements
Applicants to the Year High School Programs in Belgium are expected to enroll in an online Rosetta Stone language course and study independently prior to departure on program. The mandatory online course will be organized and monitored by AFS Belgium who will email registration and login instructions to each student.
AFS Belgium requires that each student completes at least one LEVEL of the course (not to be confused with one UNIT), before their arrival in Belgium for the program. If this requirement is not fulfilled, then the student must reimburse AFS Belgium €48 (approx. $50-$55) upon arrival.
Additionally, after arrival, the local chapters will organize another 32 hours of Dutch langauge lessons.
Digging Deeper
Language Resources
- Rosetta Stone: Dutch (see Language Requirements)
- Duolingo (free language learning app)
- BBC Dutch Language Guide
- LiveMocha
Cultural Resources
- Culture Grams–Username: afsusa – Password: cgrams
- The Hofstede Center: Belgium
News and Media
Movies and Documentaries
- Turquoise (2009)
- Winky’s Horse (2005)
- Crusade in Jeans (2006)
- Pauline and Paulette (2001)
- Illegal (2010)
- Belgium Divided (2008)
- Brussels Express (2012)
Books
- Flanders: A Cultural History
- Belgium: Long United, Long Divided
- The Story of Brussels
- Belgium – Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs & etiquette
- The Sorrow of Belgium
- Niccolò Rising
- A Dog of Flanders
* These resources are not affiliated with AFS