Head for Brussels, Belgium’s largest and most beautiful city. Choosing Brussels for your Erasmus Plus trip means embracing daily life in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. In fact, it is the capital of 500 million Europeans! It’s also the promise of an active professional life. Here’s an overview with Mobi Trainee!
Go further: Use an Erasmus Plus service provider like Mobi Trainee
Brussels, an experience at the heart of Europe…
Choosing Brussels for your Erasmus Plus trip is like putting down your bags at the heart of Europe. Just imagine the possibilities from a professional point of view! Many local and foreign companies have offices in this European city. A major center for international institutions, Brussels is also a stronghold of tourism and transport. For those who choose Brussels for their Erasmus Plus trip, it’s a good idea to plan your search for a work placement well in advance. Defining your career plan is essential in this case. In other words, there will be no shortage of opportunities, but there will be a preponderance of offers.
… and a city where you can discover the whole continent!
Brussels is truly the lungs of the Old Continent. And why is that? Because it’s only an hour and a half away by train from Paris, Cologne, Aachen, London, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and many other cities. If your budget allows, you can take advantage of your days off to explore Europe! To travel with a light mind (and a full wallet!), you can, if you are eligible, obtain an Interrail pass. This allows you to travel on Europe’s extensive rail network at a lower cost.
Find out more: Erasmus Plus for jobseekers
Choosing Brussels for your Erasmus Plus: a fully bilingual city and life
In Brussels, two languages officially coexist. French and Dutch (more precisely, the Flemish dialect). English is a close second, but is not a prerequisite for working in Erasmus Plus.
What does having two official languages mean in reality ?
- For local people in the business world: understanding both is necessary in order to apply. For expats and participants in the Erasmus Plus programme: there is more leeway. But for that, French or Dutch will need to be coupled with a solid knowledge of English. Contact your Erasmus Plus provider or your sending organization.
- At university or in class: make sure you choose a course in the language you are fluent in. These organizations often do not mix the two languages but opt for one or the other.
- Everyday life: cultural and linguistic tensions can be felt in Belgium, but are less acute in the capital. Be aware of this, however, so as not to offend or shock your future interlocutors. Learning a few words is always welcome!
Read: A look back after five years: what Erasmus Plus has brought them professionally
Are you hesitating or have you had an Erasmus Plus experience in Brussels? Tell us about it on our social networks!
