BELGIUM: CLASSIC
Travel and experience life in another country, learn the language and live with a host family on a classic high school student exchange. The classic high school student exchange program provides you with your own unique experience and opportunity to see a little bit of the world.
Belgium is available in:
CLASSIC
HOW LONG CAN I STUDY ABROAD?
Late August–Late November
Application due:
February 18th
Early January–Early April
Application due:
August 30th
Late August–Late December
Application due:
February 18th
Mid January–Early July
Application due:
August 30th
Late August–Late June
Application due:
February 18th
Early January–Late December
Application due:
August 30th
ACCOMMODATION STYLE: HOMESTAY
What better way to learn the language and culture than to live with a host family. Host families provide a warm and welcoming environment, providing meals in the home as well as an opportunity to immerse yourself in everything the country and culture has to offer. Just like families in Canada, host families abroad represent many different compositions, nationalities and live in a variety of different areas from small towns or villages to larger cities. Families come in all shapes and sizes but one thing they all have in common is that they are motivated to be part of the experience and look forward to welcoming you into their home!
ORIENTATION: LOCAL ORIENTATION / OPTIONAL 3 DAYS IN BRUSSELS
A local orientation will be provided by the local coordinator in your host community. The local orientation will help you to get to know the host community, your local support system and provide you with a crash course in important cultural norms, so you can adjust to school and host family life!
An optional 3 day orientation in Brussels is available for an extra fee. The Brussels orientation provides for a cultural introduction, a chance to meet other exchange students and the opportunity to sightsee before meeting your host family in your host community! A great way to start your exchange with a little touring and cultural prep!
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: FRENCH OR DUTCH
One country, two languages!
Participants can choose to complete the High School student exchange program in Belgium in either French or in Dutch !
1 year of French language study is required for students who wish to participate in the French language program and placement area.
No language requirement should students wish to participate in the Dutch language program and placement area.
SCHOOL LIFE: LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
Attend a local public school (private school option may be presented if available).
School Year: School starts in September and ends in June
Common courses: French/ Dutch, Mathematics, Biology, Geography, Physics, History, Physical Education, Foreign Language (Dutch /French or English), optional classes include Economics or a third Foreign Language.
Average hours per week: 35 hours of class per week.
Common school holidays: Summer break from July – September, statutory holidays.
Fun fact: Many schools have Wednesday afternoons off!
COMMON PLACEMENT LOCATIONS
We've placed students all over Belgium and these are some of the more common placement areas.
Click on the buttons below to view location on map.
Belgium at a Glance
Population
11 Million
Capital City
Brussels
Known For
Medieval Architecture, Chocolate, Waffles & Fries, EU HQ 
Currency
Euro
Language
French, Dutch and German
Say Hello
Bonjour or Hallo!Program Fees
(Jan & Sep 2024 pricing)
$7,175
(2023/24)
$TBD
(Jan & Sep 2024 pricing)
$9,695
(Jan & Sep 2024 pricing)
$11,995
What’s Included for the Student Exchange Program?
- School Registration and Placement
- Host Family Recruitment, Screening and Placement
- Food and Lodging with Host Family
- Full and Comprehensive Medical Insurance provided by Guard.me
- Pre-Departure Orientation in Canada
- Arrival Orientation in Host Country
- Monthly Monitoring and Progress Reports
- 24 hour Emergency Support Overseas
- Academic Support
- Arrival Greeting by Representative from Partner Organisation and/or host family
- Round trip ground transfer between final host port (airport, train or bus station) and host family home
- Provision of Program Documentation: Orientation manual and other materials to prepare for student exchange And
- The Opportunity to LEARN-TRAVEL-EXPERIENCE!
Additional fees the student is responsible for include:
- Airfare (While the airfare is not included in our pricing, we can help you find the best deal and recommend travel sites)
- Passport and Visa Fees (if required)
- School supplies, uniforms (if required), cafeteria lunch (if required) or extra-curricular activity fees
- Personal Spending money while abroad
- Transportation to and from school for some students, dependent on where the host family is located. Some students are required to take a bus or train, while others walk or bike to school. This is dependent on where the host family is located.
- Any cancellation, change or program addition fees as issued by YES Canada or the partner organisation.
*Please note that YES Canada reserves the right to modify and update program options, leading to changes in pricing. Please note that pricing may be subject to change. Please note which program term the posted rates apply to, if the term you are applying for is not posted please inquire.
Payment Schedule
- $500.00 application fee due with the submission of the full application. The application fee is only refunded in instances where the student is not accepted.
- Host Country Program Deposit due upon conditional acceptance. (Please note fees are specific to each exchange country).
- 35% of the remaining program fees are due upon receipt of the full acceptance letter.
- 40% of the remaining program fees are due 95 days prior to departure.
- 25% of the remaining program fees are due 35 days prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy
- The $500.00 application fee is non-refundable, and due upon submission of the application to YES Canada.
- In the event of cancellation after conditional acceptance either all or a portion of the host country deposit is non-refundable (approximately $500-$1000). Please inquire for specic country details regarding non-refundable deposits (Dependent upon destination: France, Belgium, Australia and Spain have higher cancellation fees at this stage).
- In the event of cancellation after full acceptance but prior to confirmation of the host family placement, 35% of the program fee is non-refundable.
- In the event of cancellation after confirmation of the host family placement, 55% of the program fee is non-refundable.
- In the event of cancellation after partner company visa documents have been issued 65% of the program fee is non-refundable.
- In the event of cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure 75% of the program fee is non-refundable.
- In the event of cancellation after program commences 100% of the program fee is non-refundable.
- In the event the program is cancelled by YES Canada a refund will be given.
- Please contact YES Canada for any COVID-19 specific policy details.
*Some countries vary from the standard policy. Please inquire.
*Extenuating circumstances will be considered. All cancellations must be received in writing.
