Languages - Reviews of Erasmushogeschool Brussel (EHB) | Belgium

Useful | 1

Olve U

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Trondheim, Norway
Music and Musicology, Undergraduate, Flemish/Norwegian scholarship exchange agreement

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your the local language?

My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: Basic phrases

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

The Flemish(Dutch)/Vallonian(French) language and culture divide is very noticeable. In my experience, knowing French (which I didn't) is quite important in Brussels. Most of the Flemish (at least the younger ones) seem to speak English quite fluently, though. The Early Music courses in the Conservatory were in Dutch - in principle. But in practice, English seemed to be the default language in this highly international course.

Useful | 0

Dilyana K

,
Linguistics, Graduate, Erasmus

Languages

Language of instruction: German

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning German a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my German

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language

How much did you improve your German?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your the local language?

My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

Sometimes I had communication difficulties due to the fact that Belgium is a bilingual country (French&Dutch). Most of the local French speaking people don`t even speak English, but still they are sociable and ready to help.

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Laura E

Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Cinematography, Graduate, Erasmus

Languages

Language of instruction: English

Local language was: Different than language of instruction

Was learning English a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my English

Was learning the local language a key decision factor?

Yes, I wanted to improve my the local language

How much did you improve your English?

My level before: No problems in any areas (including slang)
My level after: No problems in any areas (including slang)

How much did you improve your the local language?

My level before: Basic phrases
My level after: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)

Language difficulties

Social

Educational

Administrative / Institutional

Overall

Personal comments

Brussels has two oficial languages: French and Flemish, so sometimes it was a bit difficult to communicate and you end up speaking in English, language that everyone speaks there.

Useful | 0