517 reviews
4.10 / 5 based on 517 reviews
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lirdal
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your English?
My level before: Everyday knowledge (shopping, directions, etc.)
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Almost all Belgian students can speak Dutch, French, English and German. Spanish is quite popular as well, so there are no communication problems. In Leuven, given its difficult past with the French speaking community, French is almost never heard in public places. Leuven offers an incredibly good opportunity for foreigners to learn Dutch (the first course is free for Erasmus students!!!).
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lirdal
Expenses
Main source of funding:
An ERASMUS grant
Other sources of funding:
Family
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
I travelled much more and my nightlife was much busier.
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Nightlife, Travel:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Telephone, Housing, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Fortis Bank is the most suitable bank for foreign students, since they provide ALL financial information in English if you cannot speak Dutch.
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lirdal
Overall
I wish I had known...
Nothing, since there were no unpleasant surprises during my stay.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
If you're really interested in European Union Law, Leuven is the place to be! And if you're more interested in having fun and make friends, Leuven is also the place to be!!!
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
When it comes to travelling, ask for a "Go-pass" at any railway station: it's the cheapest way to travel inside Belgium. If you want to take part in organised travels outside Belgium, no doubt you shoul become a member of Pangaea.
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lirdal
Academic
Course recommendations
As an Erasmus student, it's you who decides how tough the courses will be: it's easy to pass, but really hard to get a very good result.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Some of the courses were a bit overcrowded.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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lirdal
Student life
Describe host city:
Student life dominates the city
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Activities, Nightlife: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
There are some pubs for international students like "Wink" and "Geckoos". However, I recommend trying "Dutch places" like "Het vliegend varken" or "De Verbeelding". The visit to the Stella Artois factory in the very Leuven is highly recommended. If you really like beer, then make Belgian friends and ask them about the "cantus". This traditional ritual from the middleages is something no student should miss!
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lirdal
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
As you live with Belgian students, you can get to know Belgium and its language.
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Personal comments
Leuven has a very good system for accomodation based on the compilation of private offers in a database open to the public without any charge. The accomodation is mainly arranged directly with the owner of the place, avoiding the intervention of expensive real state agencies.
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