Academics
Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering
This program begins with five weeks of intensive preparation to provide you with an in-depth introduction to the local setting and culture in which you will be living, working, and studying. Your classes during this period are with other US students. At the end of the preparatory session, you will engage in a series of workshops on the intercultural workplace: what to expect, how to react, what the norms are, how to deal with situations that arise. After a week-long break, you will begin a 12-week internship. During your internship, you will develop and complete an independent research project under the guidance of a research advisor.
Unique study opportunities
- Take a look at Brussels in Belgium and in Europe from a socio-urbanist approach in the context of a European urban experience.
- Understand Belgium’s colonial past, the impact of two world wars, and the role of Belgium in the phenom of European integration.
- Work individually with a research project advisor to delineate a research project.
- Get hands-on research or internship experience in your main field of study.
Language
Language of Instruction: FrenchDutch Language Study: Required
An introductory-level conversational Dutch language course is integrated into the courses to help you immerse into local society.
Courses and credit
Requirements While Abroad
To successfully complete this program:
- Take a full-time course of study: 5 courses for a total of 27 quarter/18 semester UC units
- You may take one course for pass/no pass
Current Program Courses
During the first 5 weeks of the program, you'll take the following courses:
- Belgium: A European crossroads, a unique culture for 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units
- Brussels in Belgium and Europe: A Socio-urbanist approach for 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units
- Belgium in Europe and the World: A historical approach for 4.5 quarter/3 semester UC units
During the internship period, you’ll take:
- What is Europe? Culture, Institutions, Society for 3 quarter/2 semester UC units
- Internship/Field Research for 10.5 quarter/7 semester UC units
All courses earn upper-division undergraduate credit.
Additional or optional coursework, internships, and research for academic credit are not possible on this program.
Catalogs and resources
- IFE Brussels Course Catalog
- UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses UC students have taken on this program.
- Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.
Academic Culture
You will be in classes with other highly motivated students who are invested in engaging in an intercultural education. Founded in 1987, the Institute for Field Education (IFE) is a non-profit French educational organization that exposes US students to modern French and European society. It is governed by a board of directors composed of faculty from the University of Paris and Sciences Po and professional practitioners as well as a representative of the American academic community. It draws on the French and Belgian university systems for teachers. IFE is in charge of the program structure, support, contact, and advising.
Grades
You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.
Grades for the fall semester are typically available in February. Grades for the spring semester are typically available in July.
Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.