Drexel in Belgium: EPA Brussels
The Educational Programs Abroad (EPA) program in Brussels is a great opportunity for students in Global Studies, History, and Political Science. This program offers a unique combination of study with internship experience. Students take two courses at Vesalius University while simultaneously completing an internship, directly immersed into both the culture and working environment of Brussels. For more information on Brussels program click here.
Brussels is the principal center of the European Parliament and the European Commission. It is also home to the political arm of NATO and the corporate headquarters of many multinational firms. EPA offers excellent internship opportunities in museums and galleries, media and publishing, law, NGOs, marketing and public relations, business and banking, and representations of foreign governments.
Students take courses at Vesalius College, the undergraduate English-language division of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB). The campus is located 20 minutes from the European Parliament. Students have access to all the facilities of the Vrije Universiteit including the library and computer resources. European Parliament interns also have access to the European Parliament library.
The first week of the EPA program is devoted to orientation including social activities are held to acquaint students with each other and with Brussels. All aspects of the program are covered in detail during orientation and particular emphasis is given to familiarizing students with the major European institutions.
Watch Drexel student video about Brussels.
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prior study of French language
- Sophomore status or higher
The EPA Brussels program
course offerings include Politics, History, Communications, Humanities, Business, and more. Students participate simultaneously in an academic internship during their study term. Internships are available with members of the European Parliament, multinational corporations, municipal governments, international law and service agencies, and arts institutions. These internships are academic in nature and
do not fulfill a co-op requirement. Internships generally require 24 hours per week. A typical schedule may be having two class days per week and three internship days.
Course Availability
Students take a total 15 credits on the EPA Brussels program:
* 2 Vesalius University courses: 4.5 credits each (total 9 credits)
* Academic internship + independent research project: 6 credits
IAS 399 syllabus
Course Equivalencies
Students may select courses from the
Vesalius course catalog. Students must obtain pre-approvals by the appropriate department for each course. For example, to take a Vesalius history course for Drexel credit, the course equivalent must be pre-approved by Drexel's History Department. Students should also review the list of pre-approved
EPA Brussels Course Equivalents. These courses were previously approved by Drexel departments.
Grading
Students are taught by Vesalius University professors. Students will earn Drexel credit and grades that are factored into their Drexel GPA.
Fall Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Mid to late August* |
| Program End Date |
Mid December |
*Students should be prepared to leave summer term class/co-op several weeks early. Students must be flexible in fitting this program into their Drexel schedule. For co-op cycle adjustments, students should begin planning 12+ months in advance.
To advance their language skills more quickly before studying abroad, students should consider taking language courses during their freshman summer vacation term or on campus during their co-op terms. For more information please contact Modern Languages Department at 215-895-5816.
Accommodation is secured for students by the Brussels program director before their arrival. Students live in shared studio apartments with combined bedroom and living quarters.
Students studying in Belgium will be required to obtain a visa. Please visit the embassy website of host country to determine visa application process.
Program Costs
Students pay their regular Drexel tuition for credit earned on the EPA Brussels program.
Additionally, students are charged a program fee on their Drexel bill, which includes: housing, internship placement and oversight, pre-departure and visa application materials, comprehensive on-site orientation, welcome and farewell dinners, on-site student support, On Call Emergency Assistance Insurance
Financial Aid
Financial aid applies for this program.
Scholarships
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus all of your financial aid travels with you. Students may speak with Drexel Central to adjust their cost of attendance for the study abroad term. Those interested in seeking additional funding should review Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.
For more information on these and many other scholarship opportunities, visit our Scholarships page.
