Expand AllCollapse AllApplication Process
Why should I study abroad?
Students, parents, businesses, and even government policymakers increasingly recognize that an experience living and studying abroad is a valuable component to undergraduate education. Travel and study abroad are an important part of experiential education, and while abroad, students have first-hand encounters with other cultures, immerse themselves in another language, and develop new skills and perspectives like independence, cultural understanding, and global awareness. You can also expect to make friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Who can participate in the study abroad program in Belgium?
To participate in the Belgium program or any FHU Abroad program, students must have completed two semesters of college coursework and have achieved sophomore classification with a minimum 2.5 GPA by the end of the semester before going abroad. Students on any kind of probation may not participate. If you are an intercollegiate athlete, seek permission from your coach before applying to study abroad during your off-season.
How do I apply?
The FHU Abroad application can be filled out online. Paper applications can be obtained from the FHU Abroad Office in the Joy Simon McDaniel House. The FHU Abroad Office requires your complete application, pay a $300 deposit, and submit the Student Responsibilities form before you can officially be admitted into the study abroad program. Applicants are also required to submit a faculty recommendation that can be obtained from the FHU Abroad Office. All FHU Abroad programs are on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a program is full, later applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
When is the Belgium program offered?
The Belgium program is offered during the fall and spring semesters, mid-August to mid-November and mid-February to mid-May.
How can I fit a semester abroad into my academic plan?
With the help of your academic advisor and the FHU Abroad Office, you can plan ahead and work studying abroad into your academic plan. Many of the courses offered in Belgium count toward general education requirements, and independent studies or individualized instruction courses may allow you to continue to work toward your major even while studying abroad.
Cost
How much does the program cost?
The cost of participating in the Belgium program is comprised of two parts: a program fee ($8,500) and tuition ($520/credit hour for the 2012-13 academic year). The program fee covers room and board, airfare, a rail pass, travel insurance, and any other group travel and transportation expenses.
Will there be any other expenses?
Students will be responsible for their own expenses during the three weeks of free travel. While the rail pass will cover most transportation expenses, students will need to pay for their own accommodations and meals while traveling independently, as well as any other modes of transportation that do not involve train travel.
Can I still use my financial aid?
Any grants and loans that you are eligible for at FHU may be used to cover all or part of FHU study abroad expenses; most scholarships and discounts also still apply. (See the Financial Info section for more information.)
When will I make payments for my study abroad program?
Payments toward the program fee are scheduled throughout the semester before you study abroad.
Scheduled payments for Belgium Fall 2013:
- Sign up — $300 deposit
- February 8 — $1,200
- March 15 — $1,250
- May 3 — $1,500
- July 12 — remaining balance
Scheduled payments for Belgium Spring 2014:
- Sign up — $300 deposit
- October 7 — $1,200
- November 4 — $1,250
- December 2 — $1,500
- January 22 — remaining balance
Where can I make the payments?
All payments may be paid by cash, check, or credit card at the Business Office in Loyd Auditorium. The final payment (the remaining program fee balance and tuition charges) will be billed to your student account and may be paid online at my.fhu.edu.
Living in Belgium
What are the living arrangements in Belgium?
Students and faculty live and study in a three-story facility in Verviers, Belgium. The facility includes dormitories and faculty/staff apartments, a kitchen and dining area, a classroom and lounge area, laundry services, and wireless Internet access. The local Eglise du Christ meets in an auditorium on the lower level of the building, and students and faculty will worship with the congregation.
Why is the program in Belgium?
Belgium is an excellent hub for the program because of its central location. Being based in Belgium makes travel throughout Western Europe relatively simple. From our facility in Verviers, students can travel by train to cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Luxembourg in just a few hours.
What classes are offered in Belgium?
The following courses are offered in Belgium every semester:
- BIB 399X Life of Paul – a three-hour Bible text course that surveys the life of the New Testament figure Paul of Tarsus.
- FRE 120 French Conversation – an introductory French class that introduces students to essential phrases while living in Wallonia, the French-speaking area of Belgium. (May substitute for FRE 316 French Conversation.)
- HUM 399A – Our Western Heritage – a course that integrates art, architecture, music, history, philosophy, religion, and literature in a survey of Western civilization. (May substitute for HUM 310 Arts and Ideas, ART 110 Art Appreciation, or HIS 111 Survey of Civilization I.)
Additional courses are offered based on the faculty who participate. Students may also pursue taking courses through individualized instruction, either in Belgium with participating faculty members or online with faculty members at FHU.
Where will I travel during my semester overseas?
While classes will be conducted in Belgium, learning will also take place off-site during group day trips to sites and cities in and around Belgium and weeklong group trips to other locations throughout Europe. The program includes weeklong trips to Paris, Germany and Austria, and either the United Kingdom (fall semester) or Italy (spring semester).
Students are also given three weeks for independent free travel, along with a rail pass that covers train tickets to virtually anywhere in Europe. Most students visit a dozen or more European countries during their time studying abroad.
How does the FHU Abroad Office address safety concerns?
The health and safety of students traveling overseas is always very important to Freed-Hardeman University. Every effort is made to keep our students abroad safe and secure. An entire pre-departure orientation meeting is spent educating students about safety while traveling abroad and what to do in the event of an emergency. The FHU Abroad Office is constantly looking for any travel alerts or warnings that could affect our students who are studying abroad. The U.S. State Department works to alert U.S. citizens of any international travel risks. In the event of an emergency, the FHU Abroad Office will be in close contact with the faculty and staff in Belgium as well as the students and parents involved.
How will I access money in Europe?
Students are encouraged to obtain an ATM card or credit card that allows withdrawals to obtain money while studying abroad. We do not recommend that you carry U.S. cash to exchange overseas.
Preparing to Study Abroad
What are the pre-departure orientation meetings?
Students who are accepted into FHU’s study abroad program will be required to attend mandatory pre-departure orientation meetings held throughout the semester before they leave. These meetings cover topics like safety and student conduct, packing, travel planning, academic coursework, and general study abroad information. The orientation meetings are a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming travels.
When do I need to apply for a passport?
We suggest that you begin the passport application process as soon as you are accepted into the study abroad program. We require valid passports for all students and faculty several months before they leave. Even if you already have a passport, check the expiration date! All of the countries of the Schengen Agreement—26 European countries—require travelers to have a passport that is valid for three months after they plan to return from their travels. You can find the passport application on the U.S. State Department website.
Will I need a student visa?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you will not need to apply for a visa to study in Belgium. Because the program lasts less than 90 days, you are not required to obtain a student visa and will technically be in the Schengen Area as a tourist. International students should consult the FHU Abroad Office to determine whether or not they will need to obtain a visa.
Do I need to get any immunizations or vaccinations before I study abroad?
Students are encouraged to maintain their regular immunizations and vaccinations, including Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and MMR. We do not ask students who participate in study abroad to provide their shot records, however.