From Brussels, Isabel Mortimer shares her experiences of spending her Year Abroad at the Institut Supérieur de Traduction et Interprétation…
Why choose Belgium for your Year Abroad? I’ve been asked this question a fair few times since I arrived in Brussels in September. The capital of Europe, the headquarters of NATO and home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites (including the Grand Place, pictured above), Belgium has lots more to offer than fries, beer and waffles — however delicious these may be!
There are several universities in Brussels. Warwick’s partnership is with Université Libre de Bruxelles, and, more specifically for the SMLC, the Institut Supérieur de Traduction et Interprétation (ISTI). Having recently moved to the central campus, ISTI offers a great programme for Year Abroad students, with French language and culture classes specifically tailored for those studying French. You can also take regular classes, important to ISTI’s vision that students should have well-rounded knowledge of the world. These include Economics, Law, Sociology, History and IT.
As well as the city of Brussels where I live and study, Belgium has plenty of picturesque towns and cities, most within a two-hour train ride of the capital. Bruges, Antwerp, Liège, Dinant and Ostend are just some of the places I have visited. The language divide between the north and south of Belgium makes these two areas rich in different cultures, and this is often notable when visiting.
Despite living in the city, green and open spaces are never far away, with parks all over Brussels. I am lucky enough to live next to Bois de la Cambre, which is the most popular place on a sunny day for university students and for families at weekends, with its lake and network of footpaths.
Not only have I met friends from all over the world this year, but I have also come to know the city incredibly well. Indeed, Brussels has definitely become my home away from home!
University of Warwick | School of Modern Languages and Cultures 