Undergraduate Semester Exchange in Belgium


Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve(UCL)

Language of Instruction

French or English



Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve

Brussels
The elite Catholic University of Louvain is located in French-speaking Belgium. The country itself bridges two distinct European cultures, Romance and Germanic. Belgium is divided nearly in half by its French and Dutch speaking populations. At the center of perhaps the most densely industrialized area in the world, Belgian history enjoys the distinction of being the first mainland European country to adapt to the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s. Beyond these developments Belgium has also long been known for its fine art and has recently experienced a resurgence of energy in many areas of the arts. Being one of the most easily accessible countries in all of Europe, why not spend a semester and experience all it has to offer?

UCL was originally founded in 1425 and proudly boasts a history of extending the boundaries of human knowledge and transmitting the knowledge to future generations. UCL is forward looking and is a microcosm of the world it serves. UCL is a center of knowledge and innovation, a place of cultural celebration and invention, of achievement and extending the limits of human accomplishment. UCL is located just 45 minutes from Brussels, the capital of Belgium and an important nexus of culture and commerce in Europe. The headquarters of the European Union and a major international center, Brussels is only two hours from Paris or Amsterdam and just three hours from London.
 

Courses offered at UCL

UCL has a highly international student body with a large percentage coming from outside Belgium to seek advanced business studies and expertise. The international welcome desk hosts a number of events as part of its service to incoming exchange students. Assistance with housing, course selection, and cultural adjustment are just a few of the services provided. Courses are offered in both French and English. A sample of the courses available include:
  • Business Strategy
  • Business Strategy Case Studies
  • Operation and Management of Enterprises
  • Information Technology in Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Human Resource Psychology
  • MarketingCurrency & Finance
For more information on available courses and information about UCL, visit Université Catholique’s website.



Credit

Students will receive 15 S/N Carlson School International Business (IBUS 5300) credits for their semester in Belgium. Students will need to complete a total of 30 ECTS credits at UCL in order to confer the 15 credits.



Housing

UCL maintains a special booking service for exchange students. In Louvain-la-Neuve the University has a number of lodging possibilities including rooms, studios, and apartments. It is also possible for students to elect to stay elsewhere and make arrangements through estate companies and private owners. Most of the housing managed by the university is in communal apartments in which exchange students live in an individual room but share the apartment with others. Shared amenities include kitchen, living room, showers, and bathrooms. Each room is equipped with a wash-basin, bed, mattress, table, cupboard, and shelf space. Communal apartments generally have anywhere from 6-10 tenants.


Program Dates
2008-09 dates will be posted once available.


Fall Semester:
September 15, 2008 - December 19, 2008


Spring Semester:
January 26, 2009 - May 15, 2009


Program Cost Estimate 08-09

(can vary based on student preference and exchange rate)

Program Fee:
(includes tuition, fees & int'l health insurance)

$6,450

Transportation (to and from program site): $950

Documentation (passport, visa,

immunization, additional health insurance):

 $250
Books & Materials $200
Room and/or Board:

$3,500
Essential Daily Living Expenses: $1,800
Miscellaneous: $1,000
Total:

$14,150


* Financial Aid can be applied to study abroad costs


Eligibility

• Carlson Junior or Senior (at time of exchange)
• Good academic standing with minimum GPA of 3.0
• 2 years of college level French (recommended)
• Additional criteria may apply.


The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.


Application and Admission Process

Submit a completed application with a $50 application fee, transcript, resume, and essay by the February 28th Priority Deadline prior to the academic year in which you wish to participate. Programs that do not fill following the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling-admissions basis.
 
Submit all applications to:
Global Immersion Semester Application
International Programs
Carlson School of Management
321 19th Avenue South, Suite 4-104
Minneapolis, MN 55455

 
Admission to all programs is based on review of your application by the study abroad selection committee. Applications will be reviewed following the deadline and you will be notified of your status by official letter in April. Once selected, you will be asked to pay a $500 deposit in order to confirm your place in the program.


Helpful Contact Information

Kirsten Alexejun
Coordinator
Global Immersion
International Programs
Carlson School of Management 4-104
Phone: 612-624-7867
Fax: 612-624-8248
alexejun@umn.edu



Belgian Embassy
3330 Garfield Street NW
Washington D.C. 20008
Phone: 202-333-6900
http://diplobel.us/

Kathy Evenson-McDermott
Study Abroad Academic Adviser
Undergraduate Programs
Carlson School of Management 1-105
Phone: 612-624-3313
even0074@umn.edu

All details subject to change based on economic and international factors.