Study Abroad to Leuven, Belgium

I arrived to Leuven Friday morning, to find myself to be the first of the other students to arrive. According to the program director, whom I met briefly, the other students are scheduled to arrive on Monday, the official start of the program. The dorm in which I will be living is set up to house 3 people altogether. There are two beds on the first floor and one that is located on a second floor loft. Being the first one here, I get pick of the place, having chosen the top loft...

Monday:

Yay! The other students have finally arrived. I enjoyed using the weekend to adjust to the time zone and spend a little time to myself, mostly sleeping and reading, but am ready for some company. The other students seem really great, there are 5 girls and 8 boys. My roommates include Jenny, who is from DePaul, and Sydney, who is from Washington.

The day began with a luncheon where we were able to meet the other students, a wine recpetion in the evening where we were able to socialize with one another and the institute staff, and finally a dinner. After dinner we all decided to go out and celebrate our first night in Leuven together, appropriately at the "longest bar in the world" located in the old market square.

Tuesday:

Today marked the first day of orientation. During this time we were given some maps and informatin regarding the city. Additionally, we were given our class schedule for the remainder of the week and the duration of our stay.

After our orientation we went on a guided tour of the city. Highlights of this tour include, Tienssastraat, the small street, the library, the City Hall, and the Begijn compounds.

Wednesday

This morning we were taken to the "mother" school of the Institute, KU Leuven, where we were given internet access/printing access. KU is situated about 10 minutes away from the institute.

Thursday

First full day of classes

Friday

Today, we had economics in the morning which was followed by lunch. After lunch we went on a tour of the Stella Brewery. Finally we attended a reception at Stapletons.

Well after months of anticipation the day has finally arrived for me to head to Belgium for the next 3.5 months. As with any new, unpredictable adventure I am feeling both excited and reluctant. But change is good and relocation is exceptional for personal evaluation.

Why Belgium?

Through Depaul, Belgium offers a wonderful study abroad program which will enable me to learn about European politics and European integration academically and through an internship with the European Union Parliament.

Belgium is also known for:
Great Beer, Great Fries, and Great Chocolate... sounds good to me

Lastly, Belgium is centrally located within Europe allowing for easy travel by planes, trains, and automobiles.