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Belgium and Italy
One year, two countries!
Are you interested in going on exchange for a year and want to experience TWO different countries and cultures? The Belgium and Italy double program might be the program for you.
Eligibility
- Must hold a EU passport
- Two years prior language student of one language (Italian or French)
About The Program
Experience two cultures, live with two host families, attend two different schools – live two European lives – all in just one year!
Too much family is never enough, so say the Italians. Family is of utmost importance, so get set to share your life with your host family, as well as cousins, uncles, aunts, ‘nonni’ — the whole clan! Once you’re welcomed into your host family you’ll be able to experience true Italian culture and celebrations. Take part in the daily ‘passeggiata’ — the social event of the day where you head to the piazza, link arms with your best friend and stroll around and around — this is the place to see and be seen.
Belgium is famous for medieval cities, gothic cathedrals, castles, diamonds, waffles, chocolates, and frites (fries). Learning French in Belgium is a wise choice! The linguistic diversity of the country ensures that Belgians are used to accommodating first-time French learners. School days are shorter than in France, and public transport is readily available in most towns.
Is This The Program For Me?
Before selecting this program, there a several factors you should take into consideration.
- You will begin your year in Italy.
- Many exchange students experience culture shock at the beginning of their program. Culture shock can result from several factors, but often includes the exposure to a new language and living with a new family. You MAY experience repeat culture shock when you commence the second part of this exchange program. That being said, you may be better equipped to deal with the culture shock if you previously managed it on your initial program. Please note: WEP will determine the commencement date of the second program.
- You will have to leave Italy after a semester. This will mean leaving all your newly formed friendships, host-family and networks, and starting again from scratch.
Upcoming Exchanges
| Departure | Duration | Fee | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2023 | Year | $ 12,650 | 23 August 2022 |
| August 2023 | Year | $ 12,650* | 28 March 2023 |
A flight surcharge may be applied if at the time of making flight bookings airlines are charging significantly higher airfares.
Included Extras
A three-night orientation in the Rome area.
More Information
SCHOOL (BELGIUM)
The Belgian school system is the equal of France. In fact, French students learn their native language thanks to grammar books and standards designed by a famous Belgian, Maurice Grevisse, in 1979.
The school day is shorter than in France, however, similar to their neighbour, the study of creative arts is undertaken outside school hours. Generally, Belgian schools organise excellent inter-country excursions and trips.
LANGUAGE (BELGIUM)
Belgium is officially trilingual! While the main languages are French and Flemish, a 'small' community of over 60,000 nationals also speaks German. French is also spoken in two other WEP destinations; France and Canada.
How hard is it to learn French in Australia? MODERATE. 23-24 weeks OR 575-600 class hours are required to become proficient in French. Fast-track your language studies on exchange!
CLIMATE/TIME (BELGIUM)
Compared with Australia, Belgium has a cool climate! The average temperature is lowest in January at 3 °C and highest in July at 18 °C. Because Belgium is a flat country, it is often breezy in winter. In the Eastern regions, hills cause heavy rainfall and snow in the winter - something to look forward to if you have never seen snow before!
Depending on daylight saving, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are between 9 to 10 hours ahead of Belgium.
SCHOOL (ITALY)
The school year starts in September and finishes in June. You will either attend a Lyceum (scientific, classical, linguistic, or artistic) or a Training school (pedagogical, technical or vocational). While most students attend schools from Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 1:00/2:00 pm), Saturday morning classes may apply. School is less casual in comparison with Australian schools. For example, students are expected to be respectful to teachers to such a point that behaviour is evaluated along with academic performance.
LANGUAGE (ITALY)
While Italians have had a strong influence on architecture, fashion, and food around the world, they were not as successful in extending their empire! The melodious language is spoken only in Italy, a small part of Southern Switzerland and South Tyrol in Austria.
How hard is it to learn Italian in Australia? MODERATE. 23-24 weeks OR 575-600 class hours are required to become proficient in Italian. Fast-track your language studies on exchange!
CLIMATE/TIME (ITALY)
Italy is famous for its long, boot-like shape. The Northern parts of Italy become very cold during winter, whereas the South (below Rome) enjoy a more moderate climate. The South can also experience very warm nights in summer, with temperatures remaining between 28-33°C, but sometimes even 40°C.
Depending on daylight saving, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane are between eight to nine hours ahead of Italy.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
You MUST hold a European passport to be eligible for this program. Two years prior language study of one language (Italian or French) is required, plus ongoing study.
Weather
Today
15.8 10.8 °C
Tomorrow
22.9 17.1 °C
Day After
26.7 21.1 °C
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