Brussels is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. The Brussels-Capital Region is one of Belgium's three regions. It is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), although it boasts an astonishing variety of languages, cultures, and nationalities. Brussels is the Headquarters of the European Commission, the European Council, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee. The city also plays host to NATO and more than 120 international governmental organisations and approximately 1,400 non-governmental organisations. With 159 embassies and 2,500 diplomats, Brussels ranks second in the world in terms of diplomatic representations. Thus, the importance of Brussels is not just confined to European affairs. The city has such a wide impact on the world at large that it has become an extremely attractive place for doing business.
As the decision-making heart of Europe, it has become an international capital, where opinion leaders from all over the world meet to use their influence in policy-making decisions as well as to do business. Nevertheless, it remains intimate enough to allow its inhabitants to enjoy all the advantages of a vibrant city.
Unique atmosphere
Being the capital of an expanding Europe, Brussels is an international city like no other. 31% of the population is of foreign origin and this makes for a unique atmosphere in which cultures interact easily with one another. This intercultural climate was fostered by the original Belgian situation. As the capital of a federal nation on the borderline between the Romance and Germanic language areas, Brussels mixes the Flemish culture of the Dutch-speaking inhabitants and the Walloon culture of the French-speaking inhabitants. The true Brussels atmosphere stands for a mix of both cultures in an international perspective.
Languages
Language is not a barrier in the capital of Europe. The city and its inhabitants are very accessible from the linguistic point of view. For historical reasons and a strong African influence, French is the most frequently used language. In general, native Belgians speak both French and Dutch, and many speak English as well. Many Belgians also learn German in school, and some even Spanish.
Student life
Brussels also has a rich student life. It is not a typical student town in which local inhabitants are hardly discovered among the students. Instead, student life is one of the multiple and diverse facets of Brussels. The Erasmus University College Brussels adds to this facet of Brussels by offering the students a solid social web in Brussels. It offers student facilities like housing, restaurants, sports complexes, advice and events. In "Brik - Student in Brussels", the university college joins forces with the other Dutch-speaking universities and university colleges in Brussels to give students a home and unforgettable times in Brussels.
Interesting websites
Stuvo EhB
http://www.ehb.be/stuvo
The organisation of student services of the Erasmus University College Brussels provides basic information for students who will be living in Brussels. They have information on Housing, Language, Money and student jobs, Health, Travel and transport, Sports, Contacts and Activities.
Use it
http://www.use-it.be
Touristic information for young people
Wikitravel Brussels
http://wikitravel.org/en/Brussels
Open source travel information on Brussels
Irisinet
http://www.bruxelles.irisnet.be
Offers offical information about the Brussels-Capital Region, citizens, business, and tourism and leisure
Brussels International
http://www.brusselsinternational.be
The official website of the Brussels tourist and convention bureau. Check out this charming videoclip.
Brussels Mania
http://www.brusselsmania.com
The website of Brussels International Tourism Centre, with lots of topical information about Brussels and special pages dedicated to participants in the Erasmus programme.
Visit Flanders
http://www.visitflanders.com
Tourism in Flanders in a wide variety of languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish, Danish, Czech and Chinese.
Flanders.be
http://www.flanders.be
Governmental site about Flanders.
Study in Flanders
http://www.studyinflanders.be
Governmental site providing information on study opportunities in Flanders.
Belgium.be
http://www.belgium.be
Portal site of Belgian Federal Government with official information and services.
Diplobel
http://www.diplobel.be
Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. It offers all important information about travelling to Belgium
