Belgium
Belgium is far too often overlooked when students consider where they would like to either study abroad or spend their four years of college. This, of course, is a terrible shame, because it is one of the most fascinating countries in western Europe, with a culture, political life, and history that are every bit as worthy of attention as that of its more well-known neighbors, France, Germany, and the like.
Located "in northwest Europe [and] bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, and France[,] Belgium has a population of over ten million people [and straddles] the cultural boundary between Germanic and Romance Europe" (www.en.eikipedia.org). This unique cultural pedigree has led to both conflict throughout its history as well as to the development of one of the most fascinating countries in Europe.
As far as world capitals go, Brussels ranks near the top in terms of excitement, culture, and awe-inspiring architecture. The city itself has been around since at least 977 C.E., and even today, it is arguably more important than it ever has been in the past: It is "the de facto capital of the European Union," and as such, the eyes of the world are often focused on this city of nearly 2 million in the center of Belgium.
Culturally, Belgium is most well known for its architecture, art, and food. Indeed, despite the fact that the country is very much divided along linguistic lines (the north is Dutch-speaking and the south is French-speaking), one of the most famous common elements is the grand, almost overwhelming Gothic and Baroque architecture that is found throughout the country. Of course, like any country with a history as long and as storied as Belgium's, all this architectural beauty is seamlessly integrated into the fabric of everyday life, much as it is in Rome and Paris, for example.
Many great artists throughout the ages have either been born in Belgium or have made Belgium their home. Some of the most famous names include Ren, Magritte, Pieter Breugel, and Peter Paul Rubens. Today, of course, that love of the arts continues, and the arts communities in the bigger cities are as vibrant as they are anywhere in Europe. This is especially good for visiting students, who can not only contribute to it, but also gain much from being exposed to such a vibrant artistic community as is likely to exist at or near the school they attend.
However, no discussion of Belgium is complete without mentioning the food and drink, subjects near and dear to the heart of any college student. Perhaps Belgium's greatest contribution to the world's caf, table is moules frites, which is essentially nothing more than mussels and fries. Of course, when the mussels are steamed in some of those fabulous Belgian beers, and the fries are dipped in the outstanding mayonnaise sauces they prefer, the combination is nothing short of extraordinarty. And as for those beers, there are literally hundreds of them brewed throughout Belgium. And these are about as far brom American Budweiser as you are ever likely to taste. They range from simple to complex and from light to heavy. What they all have in common, however, is a richness and quality that are second to none in the world. What wine is to France, beer is to Belgium: Something to be savored and enjoyed responsibly, often as part of a carefully paired meal.
There are also a great many universities in Belgium, and any one of these, depending on what you would like to study, would prove very rewarding should you choose to spend your college years there. And the education you'll gain simply by living in such an important country can't be beat. Really, then, there is no reason not to attend college in Belgium. From the culture to the politics to the mussels and fries, it is an exciting country that is sure to reward the adventurous student.
