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Brussels: Safe? Not so Much?

Posted by (Charleston, SC, USA) on

Greetings all,
After much debate i've narrowed down my choices to study abroad with one of two programs. One is in Dijon and is 6 weeks, the other is in Brussels and is 4 weeks.

I really want to attend University de Bourgogne in Dijon however i'm having problems finding adequate information on CSA Study Abroad program so it makes me a little iffy.

The Brussels program is amazing, but what worries me is - is it a safe place to live? I was only there for 3 days and LOVED IT. We stayed in the Grand Place area and did mainly tourist things, except ate at a few off the beaten path restaurants that were on the top of our list for meals in Europe. I've just heard from a few folks that there are some really iffy parts of brussels. is there any truth to this?

Thoughts? I'm trying to get as many opinions as I can, in addition to doing my own research to find out what program is best for me. I love both places, but don't know much more than the tourist parts!

Merci beaucoup.

Posted by
9371 posts

There are "really iffy" parts of any city. If you prefer the Brussels program, go for it! Use the same common sense that you would use in any city, and you'll be fine.

Posted by
126 posts

Brussels is a beautiful city with a lot of unique characteristics. I have only visited twice for a week at a time... I agree it is like anyother large city where there are sketchy parts but for the most part the people are very friendly and helpful.

Posted by
82 posts

That's a hard choice; both cities are charming. I lived in Burgundy last year for 8 months, and did many a day trip to Dijon (I lived in Chalon-sur-saone, 40 mins away), and it is a great place. It's one of the biggest towns in France (5th, I think?), and linguistically, I think that Dijon would be a better choice (if you're looking to immerse yourself in the French language, that is).

Brussels has a lot going for it, too; the reason I say you'll learn more French in Dijon is because it seems tons of people in Brussels speak English since many international organizations are there. I would love to live in Brussels, it's such a fabulous place; however, I did have one scary experience there last year, involving being followed by a homeless man which was not fun. Finally, I just yelled at him in French that I had no money and to "laissez-moi tranquille!" and that scared him off.

I think you'll find that either destination will be a fine choice; besides, both cities are close enough and you could visit the one you chose not to study in; it's about a 4.5 or 5 hour train journey between Brussels and Dijon.

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