Brussels is a multi-cultural city that is open and welcoming to all newcomers. It is officially bi-lingual, French and Dutch, though most speak English, and the high degree of internationalism has made English the working language of many in the city. In fact, there is a community of approximately 200,000 native English speakers in Brussels.
Brussels is the second most international city in the world, measured by the number of headquarters of international organisations. Brussels is host to over a thousand governmental and non-governmental international organisations, including such major bodies as the institutions of the European Union (the European Commission, European Council, and the Parliament), the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), and the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE). There are also some 165 Embassies and Diplomatic Missions, and some 700 multinational corporations

This makes for a lively international community, with various conferences, seminars, and receptions organised in the Brussels community regularly. The Institute’s students therefore benefit from being able to attend public meetings of these institutions, and having such easy access to them is a veritable gold mine for research material. The Brussels community also provides a wealth of practitioners working at the cutting edge of international relations who are invited to the Institute for Guest Seminars.
More information on www.brussels-online.be.

Gent or Ghent is a mediaeval city which developed into an industrial centre long before the industrial revolution. In the 1200s Gent expanded into Europe's largest producer of cloth. Production was organised by delineated Guilds. A hub of trade evolved around the Guild Houses and ancient port. Gent is steeped in tradition and colour ridden trappings. The mediaeval city is richly endowed with gothic cathedrals, baroque guild houses, a massive 11th century castle, and enduring architecture.
Priceless art treasures of immortal Flemish and Dutch masters reside in Gent. In July the Gent festival entails ten days of exuberant pageantry and cultural experience. Bands play all night long and pubs are open till morning. It is the largest open air festival in Europe. Mediaeval pubs offer more than 200 different Belgium beers!
The central location of Gent allows students to spend their weekends in some of Europe's most magnificent cities : London (150ml), Paris (170ml), Amsterdam (90ml), Brussels (35ml), Kvln (140ml), Luxembourg (160ml), etc. Students are housed in Gent.
Students will have easy access to the hospitality of Belgium as English is widely spoken.