Jean Park
C’27
Communication
SA: University of Leuven – KU LeuvenÂ
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Studying abroad in Belgium! Belgium may be one of the smaller and lesser-known study abroad destinations, but that is exactly what made it so special. Unlike larger cities that can feel overwhelming or tourist-centered, Leuven offered a quieter, more intimate environment where I could build routines, recognize familiar streets, and feel connected to the community around me. Its slower pace became part of its charm.
My Experience Abroad
As a Communication major, I was especially interested in Belgium because of its multilingual and multicultural environment. Belgium allowed me to study communication in a place where language is deeply tied to identity, history, and belonging. In my intercultural interaction class, I was able to think more critically about how people communicate across cultural and linguistic differences, especially in a country shaped by Dutch, French, German, and English. Living in Belgium made these ideas feel less abstract because I was experiencing them in everyday life.
Other Highlights
- Becoming close with local students. While meeting other international students was meaningful, my friendships with Belgian students helped me feel more connected to Leuven itself. One friend even invited me to her family’s home for dinner, where I was able to try traditional Belgian food and spend the evening talking with her family.
- Riding bikes. At first, biking seemed like such an ordinary part of daily life, but in Belgium it quickly became one of the things I loved most. Everyone bikes everywhere, and it made me feel more immersed in the rhythm of the city. Leuven’s nature is beautiful, and some of my favorite memories came from biking past quiet paths, old castles, abbeys, and green spaces that I might not have discovered otherwise.
- Spending time in Oude Markt. During the day, it was a lively square filled with cafes and people drinking coffee. At night, it transformed into a central gathering place where students and locals came together. It became one of the main places where I saw the social life of Leuven unfold. Over time, Oude Markt became more than just a popular location; it became a familiar and comforting part of my everyday life abroad.
