A few years ago, I packed my bags and joined the Erasmus program in Belgium. I thought it would be three months of chocolate, Goufres, and weekend trips around Europe. And yes, there was plenty of that — but there was also a lot I didn’t expect.
Belgium seemed like the perfect choice: right in the middle of Europe, which made traveling easy, and with excellent references for physiotherapy internships. Later I’d discover more reasons people love it: chocolate, bicycles, and the postcard-perfect canals of Bruges.
Living there turned out to be both exciting and frightening. It was my first time living alone, in a foreign country, without speaking the language properly. At the hospital internship, I didn’t really learn new techniques, but I was impressed by how organized everything was. Physiotherapists were assigned to specific areas — unlike in Portugal at the time, where one physiotherapist treated everyone, from orthopedic to neurological patients.
Belgium itself is fascinating. It has three official languages — French, Dutch, and German — and you really feel the split between Flanders in the north and Wallonia in the south. Brussels is bilingual, with signs in both languages, which was helpful for me as a confused Erasmus student trying to find my way.
And then there’s the history: Belgium was shaped (and often dominated) by its powerful neighbors — France, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands. Independence only came in 1830, and yet it still became one of Europe’s main battlefields in both World Wars.
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Interesting Facts About Belgium (Through My Erasmus Eyes)
One thing you quickly realize in Belgium is the tension between Flanders and Wallonia. It’s like two brothers who are constantly bickering — different languages, different mentalities — yet still part of the same family.
Despite that, Belgians struck me as incredibly tolerant. The country is home to people from everywhere — Arabs, Africans, Chinese, and more. Walking around Brussels, you hear a mix of languages and see a mix of cultures, and somehow it all fits together.
They’re also some of the most responsible people I’ve met. On the metro and trains, almost nobody checked tickets, but (almost) everyone still paid. Coming from Portugal, that was… surprising.
Belgium also experienced a significant political crisis in 2010. For 541 days, there was no official government, and life just went on. People carried on working, studying, cycling, drinking beer… It was like proof that Belgians can govern themselves without politicians.
Speaking of pride: never tell a Belgian that Jacques Brel is French. He’s Belgian, and they’ll be quick to remind you of it.
And then there’s beer. Belgians don’t just like beer, they love it. In pubs, the menu can easily have 100 different varieties. And time of day doesn’t matter — morning, lunch, or night, beer is always an option.
Bicycles are another obsession. People use them everywhere, for everything. I ended up loving my daily bike ride to the internship.
Chocolate, of course, deserves a confession of its own. Belgians don’t just produce chocolate — they make some of the best in the world. And trust me, after three months there, I became a believer.
Oh, and comic books! Belgium gave the world Tintin, Lucky Luke, the Smurfs, Spirou… Comics are part of their cultural DNA.
Even the metro reflects this quirky side. In Brussels, almost every station has a theme, and it became a small pleasure of mine to stop and look around at the details.
The Best and Worst Parts of My Erasmus in Belgium
Looking back, some of the best moments were the simplest ones. Riding my bike to the hospital every morning, discovering new corners of the city on two wheels — that freedom made me feel at home in Belgium.
It was also my very first time living abroad, far away from my family, and that in itself was a huge adventure. Every day brought something new, from figuring out the metro to eating too much chocolate, and even the challenge of speaking a different language — frustrating at times, but also fun when I managed to make myself understood.
Travel was another highlight. Being based in Belgium made it easy to explore nearby countries. Weekend trips to Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Paris felt like a dream.
But of course, not everything was perfect. Sometimes I struggled to find people I could really connect with. I wasn’t prepared for how lonely it could feel living so far from home. I also gained weight (thank you, waffles and fries!) and often missed Jorge deeply.
Yet, despite the difficulties, I’m proud of how I managed. Erasmus in Belgium wasn’t just about internships and chocolate — it was about proving to myself that I could live alone in a new country, in a new language, and still come out stronger.
Where to Go in Belgium (Places I Visited and Loved)
Brussels
The Belgian capital — and the capital of the European Union — has more than enough to keep you busy. During my Erasmus, Brussels was my home base, and I often wandered around the historic center, with the Grand Place, the Town Hall, and the King’s House. Nearby, there’s a statue of Everard’s Serclaes, a local hero. Legend says that rubbing it brings good luck — and yes, I tried it.
Another quirky symbol and cool thing to do in Brussels is to pay a visit to the Manneken-Pis statue. The statue itself isn’t that impressive, but the story makes it special: a boy urinated on the burning fuse meant to blow up the city, saving everyone. Today, the statue is often dressed up in different costumes, which makes it fun to spot.
Then there’s the Atomium, a futuristic-looking structure built for the 1958 World Fair. At 102 meters high, with spheres that look like something from a space station, it’s one of the most unusual places I’ve ever visited.
I also loved wandering through the Royal Saint Hubert Galleries, full of cafés and boutiques, and the Belgian Comic Strip Center, which felt like a tribute to Belgium’s comic book culture.
There are many fun things to do in Brussels!
Bruges
Bruges feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. The medieval houses, the canals winding between them, and the overall harmony of the town make it ridiculously photogenic. It’s also famous for its lace shops, which are worth window shopping even if you don’t buy anything.
Click to check a complete Bruges travel guide.
One of the highlights is the Church of Our Lady, with its 122-meter brick tower — one of the tallest in the world. Inside, you’ll find Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. And if you haven’t yet, watch the movie In Bruges before you visit. The film captures the beauty (and quirkiness) of the town perfectly.
Ghent
Ghent was one of my favorite day trips during Erasmus. The canals, the medieval castle, and the bridges give it a unique charm. If you have more time, it’s worth spending a full day there. (Tip: if you’re torn between visiting Bruges or Ghent, this guide compares both — it’ll help you decide.)
Antwerp
Antwerp is very different from Bruges or Ghent. It’s more modern, buzzing, and internationally known for its diamond quarter, where you can see diamond merchants and workshops. The city also has a large Orthodox Jewish community tied to the diamond trade.
It’s also home to one of Europe’s most prestigious universities and has an absolutely stunning train station — one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
What to Eat in Belgium (And What I Actually Ate on Erasmus)
Chocolate
Belgium is heaven for chocolate lovers. Honestly, I lost count of how many pralines and truffles I ate during those three months. When I got tired of chocolate (if that’s even possible), there were Goufres (waffles) and fries waiting for me.
Belgium’s chocolate culture goes way back. Spain introduced chocolate to Europe, and later, Belgium’s colony in Congo played a role in shaping it into the pralines we know today. Some of the world’s most famous chocolate brands are Belgian — Côte d’Or, Godiva, Guylian, Neuhaus, and my personal favorite, Leonidas.
In Brussels, especially around the Grand Place, you can find chocolateries everywhere. Most will happily let you try a praline or two. And in Bruges, there’s even a chocolate museum — the kind of place I could spend hours in.
Goufres (Waffles)
There are two main kinds of waffles in Belgium: Brussels waffles and Liège waffles. My vote goes to the Liège waffles. You can find them everywhere — in train stations, on the streets, in parks — and the smell alone will pull you toward a stand. Hot, crispy, sweet, and usually covered in chocolate, fruit, or cream… they were my guilty pleasure during Erasmus.
Frites (Fries)
Whatever you do, don’t call them French fries — Belgians take that personally. Frites are the national dish, and they’re treated with the respect they deserve. Thick, fried twice, fluffy inside, crispy outside. Served in paper cones with mayo, ketchup, or more exotic sauces like aioli. They’re the ultimate Belgian street food, and I quickly got addicted.
Mussels
Mussels are another Belgian classic, often served with fries (because fries go with everything here). You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Brussels offering moules-frites. I tried them in Liège, and they were delicious — simple, fresh, and perfectly cooked.
Kebabs
Now, here’s a more Erasmus-style confession: I ate a lot of kebabs. They were cheap, filling, and perfect for a student budget. Brussels has a big Turkish community, and with that comes excellent kebab shops. For me, kebabs became almost as Belgian as waffles — at least during my stay.
Looking back, Belgian food in Brussels was delicious. Whether you’re on a student budget like I was or ready to splurge in gourmet chocolateries, you’ll always find something delicious around the corner.
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