9 Best International Schools in Brussels for Expats

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium, as well as its cultural, economic, and financial center. It is located in the northwest of the country and at the crossroads of Germanic Europe and Latin Europe, as well as host to other international communities such as ethnic Belgians coming from all over the world due to its high level of development.

The city is bilingual; Dutch and French are both official languages. Because of its international stature, Brussels is home to many excellent international schools catering to expatriates. Here are the nine best international schools.

1.    American School of Brussels

The American School of Brussels is a private, co-educational day school for students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. It was established in 1951 and is the only American-operated school in Belgium, making it a popular choice among expat parents looking for an international school in Brussels. The teachers are recruited from different countries worldwide and have strong backgrounds in teaching English as a second language.

The curriculum is based on the U.S. Common Core Standards and offers a variety of Advanced Placement courses. ASB also has an excellent sports program, with teams competing in the Brussels and Benelux leagues.

2.    British School of Brussels

The British School of Brussels is a well-established international school founded in 1954 that caters to students from pre-kindergarten through 18 years of age. The school follows the English National Curriculum and is only a few schools in Brussels authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. BSB is also one of the largest international schools in Brussels, with over 1,000 students from more than 60 different countries.

3.    International School of Brussels

The International School of Brussels is an English-speaking international school for students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It is a non-profit, co-educational day school that follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum. ISB has been educating students in Brussels since 1963 and currently has over 1,600 students representing over 70 nationalities.

The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). ISB offers the IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement Programmes, and many electives in fine arts, languages, technology, theatre, and physical education. ISB also focuses on sports, with athletics teams competing in district and regional leagues throughout Belgium.

4.    European School of Brussels II

The European School of Brussels II is a public, international school that follows the European Baccalaureate Curriculum. It is one of 14 schools in the European Schools network and the only one in Belgium. ESB II has been educating students since 1966 and currently has over 2,000 students from over 70 different nationalities.

ESB II is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). It offers both the European Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and Advanced Placement Programmes, in addition to many enrichment courses like Photography, Sculpture, Modern Languages, Drama, and Business.

5.    International School of Brussels III

The International School of Brussels III is a private international school for students from nursery school through high school. It followed an American curriculum and was established in 1994 by parents who wanted to offer their children an alternative to the traditional Belgian education system. The teachers are recruited from all over the world and have experience teaching English as a second language.

ISB III offers the American curriculum, as well as the Advanced Placement Programmes and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The school has a student body of over 1,000 students from more than 60 different countries. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

6.    Saint John School

Saint John School is a private, international school for students from pre-school through grade 12. It followed an American curriculum and was founded in 1967 by the American Episcopal Church. The small class sizes are native English-speaking teachers and include teacher assistants. The student body comprises over 400 students from more than 40 different nationalities.

St John School adopts the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum in Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme while also offering Advanced Placement Programmes. The school has basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams that compete with other schools in the city.

7.    International French School of Brussels

The International French School of Brussels is a private international school that provides education for pre-kindergarten through grade 12. It follows the French Baccalaureate (BREVET) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum. IFSB was founded in 1984 by a group of parents who wanted their children to be fluent in French and English.

IFSB offers the IB Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement Programmes, and many electives focusing on the fine arts, languages, technology, theatre, and physical education. The school has over 650 students, with some 70 nationalities represented on the campus.

8.    British School of Brussels

The British School of Brussels is an international school for children between 2 and 18 years old, offering both day school and boarding facilities. It follows the National Curriculum for England and Wales and is accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).

The school has a student body of over 1,600 students from over 50 different nationalities. It offers the IB Diploma Programme, as well as Advanced Placement Programmes. The British School of Brussels also has an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, including music, drama, art, and sport.

9.    United World College of Southeast Asia

The United World College of Southeast Asia is an international school that provides a pre-university education for students from grades 11-13. It has two campuses: the UWCSEA East Campus in Singapore and the UWCSEA Dover Campus in Thailand. It is a boarding school that aims to give students a liberal education with a global outlook, preparing them for university.

The UWCSEA East Campus follows the IB Diploma Programme and offers Advanced Placement Programmes. The Dover Campus follows the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) instead of the traditional IB Diploma Programme. The Dover Campus has a student body of just under 100 students from more than 20 different nationalities.

5 Things to Know Before Moving To Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and home to the EU headquarters, is a city that has been steeped in history. It’s a great city, but moving here can be tricky if you don’t do your research beforehand. Here are seven things you should know before making a move.

1.    The Official Language Is French, Not English

Belgium has three national languages: Dutch (spoken in the Flanders region), French (spoken in the Wallonia region), and German (spoken in the east of the country). But while Dutch is currently the most widely used language, it will be practically impossible to live or work here if you can’t speak French or Dutch.

I would definitely recommend learning some basic French before moving here, whether it’s just the key phrases to get by on your travels or a more intensive course.

2.    You’ll Probably Have to Commute into Work

A lot of people who move here will relocate for their job. If that’s you, then be prepared for a long commute because Brussels is notorious for its traffic congestion. The average commute time is around an hour, so make sure you factor that into your calculations when deciding whether or not to move here. Also, remember that public transport in Brussels is not the cheapest, so you’ll probably want to buy a monthly or yearly pass.

3.    The City Is Split Into 19 Municipalities

Brussels is made up of 19 municipalities, each with its distinct character. If you’re thinking of moving here, it’s a good idea to research the different areas and see which one best suits your needs. In fact, I’d even recommend visiting each municipality to get a feel for them before deciding.

4.    The Weather Can Be Quite Unpredictable

Belgium has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from 3-18 degrees Celsius. However, the weather can be quite unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack both summer and winter clothes. More so, the weather in Brussels is often quite wet, so an umbrella is a must-have.

5.    The City Is Home To Over 1,000 Restaurants

Brussels is a foodie’s paradise, with over 1,000 restaurants to choose from. From traditional Belgian cuisine to international favorites, you’ll be spoilt for choice. But if you’re looking for the best places to eat, then check out this list of restaurants in Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels Schools

What schools are in Brussels?

Many international schools, colleges, and universities can be found in Brussels. The city has a large French-speaking community with many French language-based institutions. In addition to this, there are a number of International Schools teaching bilingual curricula in either English or French.

How good are the schools in Brussels?

The quality of schools in Brussels varies depending on the neighborhood in which they are located. Most schools are excellent, but some are not as good as others. If you are interested in a specific school, it is best to do your research ahead of time. You can find school rankings online or speak to expats who have already enrolled their children in Brussels schools.

How do I find a school in Brussels?

To find a school in Brussels, you can search on the website of the City of Brussels. The website lists all the schools in Brussels, including public and private schools. You can also search for schools by location or type of school. Also, the website of the French Community of Belgium has a list of all schools in Brussels.

What are the school hours in Brussels?

In Brussels, the school hours vary depending on the type of school. The majority of schools have school hours from 8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5pm. However, there are also a few schools with different hours. You can find the school hours on the website of the City of Brussels or the website of the French Community of Belgium.

What are the school hours in Brussels?

In Brussels, the school hours vary depending on the type of school. The majority of schools have school hours from 8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5pm. However, there are also a few schools with different hours. You can find the school hours on the website of the City of Brussels or the website of the French Community of Belgium.

What are the school holidays in Brussels?

In Brussels, there are three types of school holidays: Christmas holiday, Easter holiday, and summer holiday. The dates of these holidays vary depending on the type of school. You can find more information on the website of the City of Brussels or the website of the French Community of Belgium.

Conclusion

Choosing the right school for your children can be hard, but it is important to get it right. The benefits of attending an international school are vast and varied. This way, you need to read this article for more information about the best international schools in Brussels as an expat.

Best Areas and Suburbs in Brussels

If you’re an expat considering a move to Brussels, you might be wondering which the best areas to live in are. Well, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this section, we have compiled the best areas and suburbs suitable for expats to reside in Brussels. Without further ado, here are seven of the best suburbs and areas in Brussels.

Schaerbeek

Schaerbeek is one of the most multicultural areas in Brussels, and it’s also home to a large expat population. It’s a great area for those who want to be close to the city center, but also want some peace and quiet at the end of the day. Also, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and bars in Schaerbeek, so you’ll never be short of things to do.

Ixelles

Ixelles is another great option for expats who want to be close to the city center. It’s a lively neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars. It’s also home to a large student population, so Ixelles always has something happening. Meanwhile, there are plenty of green spaces, public gardens, and parks in Ixelles to enjoy during your downtime.

Saint-Gilles

Saint-Gilles is another popular choice for expats looking to relocate to Brussels. It’s an area with lots of history, making it very attractive to some people. Also, there are plenty of green spaces in Saint-Gilles to enjoy when the weather allows it. Meanwhile, there are also lots of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained, so you’ll never be bored in Saint-Gilles. That’s why it has become a popular area for expats.

Uccle

If you’re looking for a suburban area with a more rural feel, then Uccle is an excellent option. It’s one of the most expensive areas in Brussels, but it’s also one of the most beautiful. Uccle is home to plenty of parks, gardens, and forests, so you’ll never be far from nature.

It’s also an excellent area for expats with children, as there are plenty of schools and playgrounds in the area. Again, Uccle is one of the most expensive areas in Brussels, but it’s still popular with expats looking to relocate.

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre

Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is another great suburb of Brussels. It’s a very family-friendly area with plenty of schools and playgrounds. It’s also home to a large expat population, so you’ll be sure to meet some new friends in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre. And, if you’re looking for something to do on your days off, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops in the area.

Uxem

Uxem is another suburban area near Brussels where you can enjoy nature, peace, and a relaxed lifestyle. It’s great for expats looking for an easy commute into the city center. Also, there are plenty of schools in Uxem, so it’s popular with families. Furthermore, Uxem is home to many expat-friendly pubs and restaurants, so you’ll always have a place to socialize with other expats.

Watermael-Boitsfort

Watermael-Boitsfort is a popular choice for families looking to relocate to Brussels. It’s one of the most affluent areas in the city, and its amenities reflect that – there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes in Watermael-Boitsfort.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a bit of peace, there are lots of parks and gardens in the area. And, with a short commute into the city center, it’s an excellent choice for expats.

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Brussels

Where is Brussels located?

Brussels is located in the center of Belgium, in the region of Flanders. It is close to the borders of France and Germany. In fact, it is very easy to travel to other countries from Brussels. So, if you are looking for a centrally located in Europe, Brussels is a great choice.

What is the climate like in Brussels?

The climate in Brussels is temperate. This means that it is not too hot and not too cold. The average temperature throughout the year is around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there can be a significant amount of rainfall.

In fact, Brussels is the second wettest city in Europe regarding average annual precipitation. If you are looking for a place that does not get too cold or too hot and has a lot of rain, Brussels might be a great choice.

What is the cost of living in Belgium?

Belgium is not the most expensive European country to live in, but it is not the cheapest either. The average cost of living in Belgium is around 1000 euros per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.

Conclusion

So you’re thinking of moving to Brussels? Well, you won’t be alone. The city is home to over 1.2 million people, and it’s a great place to live. However, the first thing to know while living in this city is the area. After that, you can check other outdoor activities to explore. Nonetheless, refer to this article to know more about the best areas and suburbs in Brussels.

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Brussels as an Expat

As an expat, you may find yourself craving a little memory from home while enjoying your new life in Brussels. Luckily, the city has a few top-rated tourist attractions that will not only transport you back to your old stomping grounds but also give you a taste of the local culture and history. Without further ado, below are the tourist attractions to visit in Brussels.

Atomium

Built for the 1958 World’s Fair, this interesting structure resembling a unit cell of an iron crystal is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Brussels. The Atomium stands 102 meters tall, and it has nine spheres connected via tubes containing escalators and stairs, giving visitors a close-up view of what is going on underneath all those metal spheres.

Manneken Pis

This little boy doing his business might be one of the most famous Belgian landmarks, but do not let that stop you from checking it out! This bronze statue represents the legendary story of Brussels’ famous fountain.

A local legend says a young Brussels’ prince was kidnapped by soldiers and taken away to this city’s enemies. Since he managed to escape and make his way back to Brussels, the people of the city were so happy that they erected a statue in his honor, depicting him relieving himself.

Grand Place

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Brussels. The square is surrounded by stunning architecture, including the Town Hall, which is modeled after the design of Paris’ City Hall.

It’s worth seeing during the day, but it’s even more impressive when illuminated at night. Moreover, the square is always lively and buzzing with people, making it the perfect place to take a break and drink or bite to eat.

Brussels’ so-called “Royal Quarter” is located north of Grand Place, and it includes some interesting buildings, including the former Palace of Justice, which stands in front of the Brussels Stock Exchange. This is where you will also find the Royal Palace, home to the Belgian royal family.

Comic Strip Centre

This museum dedicated to Belgium’s comic strip art is a must-visit for all comic book fans. It not only displays original artworks from some of the country’s most famous comic artists but also includes a comic book store and a café. Also, watching an original animation in one of the museum’s screening rooms is a truly unique experience.

Mini-Europe

If you’re looking for things to do in Brussels with kids, this is the place to go! As the name implies, this unique museum features themed miniature replicas of some of Europe’s most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben or the Roman Colosseum. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy a scenic ride with the Eiffel Tower or go on an imaginary journey to the North Pole.

Boulevard Botanique

Basically, every city has its own famous shopping street, and in Brussels, that’s Boulevard Botanique. Here you’ll find stores for fashion, beauty products, accessories, and much more. And if you’re hungry or just looking to have a drink with friends, there are lots of cafés and restaurants here too. This way, you not only get a chance to eat at some of the city’s most popular spots but also do a little shopping along the way.

Pros of Living in Brussels as an Expat

Considering the fact that the Belgian capital isn’t very well-known, you might have questions about why you should live there. And it’s true, for outsiders, Brussels might seem like a boring place to live in. But once you go further into its history, culture, and structure of living, you’ll be surprised by how interesting this city is. Here are seven pros of living in Brussels as an expat.

Brussels Is the Heart of Europe

Located very centrally between Europe’s capitals, Brussels has often been called ‘The Capital of the World.’ It is very easy to reach any destination on the continent within a few hours, if not direct flights.

As an expat living in Brussels, you will benefit from the European Union’s presence there. Moreover, it is a vital center of administration and commerce within Europe, which makes more employment opportunities – both nationally and internationally – available for those who are looking to work here.

The City Has a Prestigious History

As the home of the European Union and a number of other important international institutions, Brussels has a long and prestigious history. This is something that is very evident in the architecture and culture of the city. There are many museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks to explore here.

The City Is Bilingual

Since French and Dutch are official languages in Brussels, it’s a great place to learn or improve your language skills. In addition, many people here also speak English quite well, so you won’t have any trouble getting around or communicating with others.

The City Is Very Multicultural

Due to its history and status as the capital of the European Union, Brussels is home to people from all over Europe, as well as citizens from Africa and the Middle East. This means that there are lots of international restaurants catering to everyone’s particular tastes, different cultural events taking place throughout the year, and an overall sense of diversity that you wouldn’t find in many other places.

It also contributes positively to what makes Brussels so multicultural is the fact that the city is very open-minded and tolerant of different cultures and religions.

The City Is Very Green

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Brussels is surprisingly green. This is due to the fact that a lot of the city’s open spaces have been reserved for parks and gardens. In addition, many trees line the streets, which provide shade in the summer and make the city feel a lot more spacious.

The City Is Well-Connected

As mentioned before, Brussels is very well-connected to the rest of Europe. But it’s also easy to get around within the city itself. There is an abundance of buses, trams, and metro lines which make traveling around very easy, no matter which area of the city you’re staying in.

The Belgian Beer Culture

Belgians are known for their love of beer, and there is no shortage of bars and cafés to enjoy this favorite drink with others. A must-try is ‘Leffe,’ a tasty local variety with abbey origins. There are also many beer festivals and fairs throughout the year to try a wide selection of Belgian beer.

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Introduction

So, you’ve made the decision to move to Brussels. Congratulations! This beautiful city has a lot to offer expats. But before you can start enjoying all that Brussels has to offer, there are a few things you need to understand before planning to relocate. In fact, there are plenty of apartments and houses for rent, as well as furnished rooms.

Also, you can find a place to live through classified ads, estate agents, or by word of mouth. Brussels is well-connected, so it’s easy to find your way around. Just make sure you understand how to use the metro, trams, and buses before leaving. Besides, traffic congestion in Brussels is nothing like what you’ll experience in other cities, but there are traffic jams on the ring road during rush hours.

Once you’ve found a place to live, it’s time to get settled in. Also, get a Belgian bank account! This will make it easy to pay bills and receive payments from abroad. Moreover, living in Brussels could be your best decisions in 2022. All you need is to read through what we’ve compiled here for you. Another important thing to do is get a Belgian phone number.

This will make it easier for people to contact you, and you can use it to receive calls from abroad at a lower cost. Have you surfed the internet to get the right information about moving to Brussels as an expat? Look no further, as we’ve got you covered in this article to explain the best areas and suburbs in Brussels.

That being said, we have compiled some of the pros and cons of living in Brussels to give you a head start. Aside from this fact, you’ll know more about the best tourist attractions, and many others, to mention a few. Are you ready to explore what we have for you? If that sounds like a yes, read further!

Concept of Living in Brussels as an Expat

Living in Brussels is quite different from what you’ve been experiencing in the Western world. To make your way out, and relocate to this place, you need some guidelines and ultimate tips.

Firstly, Brussels is not a huge city. For example, you could walk from the northernmost to the southernmost points of Brussels in under an hour. So you can definitely get around on foot! But there are usually other ways to get to where you’re going, too – buses and trams run regularly across the city and serve most neighborhoods. And if all else fails, there are taxis!

Brussels is also home to an international population. So whether you’re looking for a friendly conversation over a coffee or wanting to make friends with people from other countries, you won’t have any problems connecting with the community here. Many expats like to meet up with other expats for a drink or a meal, while others take the opportunity to learn about different cultures and customs.

So what else can you do here? There’s no shortage of museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions in Brussels. The city is particularly well known for its surrealist art, so why not check out some of the famous museums like the Magritte Museum or the MIM? If you’re a fan of music, theatre, or dance, there are plenty of events to choose from in Brussels. And if you just want to relax in a park or wander around some beautiful streets, Brussels has plenty of that too.

Tips to Moving To Brussels as an Expat

It can be daunting to uproot and move to a new city, especially in an unfamiliar place like Brussels. But with a bit of organization and advance planning, you can make a move, and go as smoothly as possible. So here are some tips that will help make your time in Brussels easier.

Where to Live

Brussels is an international city with people from all over Europe and the world living here, so you will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and expats. However, even with all those options available, an expat needs to pick the right neighborhood in Brussels. Depending on your lifestyle and needs, different neighborhoods would be better suited for you.

If you’re looking for a lively neighborhood with plenty of bars, restaurants, and activities, then the EU district or Saint-Gilles would be good choices. If you’re looking for something more family-friendly with great schools and green spaces, neighborhoods like Uccle or Watermael-Boitsfort may be better suited for you.

Learning the Language

One of the biggest challenges for any expat is learning the local language. Brussels is no different, and while English is widely spoken, it’s always beneficial to learn some basic phrases in French or Dutch. There are plenty of language schools in Brussels that can offer classes for all levels.

And, once you start to get a grasp of the language, there are also plenty of ways to practice your speaking skills. There are many meetups and events for expats where you can meet locals and practice your conversation skills.

Getting Around

Brussels is a very walkable city, and most of the main attractions are in the city center. However, if you need to get around Brussels more quickly, there is an excellent public transport system. The buses, trams, and metro system are all easy to use and can take you pretty much anywhere in the city.

Finding a Job

One of the benefits of Brussels being an international city is that there are plenty of jobs available for expats. However, it can be difficult to find a job if you don’t have the right skills or experience. The best way to find a job in Brussels is to use the many online resources and available job boards.

Brussels is a small city, and it won’t take you long to commute between job boards or events with jobs on offer. Also, most international companies will have their hiring process, so it would be best to contact them directly for information about applying for jobs with your company’s HR department.

What to Do

Brussels is a very international city. This means that many events and cultural activities are going on so you will never be bored in this city. There’s always something new to discover, whether visiting a new museum or attending some festival.

There are all sorts of museums, galleries, and monuments in Brussels that expats should visit at least once. The Atomium is a must-see for anyone visiting Brussels, and the city’s churches are also very beautiful. As for festivals, there are many to choose from, but some of the most popular ones are the Jazz Festival, the Film Festival, and the Christmas market.