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Information for Students

Welcome! The staff at Boston University would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our campus in Brussels. Whether you are starting a new life in a foreign country, or you are a native or long-term resident returning to the educational system, the transition can be adventurous and challenging. Boston University understands this and we look forward to assisting you.

Full-time graduate students studying at BU in Brussels are required to enroll in a minimum of three courses per term. Full-time status is recommended to those who are able to sustain a challenging, time-consuming course load.

Part-time graduate students enjoy the flexibility of determining their own course load, taking one to three evening courses per term. Part-time study is perfect for those with full-time jobs or other obligations.

No grade lower than B- may be used toward degree requirements. Students must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0 in order to be in good academic standing and to graduate. Students with a grade point average of less than 3.0 are on academic probation and must be in a position to achieve a 3.0.

Text Books and Case Books

Once students have registered for classes and the semester schedule has been confirmed, they will receive textbook information (ISBN numbers, author and publisher name, edition). Students may order their books from the resource of their choice. Our campus bookstore is Barnes & Noble; other merchants include Amazon.co.uk or local book sellers such as Sterling Books or Waterstones.

Casebooks are a compilation of academic case studies (such as from Harvard Business Review) that will be utilized in your courses for classroom discussion, assignments, or for examinations.

Financial Assistance

For US citizens and residents
Financial aid is available to US citizens through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) loans. For more information about aid or scholarships, contact the Office of Financial Assistance at Boston University:

Lucinda Lee
Boston University
Office of Financial Assistance
881 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Tel: 617-353-4171
Email: llee@bu.edu

Military students or veterans should contact Boston University's Veterans Affairs office to inquire about Title 38 education benefits.

For Belgian Residents/Nationals Paying Taxes in Belgium
Belgian residents and nationals are eligible to deduct their educational expenses and costs from the taxes as an educational benefit. Contact your accountant or the Ministry of Finance of Belgium for more details.

For citizens of all other countries
Check with your local government and the L.I.S. Educational Exchange office of your local American Embassy or Consulate for information on eligibility for loan assistance.

Financial Aid References

The following is a list of books with information about grants and loan opportunities. Many of these books can purchased through online booksellers.

Borrowing for Education
(free to students)
GAPSFAS, P.O. Box 6660, Princeton, NJ 08541-6660

Loans and Grants from Uncle Sam
Octameron Associates, Inc.,
P.O. Box 3437, Alexandria, VA 22302

Directory of Financial Aids for Women
Reference Service Press, Attn: Order Department,
5000 Windplay Drive, Suite 4,
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

Don't Miss Out
Octameron Associates, Inc.,
P.O. Box 3437, Alexandria, VA 22302

Facts—Financial Aid for College through Scholarships and Loans
Richard House, Facts,
Box 208 Wellesley Hills, MA 02181

Financial Aid Officers: What They Do To You and For You
Octameron Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 3437, Alexandria, VA 22302

Foundation Grants to Individuals
Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue, 8th Floor,
New York, NY 10003

The Individual Guide to Grants Plenum Publishing Company,
233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
Attn: Order Department

Information for Students and Parents
GAPSFAS, P.O. Box 6660 Princeton, NJ 08541-6660

The Student Guide: Five Federal Financial Aid Programs
U.S. Public Document Distribution Center, Dept. 516-V,
Consumer Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009

The Student Loan Counselor
(software available through financial aid offices)
College and University Programs, Educational Testing Service

Banking

While there are a host of banks in our city, we recommend ING to incoming students. There is a branch next door to our campus (at VUB) that deals exclusively with international students.

Health Insurance

Health coverage is mandatory for all individuals residing in Belgium. Obtaining health insurance for your stay in Brussels is the responsibility of individual students in graduate degree, certificate, and diploma programs at Boston University. EU nationals should contact their health and social security office for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Boston University recommends both Partena and Euromut health insurance companies. Students must apply via one of the providers. Please be ready to provide the following documents/information:

• A copy of your current passport
• A copy of your EHIC (EU nationals)
• Letter of registration (provided by Boston University in Brussels)
• Bank account number

Working in Belgium

As a student in a graduate degree, certificate, and diploma program residing in Belgium with a student visa, you are eligible to work up to 20 hours per week (outside your course of studies). Visit the ORBEM or BGDA office to obtain the application for a Work Permit C.

*Please note that eligibility to work does not guarantee a job placement.