Beautiful Brussels has become the cross roads of politics, culture and society. Following World War II, Brussels evolved from its humble origins as a market town into the de facto political capital of Europe, while managing to retain its historic charm and character. BYU is offering students an opportunity to experience Brussels’ rich culture while participating in work at EU or EU-affiliated think tanks, lobbying groups, and charitable organizations. Students will be able to develop the professional skills most valued by future employers such as researching and writing on current affairs, and learning how governmental policy is shaped in the EU. Brussels interns will also emerge with a heightened appreciation for European culture, current affairs, credits toward their major or minor, and tangible field experience to present to future employers and/or graduate schools. All internships are English speaking.
Brussels: European Government and Society
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DATES
Due to immigration restrictions, those traveling on a US or other non-EU passport may only stay for 90 days. Winter internships usually run from January to mid-April. Spring/Summer interns generally go from early May through late July, and Fall interns from early September through late November.
HOUSING
Housing is solely the responsibility of each intern. For housing leads, students should consult previous Brussels interns from BYU and online resources for short-term rentals in the area.
COURSES
Participants may take between 6 and 12 credits. Students must take at least 3 credit hours of IAS 399R or the equivalent 399R internship class from the student’s major, as well as EUROP 336R, which can be taken at the American University of Brussels, KU Leuven, or through a BYU European Studies course with Professor Belnap. European Studies and College of Humanities majors must take HCOLL 399R (Academic Internship), along with HCOLL 396R (Internship Prep), which ideally is completed during the second block of the semester prior to departure.
COST
Regardless of how many credits a student takes, the program cost is the equivalent of full-time LDS undergraduate tuition ($2,810 for Fall/Winter 2019/19; $1,405 for Spring/Summer 2019). These funds cover international health insurance, and academic supervision. Total costs for the semester-long experience are roughly $7,300 (more for graduate and non-LDS students), which is broken down as follows: program cost ($2,730), airfare to/from Brussels ($1,300), plus food, housing, and other living expenses (approximately $1,300/month). Accompanying spouses who are not full program participants should consult with ISP about securing international health insurance, taking BYU courses for credit, and participating in security briefings and internship prep courses.
QUALIFICATIONS
BYU welcomes students from any university to apply to participate on our study abroad programs. However, internships and direct enrollment programs are limited to BYU–Provo students. Priority is given to current BYU European Studies majors or those with a major housed in the College of Humanities. Ideal applicants will be juniors and seniors with solid academic track records, strong research and writing skills, and demonstrable familiarity with and interest in contemporary European politics and society.
INTERNSHIP PROVIDERS
BYU welcomes students from any university to apply for participation on our study abroad programs. However, internships and direct enrollment programs are limited to BYU Provo students only. Additionally, priority is given to current BYU European Studies majors or those with a major housed in the College of Humanities. Ideal applicants will be juniors and seniors with solid academic track records, strong research and writing skills, and demonstrable familiarity with and interest in contemporary European politics and society.
Bruegel is one of the top economic policy think tanks in the world. Applicants must have strong training and interest in economics, which usually means extensive course work in international relations or economics.
The European Social Observatory (OSE) is a research center that publishes and advises governmental agencies on social and economic policy Europe. Applicants must know European society well and excel in research and writing.
The LDS Government Relations: EU Office represents the Church’s interests in the EU and advocates for such issues as religious tolerance and freedom of worship. Interns must have strong interpersonal and writing skills. EU citizens particularly desired.
New Direction: The Foundation for European Reform and ACRE: Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe are two similarly-oriented think tanks who seek interns with strong skills and interest in political research and communications.
FUNDING SOURCES
Although most Brussels internships are unpaid, various funding options can make the experience highly affordable. University, department, and private scholarships, as well as federal financial aid such as Pell Grants and Stafford Loans may be applied towards the program’s cost. Those majoring in European studies or a College of Humanities program may qualify for internship funding up to $3,500. Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB) will be considered for an internship scholarship and may be considered for other scholarships. They must also indicate on their original online application that they want to be considered for financial aid.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested students should first meet with the program facilitator, Lavdie Huff (lavdie_huff@byu.edu). After this initial screening, potential interns will begin working with Heather Belnap, European Studies coordinator (heather_belnap@byu.edu). The program facilitator and coordinator will assist qualified students with the application, which usually consists of a letter of application and a résumé. Internships are only official once the sponsoring office issues a formal offer; therefore students should not plan travel or housing before that time. Once an offer has been extended students must complete the online ISP application and pay a $35 processing fee at https://kennedy.byu.edu/apply. Students are advised to begin the application process at least three months in advance of the internship term or semester in order make any and all necessary arrangements for their stay abroad,
PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
ISP reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost estimates due to conditions beyond its control.