French-speaking Belgium, known as Wallonia, is in the south of the country, where the hillier terrain is dotted with ancient castles, adventure parks, caves and wildlife reserves. Students visiting the south can easily access the capital city, Brussels, which sits in its own small region in between Wallonia and Flanders.
Brussels, the unofficial capital of the European Union, is compact but diverse, with a mix of European, locals and immigrant Congolese, Turkish and Moroccan neighbourhoods. From historic architecture and the cheeky Mannaken- Pis peeing statue, to the gleaming EU buildings and hip Ixelles district, there’s always plenty to explore. Brussels is also a cultural hotspot, with jazz bars, theatre, opera and dozens of bars and nightclubs all within walking distance around the city. Belgium is the land of Tintin, the Smurfs, and chocolate – what’s not to love?