As a centre for postgraduate study Brussels has few equals. It has many attributes that are difficult to find elsewhere. On the one hand, it is the capital city of a comparatively small state but it is also, of course, the political and administrative centre of the European Union. These two roles co-exist in harmony. In many ways, Brussels is a microcosm of Europe as a whole. Not only are all the members of the European Union well represented but also those intending to join, and even those not, are present in numbers. In Brussels Europe is visible in its unity, and in its diversity.

Brussels is a centre of the utmost diversity in which people from every country in the world have found employment and made their homes. Because of its dual role it has a multitude of embassies, Non-Governmental Organisations, lobby groups, regional pressure groups and international firms. It is also the headquarters for both SHAPE and NATO. The world's press is certainly well represented, as Brussels has the world's largest foreign pres corps. Government - and international governance - in action is readily observable.

This cosmopolitan quality enhances academic study at all levels. There is available expertise and knowledge in every subject, guest speakers are readily accessible, and public lectures are frequent.

While French and Flemish are the languages most spoken in Brussels, English is also very widely spoken and it is the language of instruction in some academic courses. Because of this it is an ideal centre for those who can survive only in English, while providing every opportunity for language study. This is a city that is welcoming to the international student, while encouraging the broadening of horizons.

Apart from its cosmopolitan nature Brussels is also a city with two cultural histories, Flemish and French. The tension to which historically this has occasionally led has been translated in Brussels in to generally easy co-operation. These two traditions are maintained in the educational system that nevertheless also permits and welcomes educational institutions from other European states. My own institution (The Brussels School of International Studies), which is a centre for graduate studies and is a part of the University of Kent at Canterbury, in the UK, has thrived in co-operation with universities in Brussels. We have educated students from around the globe, all of whom have been impressed with the living quality provided in Brussels. Because there is a large student body, care has been taken to provide excellent facilities, both for academic study and for leisure pursuits.

When it comes to the arts Brussels is able to compete with any city. It has a superb art collection representing both indigenous and foreign, past and contemporary, art, and exhibitions are popular and frequent. The performing arts too are well represented with many concerts both popular and classical. Opera is renowned. (My students assure me that more frivolous evening entertainment is also excellent. This is a matter beyond my expertise.)

Because of its role in the political world Brussels is well served as an international travel centre. There are frequent air links to almost all major European airports, and to many of the world's cities. Historical links to Africa mean connections to some lesser-served cities as well. Many other cultural centres, both within Belgium (Leuven, Ghent, Bruges and Antwerp for example) and without - including London, Paris, The Hague, Geneva and many German cities are within easy reach by train.

Unlike many other European cities traffic flows reasonably freely while the public transport is cheap, easy to use and highly efficient. It is this that makes Brussels seem both a small city, and yet large in that the diversity is constantly available after a brief bus or metro ride.

The dual traditions also extend to gastronomy. While this perhaps should not be relevant to Brussels as a centre for education, the fact is that academic study stimulates the appetite. The two traditions are French and Northern European, with the choice between them culturally dictated. Either tradition is as good in Brussels as in any other city and they are complemented by superb Belgian beer (and French wine).

Drawing upon my own experience as Director of the Brussels School of International Studies my own pleasure in being involved in education in Brussels has been shared by almost every student we have taught. What they (and I) have appreciated most is the unselfconscious, but genuine intellectual ambiance they have found. That this exists in such a diverse city is a tremendous complement to the people of Brussels both native and foreign. The image of Brussels that is held by many who are unfamiliar with it, as a city of grey civil servants drafting incomprehensible regulations by day and retiring to fitting solemnity by night, bears no relationship to the real Brussels, which is dynamic, cultured and progressive. The constant availability of culture, learning, debate and expertise makes for a productive learning environment, which is conducive to education in its widest and real sense.

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For a full brochure and informal enquires, contact :

Brussels School of International Studies
Vesalius College, Pleinaan 2
B-1050 Brussels, Belgium

Tel:(+32-2) 641-1721 Fax:(+32-2) 641-1720 Email:BSIS@ukc.ac.uk

www.ukc.ac.uk/international/bsis