School Trimester in Belgium

Study in Belgium, the heart of Europe!

Not only home to the EU, NATO, as well as many beautiful cities, Belgium has many small towns with a great student life. In Belgium, you’ll discover beautiful green landscapes, delicious food and open-minded people with a great sense of humour.

Country Language: French

PEACE Programme

The PEACE Programme is a trimester secondary school exchange programme which is centred on the themes of global and active citizenship education. In the three-month exchange programme, students live with host families, attend school and engage in local community activities while enhancing their knowledge and understanding to become active global citizens. Participants, aged between 15 and 18 will be placed in the French speaking part of Belgium, namely in Wallonia or in Brussels. At the end of the programme, students will participate in the Brussels camp (26 - 30 November) organised by EFIL. All the AFS PEACE participants will meet each other in Brussels to reflect on and share their personal experiences.

Stay with a Host Family

During the programme you will stay with a Belgian host family for complete immersion in the culture and language.

Usually, families live in small towns, sometimes in the countryside, especially in the south of Belgium, so participants should be prepared to not living in big cities (even if the school might be in a town or a city). However, as Belgium is one of the most densely-populated countries in Europe, participants will never be very far away from a bigger city!

Most families are traditional nuclear families, however, students can be placed in any type of family, including a family without children, a one-parent family with children, or a retired couple.

Participant Eligibility

A participant’s date of birth must be between 1 Jan 2007 to 1 Aug 2010

Participant Age Range Upon Arrival:15 years 0 month to 18 years 8 months

French A1 Basic knowledge of French is required. Participation must provide proof of either – A1 level OR – at least 2 years of French courses.

Study at a Belgian High School

By studying at a local high school alongside Belgian teenagers and living with an AFS host family, you’ll be fully immersed in daily Belgian life, allowing you to gradually become part of the culture. This deep level of immersion is one of the best ways to achieve fluency in French.

You can also read the Belgium destination page for some more general information.

Any other questions? Contact us at wales@afs.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What's it like studying at a Belgian High School?

You will be required to study French, geography, history, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, physical education and religion (or morality). Students can choose to specialise in one or two subjects by taking more hours per week. Information on a particular school (address, phone, website, courses available) can be found on the website of the Ministry of Education.

The school day runs from 8am til 4pm with a 1hour lunch break at noon and two 15 minute-breaks during the day. Wednesday afternoon is free.

Where will I live?

What support will I receive?

You will not only be supported by our staff at AFS Wales, but by the broader network of AFS International.

AFS has 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programmes through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers.

You will gave access to worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-country support team and network, as well as support from AFS Wales whilst you’re in Belgium.

Orientations and intercultural education before and during your programme. You will partake in a 3 day national arrival orientation, a 1 day post-arrival orientation in your local chapter, and an end of stay national orientation.

You will be covered by AFS medical insurance.

All participants will receive visa support and guidance.

How will I travel?

Register your interest and send us an enquiry!

Enquire about studying abroad!

Fill out the form and AFS Wales will get back to you soon.

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Dates and fees

Arrival: 22 Aug 2025

Departure: 30 Nov 2025

This programme’s base cost is TBC.

What's included?

Return flights.
AFS Medical and Travel Insurance (Please ensure to view the 2025 Medical Pamphlet for a detailed explanation of your coverage).
You will not only be supported by our staff at AFS Wales, but by the broader network of AFS International. AFS has 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programmes through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers. You will gave access to worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-country support team and network, as well as support from AFS Wales whilst you’re in Belgium.
Transfers within Belgium upon arrival and departure.
All flight taxes and oil surcharges.
20kg max suitcase plus a 10kg carry on. Only one bag is allowed per person. If you need additional luggage, you will be responsible for the extra fee.
Airport meeting on arrival by your host family or the host organisation.
Transport to and from your host family home.
Accommodation in a host family home.
Typically, breakfast, a packed lunch, and dinner will be provided by the host family.
Enrolment in a local school.
Most school books and teaching materials.
Commuting expenses to school covered.
Information on how to apply for your visa (if required).
Arrival, post-arrival and end of programme (in your local chapter) orientations in Belgium.
Assistance from staff in AFS Belgium and from AFS Wales.
24 hour emergency phone in AFS Belgium.