Antwerp Guide
Practical issues Cultural shock Antwerp's Heritage Travel
Practical issues
Several sections on this website will provide you with practical information for your experience abroad.
You can start by reading the FAQ section, which offers a comprehensive set of information that students who took part in the previous programs found useful. Please visit the FAQ section and find answers to questions ranging from the program policies and travel issues, to the type of things you should bring with you and practical aspects of living in Antwerp.
The Student Guide (PDF) has a detailed list of the program policies, course and grading information, practical advice from the Semester in Antwerp alumni, and things you need to know about cultural differences.
Learn more about the schedule of events for the Semester in Antwerp
program!
Program
Calendar
Prepare for the Semester in Antwerp!
Pre-departure
checklist Conversion
quick sheet (PDF) Budget
tips Plane/Train/Bus
Fares
Since Dutch is the official language in Antwerp, we also put together for you a Dutch-English Restaurant Guide (PDF)
Cultural shock
While in Antwerp, you will experience cultural shock. Be open to try new things, new food, make friends, and learn how cultures are so different.
On a daily basis, you will have to use different length, mass, and temperature systems. You can use our Conversion quick sheet (PDF) or the following online conversion tools
You will also need to convert your money from dollars to euros. You can use an online tool to make the conversion and approximate your weekly budget.
Quick start to Antwerp's heritage
Antwerp began to develop in the 12th century due to an increase in the trading activity of its port and to the flourish of the textile industry. By mid 16th century, the city was the second biggest port in Europe and a leading trading center. At that time, Jews fleeing Portugal also founded the diamond industry.
Religious wars, such as the Reformation, and different occupations, such as Spanish, Austrian, and French, left many scars in the history of the city. However, this didn't stop the artistic and cultural development of the city that is today known as house of some famous Flemish painters: Pieter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, and Jacob Jordaens.
The city began to prosper again with the Industrial Revolution. Today, Antwerp is known for its fashion industry, the diamond business, its reach cultural heritage and contemporary art, and its entertainment life with modern bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Antwerp is part of Flanders, the Flemish (a Dutch dialect) speaking part of Belgium. You will soon find that Flemish people are proud of their Dutch heritage and there is a slight hostility towards the French (the Walloon) part of the country. This hostility has its roots in the French occupation of 1792-1815.
For more information about Antwerp and its rich heritage, you can check the following websites
- Official Website of the city of Antwerp
- Trabel.com
- LonelyPlanet.com - WorldGuide - Antwerp
- Official Website - Tourism Office, Antwerp
- Wikipedia - The free encyclopedia
Travel
Several field trips are part of the Semester in Antwerp program. You can also travel on your own in your spare time. For more information on how to travel within Europe, visit the section Plane/Train/Bus Fares.
You can prepare in advance for your trips by learning more about the cities and places you are going to visit. We have put together for you a list of useful information resources.
- Port of Antwerp
- European Union
- European Union Institutions
- Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Liege
- France - Paris
- Luxembourg
- Germany - Cologne
- Holland - Amsterdam
- Italy
Check these sources that could help you prepare for the Semester in Antwerp experience
Program calendar - detailed list of the semester events
FAQ - questions and answers about the semester
Student Guide (PDF) - semester's policies and practical information
Pre-departure checklist - what you need to know before departure
Conversion quick sheet (PDF) - convert the American length, weight, and temperature systems to the European ones.
Budget tips - how to manage your money
OnlineConversion.com - money converter
Plane/Train/Bus Fares - transportation options
Dutch-English Restaurant Guide (PDF) - understand the restaurant menu
Weatherunderground.com - weather forecast and history. To learn about the temperature in the previous years, go to History & Almanac, and insert the period you are interested in.
