Belgium, a small European country, is a unique multinational state with several state languages. One of the advantages of this country is the level of education, which received as a result of research a high 14th place among 53 different countries of the world (among them Russia, which is in 33rd place). Consider the interesting educational system in Belgium, what is its structure and distinctive features.
Education regulation
Due to its geographical location, sometimes the Belgian state (more precisely, the Kingdom) is called the "crossroads of Europe." Surrounded by France, the Netherlands, Germany and a bit of Luxembourg, Belgium is not only a state with the capital of the European Union, but primarily a homeland for nationalities such as Flemings, Walloons and Germans, who speak Dutch, French and German, respectively.
These popular communities, the largest in the country, have created their own linguistic communities (communes) - French-speaking, Flemish and German. For several decades now, the state has hardly intervened in education, providing almost full funding and regulation of education in Belgium to these communities. However, they do not have much disagreement about the system, there are only minor differences, depending on involvement in a particular community.
History of the education system
In Belgium, disagreements over funding have occurred between state and Catholic schools in the past. Until 1958, there were fierce debates in the country about whether the state should finance education in Catholic schools. As a result of the parliamentary elections in the same year, the School Pact was adopted, which concerned secondary and primary education. The main provisions of the Covenant were:
- about the choice of education by the child;
- free education;
- resolving disputes between groups of schools.
The next significant reform, transferring part of the responsibility and management of education in Belgium to communities, was implemented in 1981. And by 1988, community governments were almost completely engaged in education. As a result, the country has Ministries of Education located in each community.
Structure
The structure of education in Belgium is as follows: basic, which includes pre-school and primary education; secondary and higher. This structure is unchanged for all communities.
With the seeming tradition, the education system in Belgium has its own characteristics. School education consists of several levels, which allow already in high school to determine the direction of future professional activity. Consider all the steps in order: pre-school education in Belgium, especially primary, secondary and higher.
Preschool education
Kindergarten in the country is provided absolutely free of charge and can be attended from 2.5 to 6 years. Interestingly, it is not necessary to attend, but up to 90% of families send their children to pre-school education in Belgium. Before reaching the age of 2.5, working parents can send the child to paid nurseries.
The main distinguishing feature of kindergartens is the lack of a specific program. All classes are held in a playful manner, taking into account the skills and abilities of children. In the process of classes that teachers conduct at their discretion, attention is paid to the development of creative abilities, independence, communication with peers. The teacher in the kindergarten group works alone, but there are also psychologists. Younger groups are constantly replenished with children who have reached 2.5 years of age. Almost all kindergartens are assigned to schools and are located on their territory.
elementary School
On the steps of education in Belgium next.
From the age of six, a child in Belgium must go to school. Schools ( depending on location) may be:
- Subordinate to the communities.
- Public budget schools subordinate to provinces and municipalities (this is a free education, Belgium provides such an opportunity to its citizens).
- Free schools subordinate to organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church.
Elementary and high schools are separated in Belgium; education in them is free for Belgian citizens.
Primary education lasts six years and consists of three levels (two years each). A child in primary school learns up to 12 years old, he is not so much focused on obtaining knowledge, how much he learns to be independent, seeks self-expression in various circles. Lessons consist of reading, writing, math. Much attention is paid to the study of the language of the territory where the school is located and other state languages, as well as English. Elementary classes are almost all computerized and equipped in the form of game rooms, there are also gyms and swimming pools.
High school steps
From the age of twelve for a child begins the stage of high school. It also consists of three steps of two years. The first two are required for students. The last step is chosen at will and is highly specialized.
High school is divided into four types, each has basic subjects, as well as a certain bias. The child must choose what kind of high school to go to him.
- General education with in-depth study of the natural sciences and the humanities, languages and economics, which involves further studies at the university.
- A technical area where the study of basic subjects is similar to general education, but is divided into a transitional type and a qualification type. In transitional education, it is aimed at obtaining theoretical knowledge with subsequent admission to a university. The qualification type is aimed more at practice, and its graduates can immediately start working after another year of study.
- Vocational education, where students are taught specific technical specialties. After the end of this program, it is proposed to additionally devote one to two years of specialization and receive a diploma.
- The direction in the arts, combining basic education with a focus on creative professions - theater, vocals, visual arts, choreography and others. Graduates can get higher education in the same specialty.
Regardless of which direction is chosen, in addition to studying basic subjects, the student has the right to choose additional ones at will.
Inclusive education in Belgium
School attendance by persons with disabilities or persons with disabilities is quite normal for Belgium. Despite the fact that the corresponding law was adopted only three years ago, more than 95% of Belgian children with disabilities receive primary, secondary and higher education on an equal basis with other children, go to schools and universities.
For the normal "infusion" of children with disabilities in the educational process in ordinary schools of the country, special classes were created where teachers teach small groups of inclusive children. As practice has shown, studying in one school and ordinary children, and children with developmental disabilities is mutually beneficial for both, primarily in the emotional plane. Children with developmental disabilities do not feel alienation, while others learn to show patience and kindness.
Hooray, there will be no vacation!
Belgian children can be sent to summer school. Moreover, the age of children can even be preschool and start at 3 years old, and end at 18 years old. Although it’s hard to call educational programs with visiting sights. Children can also play sports, improve their knowledge of languages, and the smallest stay with their mothers.
So that Belgian parents do not have a headache, how and where to spend the summer for the child, they contact their child’s school in advance and enroll in the desired program. During the summer, Belgian children have a great opportunity to continue their development, find new friends and go in for sports.
Higher education
Higher education in Belgium is represented mainly by the French and Flemish communities. German-speaking Belgians usually go to higher education in Germany or enter universities from the French community. To obtain higher education in Belgium in most professions, you do not need to take entrance exams, the main thing is the presence of a diploma of secondary education. But for Belgians who decide to receive the profession of engineer, physician, dentist, manager or other specialty, exams must be taken on admission.
In higher education in Belgium, you can study from two to twelve years. The higher education system in the country is divided into:
- University. This includes universities and high schools.
- Non-university is represented by institutions with short and long term studies.
Bachelor, Master or Doctor of Science
In universities and higher schools in Belgium, you can get a bachelor's degree in two years, a master's degree in two to three years, doctors of science - at least a year (with the subsequent defense of a dissertation) and a higher academic degree of aggregation - at least two years. Non-university (type of college) institutions graduate with bachelors in 2 years (short) and 4 years (long term). The difference between university and non-university bachelors is in obtaining points during training. For the first, their number is 60 per year, for the second - 20-30 points per year.
Undergraduate education can be academic (has a generalized approach and requires further studies) and professional (has a professional focus with more in-depth study).
Universities
Belgian universities can be either public or private. Education in the first is classical, traditional and academic, and in the second - more narrow, with a visible professional bias.
Tuition at universities in this country can be called symbolic. It is the same for students from foreign countries (including those who are not members of the European Union).
The most famous Belgian universities are: the University of Antwerp, founded in 2003, where you can get a good liberal arts education; University of Ghent, where they study at four faculties: technical sciences, applied economics, medicine and transport sciences. Vrije University is located in Brussels - one of the oldest in the world; it deserves special attention.
Foreign students
Due to the fact that the Belgians receive higher education from about 18 years old, citizens of this country are available to study at universities, higher schools, as well as colleges. The latter receive university-level vocational education.
One of the advantages of studying in Belgium is the high quality of education at a relatively low price. Russian students, like other foreigners, will have to pay about eight hundred euros for admission and about five hundred euros in the form of social insurance tax for each year of study. It is also important to know that all students will have to buy textbooks at their own expense (or at the expense of their parents). Higher education in Belgium for Russians is available after finishing 11 classes and one or two years of study in a technical school.
Documents required for admission
After choosing a Belgian university, it is necessary to collect and send the following documents ten months before classes start:
- copy of passport;
- permission to register as a student at a selected university;
- income statement;
- certificate of no criminal record;
- health certificate.
If studies in this country are expected to take longer than 3 months, the following documents will be required:
- a passport with a valid period of at least 3 months after the end of the visa;
- two visa applications completed in English and two photographs;
- certificate of admission to a Belgian university;
- certificate of no criminal record (valid for 6 months);
- medical certificate (valid for 3 months) issued by a medical institution accredited by the Belgian embassy;
- confirmation of financial stability;
- certificate of approval of a scholarship by a Belgian university.
The entire list of Russian documents must be translated into at least three languages (English, Dutch or German, French), all papers are certified by a notary.
Documents are submitted in the original with two photocopies. Originals must be returned to the owner.