Brussels, Belgium Internship Program
Early Applications Due Date
TBC
Program director in-person interview sign-ups
TBC
TBC
Program director in-person interview sign-ups
TBC
- Fall Program Dates: August 29, 2024 - December 7, 2024 (TBC)
- Fall Break - TBD
- Spring Program Dates: January 16, 2025 - May 3, 2025
- Spring Break - March 24-28
- Summer Program Dates: May 23, 2024 - August 3, 2024 (TBC)
- Program Director: Gareth Harding
- For application and scholarship deadlines see our Application Instructions page.
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Travel Writer Blog
This semester, Pamela Lazakis, one of our official travel writers, will be filling us in on her experiences leading up to and participating in her internship program in Brussels. Click the images below to read up on what she's been doing.
This semester, Pamela Lazakis, one of our official travel writers, will be filling us in on her experiences leading up to and participating in her internship program in Brussels. Click the images below to read up on what she's been doing.
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Brussels is one of the most exciting and challenging cities on earth for journalists interested in international reporting and communications. It houses the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO and lies at the crossroads of London, Paris, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.
Students will undertake an internship in Brussels for the length of this program as their day-to-day job. They will work a minimum of 30 hours a week, or four full days. Participants are placed in journalism, media, and communications outlets with the assistance of the Program Director. Applicants are encouraged to view the placement process as a job search. While placement at specific outlets or companies cannot be guaranteed, students will complete internships at high-caliber organizations that maintain strong affiliations with the Missouri School of Journalism.
The program also includes a weekly seminar designed to help students better understand the media landscape and political scene of Brussels and Europe. These seminars often include guest lecturers and off-hours visits to media or political venues.
A local phone number is REQUIRED for this program. Information about obtaining a local phone number for your program country will be covered in orientations.
Students will undertake an internship in Brussels for the length of this program as their day-to-day job. They will work a minimum of 30 hours a week, or four full days. Participants are placed in journalism, media, and communications outlets with the assistance of the Program Director. Applicants are encouraged to view the placement process as a job search. While placement at specific outlets or companies cannot be guaranteed, students will complete internships at high-caliber organizations that maintain strong affiliations with the Missouri School of Journalism.
The program also includes a weekly seminar designed to help students better understand the media landscape and political scene of Brussels and Europe. These seminars often include guest lecturers and off-hours visits to media or political venues.
A local phone number is REQUIRED for this program. Information about obtaining a local phone number for your program country will be covered in orientations.
A city of just over one million people, Brussels is a large metropolis that is continuously evolving. As the "Capital of Europe," the city draws people from all parts of the world. The mix of people, ideas, and traditions has created an exciting and vibrant feel to the city and resulted in an extraordinarily eclectic mix of cultures.
There is world-class shopping along Avenue Louise, bohemian arts in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood, massive government complexes in the European Quarter, and famous architecture throughout the ornate city. Students can also discover Brussels through its world famous food. Chocolates, mussels and frites are only the beginning.
As a transportation hub, Brussels is easily accessible. The city boasts a major international airport as well as high-speed rail service connecting it to many major cities throughout Europe. Within the city, the metro system is clean and efficient, but many find that the city's charm and winding streets call for a more pedestrian mode of transport.
There is world-class shopping along Avenue Louise, bohemian arts in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood, massive government complexes in the European Quarter, and famous architecture throughout the ornate city. Students can also discover Brussels through its world famous food. Chocolates, mussels and frites are only the beginning.
As a transportation hub, Brussels is easily accessible. The city boasts a major international airport as well as high-speed rail service connecting it to many major cities throughout Europe. Within the city, the metro system is clean and efficient, but many find that the city's charm and winding streets call for a more pedestrian mode of transport.
Want a little more info about Brussels and what's available in this magnificent European city? Check our Bucket List: Brussels blog article to find out what you just can't miss when you visit!
- Internship credit hours are graded as Pass/Fail
- Journalism seminar credit hours and culture class credit hours are graded A-F.
Summer (9 credits total)
- 6 hours of upper-level journalism specialty area credit associated with the internship and seminar course (JOURN 4940 and JOURN 4650). The seminar class will look trends in European politics, media and communications and will be taught by the Brussels Program Director once a week on Friday mornings.
- 3 hours of upper-level non-journalism elective credit. This class on Belgian society, history, politics and culture is taught by our sister university ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles).
Spring/Fall (12 credits total)
- 9 hours of upper-level journalism specialty area credit associated with the internship and seminar course (JOURN 4940 and JOURN 4650). The seminar class will look at trends in European politics, media and communications and will be taught by the Brussels Program Director once a week on Friday mornings.
- 3 hours of upper-level non-journalism elective credit. This class on Belgian society, history, politics and culture is taught by our sister university, ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles).
Undergraduate applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who have completed either J4200 (Principles of Strategic Communication) or J4180 (Newsroom Content Creation). Applicants who will complete one of these courses in the semester/term preceding the term for which they are applying will be considered for conditional acceptance to the program.
All students must be in good academic standing. If an applicant has a GPA below a 3.0, a letter of appeal should be included with their application.
Applicants should compose a well-constructed resume and cover letter highlighting technical skills for use in the professional placement process. Students should also consider developing a portfolio to provide, if requested.
All students must be in good academic standing. If an applicant has a GPA below a 3.0, a letter of appeal should be included with their application.
Applicants should compose a well-constructed resume and cover letter highlighting technical skills for use in the professional placement process. Students should also consider developing a portfolio to provide, if requested.
The Missouri School of Journalism attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than a summer semester completed on-campus at MU. However, a summer abroad includes new experiences, cultures, languages, and an opportunity to explore the world as an international student. It is highly recommended that students outline a budget that considers what they might spend during the program. Students on this program pay MU educational fees on all credit hours as though taking classes on campus. The cost of the trip includes international travel, ground transportation, lodging, mandatory insurance, and an MU Study Abroad fee, which is applied toward costs associated with orientation programs, administration, and staff assistance.
Fall/Spring Semester Program Costs
Total Program Costs: $9,552.30
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)
Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $8,995*
*Program fee includes housing.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance (GeoBlue): $300
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $257.30
Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.
Total Program Costs: $9,552.30
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)
Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $8,995*
*Program fee includes housing.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance (GeoBlue): $300
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $257.30
Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.
Summer Program Costs
Total Program Costs: $6,757.3
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)
Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $6,300*
*Program fee includes housing.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance: $200
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $257.30
Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.
Total Program Costs: $6,757.3
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)
Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $6,300*
*Program fee includes housing.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance: $200
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $257.30
Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.
Additional Costs
Students will also be responsible for regular tuition and required educational fees associated with 9 to 12 credit hours (depending on semester). For specific fee information, visit the For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.
Personal Expenditure Estimates
Round-trip Airfare: $1,000 - $1,400
Meals (per week): $100 - $125
Transportation (total): $300 (semester), $200 (summer)
Local Phone Number and/or Phone: Prices vary
In addition to the program costs paid to MU, you will have expenses associated with international travel and living abroad. The amounts listed are estimated costs based on current exchange rates and on the information provided to us by your host institution and past participants. Depending on your personal spending habits, you may spend more or less than the figures provided.
Please note that these expenses do not include vacation travel or sightseeing. All fees are subject to change and without notice.
Students will also be responsible for regular tuition and required educational fees associated with 9 to 12 credit hours (depending on semester). For specific fee information, visit the For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.
Personal Expenditure Estimates
Round-trip Airfare: $1,000 - $1,400
Meals (per week): $100 - $125
Transportation (total): $300 (semester), $200 (summer)
Local Phone Number and/or Phone: Prices vary
In addition to the program costs paid to MU, you will have expenses associated with international travel and living abroad. The amounts listed are estimated costs based on current exchange rates and on the information provided to us by your host institution and past participants. Depending on your personal spending habits, you may spend more or less than the figures provided.
Please note that these expenses do not include vacation travel or sightseeing. All fees are subject to change and without notice.
Student housing is provided through this program. All participants are required to live in program housing. The fully furnished apartments are located along Rue Souveraine near the fashionable shopping district of Brussels. Housing is centrally located within close proximity to Metro access, and provides housewares, bedding, wi-fi and access to a computer lab and fitness center. All utilities are included, and there is onsite maintenance available during business hours.
Students should expect to room with one or more students during the course of the program in shared bedrooms. Single rooms are not guaranteed and may not be available if requested. Roommate requests are taken into account but not guaranteed when housing is decided.
Students should expect to room with one or more students during the course of the program in shared bedrooms. Single rooms are not guaranteed and may not be available if requested. Roommate requests are taken into account but not guaranteed when housing is decided.
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Please visit with your Financial Aid Advisor at the MU Student Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) to explore your financial aid options: 573-882-7506.
In addition, the School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester and you can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Finally, check out our special page on Funding Your Experience for more information including links to our MU Journalism Abroad Travel Scholarship, MUJA Travel Writer Scholarship, external scholarship options, and Steps to Apply for Financial Aid.
In addition, the School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester and you can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Finally, check out our special page on Funding Your Experience for more information including links to our MU Journalism Abroad Travel Scholarship, MUJA Travel Writer Scholarship, external scholarship options, and Steps to Apply for Financial Aid.
We have recently altered our application process and are fully paper-based. Information regarding our full process can be found on the "How to Apply" page, which can be accessed via the navigation window or by clicking the button below.
Please remember to hand in all items by the deadline for your individual program.
Please remember to hand in all items by the deadline for your individual program.
Drew Dumas and Daniella Ricciardi are full-time journalism study abroad student advisors. You can schedule an appointment through MU Connect. Please direct program specific inquiries to their email addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our office is located at 280 Gannett Hall.
For more information, please visit our Contact page.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our office is located at 280 Gannett Hall.
For more information, please visit our Contact page.
