Business schools in Western Europe are robust and recognised globally, providing students with high-quality education and valuable career opportunities. With a developed education system, international students can choose from a wide array of cities to pursue their master’s degree.
In this article, UBI Business School will showcase why Belgium and Luxembourg might be the best choice for prospective students. These countries offer a unique blend of cultural diversity, a strong economy, and a high standard of living, making them ideal destinations for those seeking an exceptional education experience.
#1. Epicentre of Happenings
One of the biggest benefits of studying in Brussels and Luxembourg is access to the epicentre of events in Europe.
The EU’s capital city – Brussels
While it is true that the European Parliament has offices in both Strasbourg and Brussels, the majority of its work and activities take place in Brussels. In fact, the vast majority of European Union institutions are located in Brussels, making it a true hub of political and economic activity in Europe. Its central location and excellent transportation links also make it a convenient and accessible location for businesses and organisations to set up their headquarters.
One of Europe’s biggest banking hubs – Luxembourg
Luxembourg is indeed one of Europe’s largest banking hubs, and it is recognised as a leading centre for international finance. Its thriving financial industry provides MBA students with an opportunity to learn about and engage with the latest financial trends and practices, as well as to build connections with industry professionals. Luxembourg’s strong economy and stable political environment make it an ideal place for international businesses to set up their headquarters, further adding to its appeal as a destination for MBA students.
Thriving Startup Environment
Luxembourg and Brussels are rapidly emerging as hotspots for startups, with a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides numerous opportunities for both MBA and Bachelor’s students. The region’s growing focus on innovation, fintech, and digital industries has created a highly dynamic business environment that is highly attractive to ambitious professionals seeking to develop their careers.
For MBA students, the startup scene in Luxembourg and Brussels presents a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and to develop entrepreneurial skills that can be invaluable in today’s competitive job market. These skills can help them to navigate the complexities of launching and scaling new businesses, and to develop the kind of creative thinking and strategic vision that is highly valued in leadership positions.
Bachelor’s students can also benefit from the thriving startup environment in Luxembourg and Brussels, which provides ample opportunities for internships and practical experience in a range of industries. This hands-on experience can help students to develop skills and expertise that are highly sought-after by employers, and to build a network of contacts that can be invaluable in advancing their careers.
In particular, Luxembourg and Brussels are rapidly emerging as hubs for fintech and digital industries, which are expected to drive growth and innovation in the region in the coming years. Students interested in these industries can benefit from the wealth of resources, events, and networking opportunities available, which can help them to gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends and developments and to develop the kind of knowledge and expertise that is highly valued by employers.
Overall, the thriving startup environment in Luxembourg and Brussels presents a unique opportunity for MBA and Bachelor’s students to gain valuable experience and to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
#2. Quality of Life
The quality of life that students can expect to experience while studying in Brussels and Luxembourg is one of the key reasons why these cities are becoming increasingly popular destinations for international students. From their safe and cosmopolitan environments to their world-class educational institutions and rich cultural heritage, these cities offer a range of experiences and opportunities that can help students to grow both personally and professionally.
Here are a few key factors that contribute to this:
Safe and Cosmopolitan Environment: Both Brussels and Luxembourg are considered to be safe and welcoming cities, with diverse and cosmopolitan populations. This can provide students with a sense of security and comfort, as well as the opportunity to meet people from a range of different cultures and backgrounds.
Rich Cultural Heritage: Both Brussels and Luxembourg are steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of museums, galleries, and cultural institutions that offer a range of experiences for students. This can help students to develop a greater appreciation for art, history, and culture, and to explore new perspectives and ideas.
Access to Nature: Despite being urban centres, both Brussels and Luxembourg offer easy access to beautiful natural surroundings. From the lush forests and rolling hills of the Ardennes to the sandy beaches of the Belgian coast, students can enjoy a range of outdoor activities and experiences.
#3. Friendly and Diverse Locals
Studying for an MBA in Brussels and Luxembourg can offer a unique opportunity for students to be part of a multicultural environment, where they can develop a global perspective and cross-cultural communication skills. The presence of many international students and expatriates in both cities creates a diverse community that welcomes individuals from all over the world. Locals in Brussels and Luxembourg are multilingual, and fluently speak French, German, and English, among other languages. This makes it easier for students to adjust to life in the new country and to interact with locals. Furthermore, the diverse cultural atmosphere provides students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures and learn from their peers, both inside and outside the classroom.
#4. Access to the “Vibiest” Music Festivals In Europe
In addition to music festivals, Brussels and Luxembourg also have a rich cultural history and offer a wide range of museums, galleries, and historic sites. Brussels, for example, is home to the world-famous Atomium, which is an iconic symbol of the city. The city also has a range of museums, including the Magritte Museum and the Belgian Comic Strip Center, which showcase the country’s art and cultural heritage.
Luxembourg is also home to a range of cultural attractions, including the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the National Museum of History and Art. The city also has a range of contemporary art galleries and performance spaces, which provide students with opportunities to engage with modern art and culture.
These cultural attractions provide students with a unique and enriching experience outside of the classroom, allowing them to explore the local culture and history of the region.
#5. Centrally Located
In addition to being well-connected by air and rail, Brussels and Luxembourg are also home to major transportation hubs, making it easy for students to travel within the cities and beyond. This accessibility can be particularly beneficial for MBA students who may need to attend conferences or network with professionals in other parts of Europe. Furthermore, with the development of the European High-Speed Rail Network, travel times between major European cities have been significantly reduced, making it easier than ever to explore the continent.
#6. Rich Cultural Heritage
Absolutely, the cultural heritage of Brussels and Luxembourg is not only a sight to behold but an opportunity to learn from. Students who study for an MBA in these cities can learn about the region’s history, art, and culture, and how they have influenced the business and economic practices of today. The rich cultural heritage of these cities can provide students with a unique perspective and help them develop a better understanding of the world around them.
#7. Multilingual Environment
The ability to speak multiple languages can also enhance cultural sensitivity and facilitate cross-cultural communication, which are essential skills in today’s global business landscape. Being able to communicate with clients, colleagues, and business partners in their native language can foster stronger relationships and open up new opportunities. Therefore, studying for an MBA in a multilingual environment like Brussels and Luxembourg can provide students with a valuable advantage in their future careers.
#8. Vibrant Student Community
The student community in Brussels and Luxembourg is highly diverse, with students from a wide range of cultural and professional backgrounds. This diversity creates an inclusive and welcoming environment where students can learn from each other and gain a broader perspective on the world. Students can build networks with people from different countries and industries, which can be valuable in the job market and in their future careers.
In summary, the vibrant and diverse student community in Brussels and Luxembourg is a major advantage for MBA students. It provides a supportive environment that fosters personal growth, cultural exchange, and professional development.
Conclusion
To sum up, studying for an MBA in Brussels and Luxembourg offers students a plethora of opportunities, from access to the epicentre of happenings in Europe to a friendly and diverse local community, among others. These advantages, combined with the relatively lower costs of living and central location, make Brussels and Luxembourg an appealing choice for those considering pursuing degree programmes.
While tuition fees for non-European students may be higher, higher education institutions in Europe generally have lower costs than in other global cities.
