A Blog about Education Abroad

Tag: Belgium

  • Carla attending the Belgium Clarinet Academy

    Carla attending the Belgium Clarinet Academy

    I am currently in my second year of a clarinet performance master’s at the University of Stellenbosch. As this is my last year of studies at this university, and with my upcoming final practical exams ahead, I decided it would be a good idea to get some international experience with regards to my playing.

    I had always wanted to go on an exchange program, but due to the fact that I have to work to help fund my current studies, such an opportunity was never realised. A week long summer course was ideal.

    After some research on possible courses offered and the pros and cons of each one I decided to apply at the Belgium Clarinet Academy. The Belgium Clarinet Academy started in 1996 and is a week long international course which focusses solely on clarinet. The course allows for master classes from three different leading pedagogues on international level. The three teachers this year were Dr. Robert Spring (USA), Dr. Deborah Bish (USA) and Professor Eddy van Oosthuyse (Belgium). Besides receiving and observing master classes, I would also gain the chance to play in a clarinet specific quartet and have coaching in a chamber music context. (more…)

  • Sami Maseko attending the Lef Summer School

    Sami Maseko attending the Lef Summer School

    Sami attended the Lef Summer School at the University of Antwerp. Here is her story.

    Pre-Departure:

    When I received my acceptance letter to the University of Antwerp I was ecstatic, and all I could do was daydream and Google images of the different places I had to see on my trip; this lasted for a few days. That is my first tip, don’t get overwhelmed, and don’t get side tracked. Sure, Googling images are cool, but sorting out the technicalities will become a headache if you don’t begin on time. It is the most cliché thing to say, but it is true: plan and divide your time wisely.

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  • Lara at KU Leuven

    Lara at KU Leuven

    Living in Leuven:

    Living in Europe in the summer is one of the most fun things you could do. Not only are the days extremely long, but there is a lot to do. Cycling around and visiting other towns in Belgium is extremely easy. Other than in South Africa, the towns are close to each other so within an hour or so you can be in almost any of the towns. I also found that as the good weather set in, the people in Belgium started to come outside and open up more. This was a great time to make friends with the locals.

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