Location

Located just a quick 20 minute train ride from the Brussels airport, Leuven plays the role of a close neighbor to capital and ‘the Heart of Europe.’  Leuven is home for 90,000 residents and for another 35,000 college students.  Leuven is the capital of the province of Flemish-Brabant.  Although it was severely damaged during both world wars, Leuven is still known for its diverse architecture within a modern city, internationally renowned university, and for the beer it produces each year.   Leuven is a charming, vibrant, pedestrian city with outside cafes, a beautiful gothic cathedral conveniently located to Europe’s train system. 

Program of Study

K.U.L (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) is one of the oldest still existing catholic universities in the world.  It is known for welcoming students and faculty from other countries and continents and teaches all courses in English and Flemish.  The faculties are known especially for excellence in Philosophy, language, and Theology.  Fall semester classes begin late September and finish exams late January.  Spring semester begins in February and continues through June. 

Students follow courses at K.U.L. and live at the A.C. (American College of the Immaculate Conception).  The A.C. was established by bishops in the United States in 1857 to educate and train seminarians who would be future priests and bishops in the new country of the United States of America.  With 150 years of experience, the A.C. hosts theologians from many dioceses in the United States, college seminarians, and priests and religious for sabbatical programs.  Regular excursions to the Vatican in December and cultural trips are organized by the A.C. and students each year.  Ministry is arranged by the formation staff of the A.C. and includes a placement to a nearby English speaking parish. 

Eligibility for the Program

The program at the American College in Leuven, Belgium is open to qualified students enrolled in the undergraduate seminary program Old College.  Students may apply to spend one or two semesters in Leuven during their junior year. 

Candidates must have a strong overall average and be recommended by their formation superior to continue formation.  They must demonstrate adaptability to new situations, desire and motivation for residence and study abroad, and be free of serious moral, social or psychological problems.  Participants are chosen by a selection committee for International Study Programs.  Application deadline: November 15 for academic year, fall and spring programs in the following academic year.

Course Information

Interested students can find information about the courses at KUL in Philosophy and Theology.

Additional Information

There is much information about this special program.  For more information please e-mail Fr. Kevin Russeau, csc at Russeau.3@nd.edu.