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Education
Home » Belgium » Belgium: People and Culture » EducationIn Belgium, there are two main school systems: state-owned schools are the first, and state-free schools are the second, and they are government subsidized and mostly Catholic. Every child from the age of 2 1/2 years is provided free schooling. The school year is from September 1 to June 30.
The Belgian primary schools are somewhat traditional, focusing on reading, writing, and math. The class size is around 20, and this number is growing because of financial issues. Schools are required to teach a second language from the age of 11, although many schools start earlier. The second language is either French or Dutch, depending on where the school is located.
In secondary school, students have a choice of directions, depending on their interests and skills. These schools are divided into four types:
• General Secondary Education – subjects are general and prepare students for higher education. Most students continue to university or higher education after completion of the required six years.
• Technical Secondary Education – subjects are technical and practical, and this type of education usually lasts for six years. After completion, students are considered to be ready for the job market in their specialty. Students may also choose to continue to university or higher education.
• Vocational Secondary Education – subjects are very job specific and practical, and this type of education usually lasts for six years plus one more year of specialization. In some cases, students can take two specialization years.
• Art Secondary Education – subjects are mostly artistic. This is a less popular type of education.
After secondary school, students who wish to continue studying have two choices: Higher Education or University. These types of education are not free; however, Higher Education and University cost significantly less than American Colleges and Universities. In Belgium, a Bachelor’s degree takes three years and a Master’s degree takes one to two years.
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