Belgium less popular with foreign students after attacks

Since the terror attacks of 22 March, foreign students are less likely to study in Belgium, notes exchange organisation AFS. In addition to fewer enrollments for next school year, up to 10% of the enrolled students have cancelled their plans and deregistered, reports the Flemish public broadcaster VRT.

According to AFS Flanders, slightly more than 7% of the enrolled students have deregistered, while AFS Wallonia reports a 10% dropout rate. The majority of cancellations come from South American students. "Not only were there the attacks, but also the media coverage of the refugee crisis," explains Matthias Van Hyfte of AFS. “People can get the impression that Europe is being flooded with refugees, which is totally not the case. Finally, the political and economic situation in South America is an important factor. The situation is not so good, especially with the country's currency devaluation."

The Erasmus exchange programme for college students notes a similar trend, with the Free University of Brussels (VUB) reporting 20% fewer candidates compared to last year.