One of the greatest things about choosing Brussels as you study abroad destination, is you ability to travel. Brussels in centrally located to most of Europe and the airport is relatively easy to get to. While, I considered studying somewhere with a larger culture shock like South Africa and Hong Kong, they are much harder to travel out of. Therefore, I have taken a handful of trips to get a better feel for other parts of Europe. In Brussels, there are many ways to get around:
Airports
There are two airports that are considered Brussels' airports. The most well known is the Brussels International Airport. It will be the airport for anyone flying into Brussels from the United States and carries most the major airlines. The airport is about 30 minutes outside of Brussels. It is accessible via public transportation for a 4 euro charge extra if you buy a ticket at kiosk off the bus and for 6 euro via bus driver. There are also trains that go to the airport from the central and midi Brussels train stations. I can't say I love this airport. First off, there is no wifi unless you pay for it. I have been to very few airports that this is the case and I think the capital of Europe should provide this service in their airport. Terminal A is an awful terminal. I think the way security is set up is unintelligent and it takes forever. That being said, it could be the Atlanta airport so as my conclusion of BRU airport I'd rate is mediocre. The second Brussels airport is in a little town a hour away called Charleroi. It is the Brussels airport hub for the reject airlines, like Ryan Air and Easy Jet. These airlines are known for having very inexpensive flights however, getting to this airport makes up for it. The shuttle to and from the airport is 26 euro, hefty for a flight that only cost 20 euro. I personally have not been there, but I have heard it is an average experience not too hard to figure out.
Train
Belgium has the largest railroad system in Europe, according to the hop on hop off bus tour guide I went on with my mom. There are three major stations in Brussels, Midi, Central, and Noord. Companies like Eurostar and Thalys run out of these stations to go places like London and Paris. Belgium also has a domestic rail road company that travels to cities in Belgium for a relatively low rate. You can go to Brugge for about 10 euro round trip and the trains run about every 30 minutes.
Bus
There bus companies that stop in Brussels as well. Because Brussels is so centrally located, it is very often a stop on a longer journey, making bus times more frequent! Bus companies like EuroLines and Megabus operate here. If you are willing to do the time on a bus, bus is the cheapest way to get around Europe. Megabus can be cheaper than euroline, however, the times are much less frequent. Fun fact: Megabus is not double decker here. Disappointing, I know.
Brussels as many perks but the ability to travel is one of the top.