Institut d’administration et de gestion of the Université catholique de Louvain – IAG UCL or IAG Louvain School of Management, Belgium
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL) was founded in the year 1425, and thus has been an international centre for research and intellectual development for over 500 years. The Louvain School of Management is the business faculty of UCL and is the largest French-speaking University in Belgium. It is a private institution that is State-financed. IAG has a student population of 20,000, with 20% being international.
Until 1968, the University was a bilingual unitary institution established in Leuven. As a result of political turmoil in the late 1960's, the University split and a law was formed which recognizes separate Flemish-speaking and French-speaking universities. The former remained in Louvain (Leuven), while the latter moved to a new location on the outskirts of Ottignies, at 30 km from Brussels. This new campus became the town of Louvain-la-Neuve, where the Louvain School of Management has had its own building since 1991.
Location
IAG is established in the new city of Louvain-la-Neuve, just half an hour by train or by car from Brussels, Europe's new capital, and the national airport. Two cities frame Louvain-la-Neuve: in the north, Wavre, a shopping center; in the west, Ottignies, to which the city is attached on the administrative level. The localization of the city reflects the will of the authorities to approach Wallonia without breaking the bridges with Brussels.
Based on a unique pedestrian-friendly urban design, this rapidly expanding city offers the traditional attractions of an exciting university campus, the wealth of a major cultural center, along with the necessary schools, stores, services and a major industrial and scientific park.
The city is almost at equal distance from Brussels (30 km), to Namur (38 km), and Nivelles (30 km). In addition, it is only 30 km from Leuven. The plate of Lauzelle, on the territory of the commune of Ottignies, extends on 920 hectares acquired by the University, which devoted up to now 350 to the construction of the city. Louvain-la-Neuve is divided into districts which bear the names of the localities of origin: les Bruyères, le Biéreau, l'Hocaille, Lauzelle, la Baraque. The surrounding forests and fields make Louvain-la-Neuve particularly pleasant.
Approximate Term Dates
Fall: (First Semester): Mid-September to Mid-December (final examinations in January)*
Winter (Second Semester): End of January to Mid-May (final examinations in June)
*Alternate arrangements can be made to write Fall final examinations early.
Academic Information
There are 8 main departments at IAG: accounting; finance; marketing; operations management; human resources; management information systems; business policy; actuarial sciences. IAG has a very active internship office with some well known companies.
Although independent study is a large component of studying at IAG, Schulich students are not permitted to take such courses for credit while abroad.
Credit Equivalency
5 IAG courses = 5 SSB courses (15 SSB credits)
Language
French and English
A limited number of courses will be offered in English each semester. Please visit the following Web site to view IAG’s English and French course offerings:
http://www.iag.ucl.ac.be/international/handbook/table_des_matieres.htm
Computer Facilities
Incoming exchange students receive a student card and login/password providing access to internet.
There are two computer rooms in the J. Leclerq building where the students can work from 8.00 am till 6.00 pm.
Accommodation
Nominated students will receive acceptance packages and a housing application from IAG’s International Affairs office.
For more details on costs and types of housing at UCL, use the Service des Logements Web site:
http://www.loge.ucl.ac.be/intro.htmll
If students prefer to look for housing themselves, with the help of “Infor-logement”, students are asked to arrive at least two weeks before the start of the semester.
Health Insurance
Exchange students must be covered by a health insurance policy which is valid in Belgium. When registered at UCL the student automatically receives accident and damage insurance coverage for academic related activities.
Visa
For visa information, please contact:
Consulate General of Belgium
2 Bloor Street West, Suite 2006 , Box 88
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3E2
Tel : (416) 944-1422
Fax : (416) 944-1421
Email: Toronto@diplobel.org
International Office
IAG’s International Affairs has a very useful on-line handbook for international students:
http://www.iag.ucl.ac.be/international/handbook/default.htm. The Affairs staff also arranges the ‘buddy program’ through Team Erasmus. A ‘buddy’ will meet incoming exchange students at the airport or train station and generally assist with their adjustment to Belgium culture. Another student club, Club IAG, acts similarly to Schulich’s Open Arms Committee, as its members organize events for international students throughout the semester.
Cost of Living
Accommodation +/- € 250 (one month deposit usually required)
Meals +/- € 250
Books supplies +/- € 250
Others +/- € 250 (personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, and personal travels)
Transportation no transportation needed – all needs within walking distance
Total +/- € 1000/month
(Exchange Rate Link http://www.bank-banque-canada.ca/english/exchform.htm)
Further Research:
The official Web site for IAG-UCL is:
http://www.iag.ucl.ac.be/
*For more information about IAG, please visit the Resource Library in W263.