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May 04th, 2021

Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS)

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Semester Abroad
Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS)
Brussels, Belgium
IHECS was founded in 1958 and it is very much a modern university. Students will have access to high-quality equipment during courses taught by forward-thinking professors. Students will use the equipment to work on tangible projects and gain practical experience.

While Brussels is known for its delicious waffles and chocolate, it offers much, much more. You'll hear French, Dutch, German, and English spoken all around you. You'll live in a city full of green parks, markets, art, cinema, and theater.

There are several opportunities to interact with other students on campus through organized events such as sports, dinners, and cultural activities. IHECS also offers great deals for students living in Brussels. Students can purchase a card that allows them to receive discounts to sporting events, theaters, cinemas, and transportation. Use the efficient European train system to explore cities close to Brussels such as Paris (80 minutes away), London (100 minutes away), and Amsterdam (160 minutes away).

IHECS does not offer on-campus accommodation. In contrast to the experience at HPU with classes, housing, dining, and student life all found on a self-contained campus, IHECS resides in the center of Brussels with classes and administration offices located in independent buildings not far from Gand Place.
Top 3 Reasons to Study Here
01
Study in the heart of the European Union and at the crossroads of philosophical and artistic trends.
02
Study at a university with state-of-the-art facilities in media production, journalism, and communications.
03
Learn in environments that combine theory lessons with practical learning.
Program Fees
Tuition & Academic Fees
Standard HPU rates to be paid to HPU.
Housing
Local rates to be paid to landlord or housing management office.
Meals
Meals are self-catered.
Health & Safety Plan
At the time of publishing, the rate is estimated at $325 per semester, to be paid to HPU.
Additional Expenses
Students will be responsible for all travel, immigration, and personal and other expenses.
Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS)
Brussels, Belgium
Terms
Applications are due during the spring semester prior to the study abroad term.
Fall Semester Study Abroad:
- September through December
- Application Deadline: March 1

Spring Semester Study Abroad:
- February through June
- Application Deadline: May 1
Requirements
2.75 GPA & Sophomore Status
Office of Global Education, Cottrell Hall, Suite 142
Academic Program
The Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS) is a university specializing in project-based learning for Communication students. The university offers workshops and masterclasses that mimic the real-world experience. IHECS brings students from 70 universities around the world to the center of Brussels, Belgium.

This program is for students majoring or minoring in Communications. Students with French proficiency can select courses from the full course of study, however, proficiency in French is not required. Students can enroll in courses from the English-taught program. In addition to communication courses, students can enroll in French language studies.

Students will enroll in a welcome week session during either the fall or spring term at IHECS. This session, while not transferrable to HPU, offers a great introduction to life in Brussels and study at IHECS. During the Fall term, students can enroll in a French-language pre-sessional course.
Credit Transfer
For High Point University to recognize the credits you complete abroad, you must earn at least a grade equivalent to a C in the U.S. HPU will not accept credit for courses with grades of C– or below. Grades for all courses earned abroad are recorded on the international transcript. Credits are received by HPU as transfer credits, which means the credit is received but the grade is not. Your HPU grade point average will not be impacted positively or negatively by your study abroad courses.

While the selection of courses taught in English is limited, they are very detailed and can complement HPU's communication programs well. Students should plan for around a total of 30 ECTS (European credits), noting that 2 ECTS = 1 HPU credit. The majority of courses at IHECS are worth 5 ECTS and transfer as 3 credits.