Scandinavian school of Brussels - blog

Name: Johanne Stoveland

Class: Gym 1

Nationality: Norwegian

Years in Belgium: Second year this year

Programme: Studiespesialisering (Norweigan programme)

1. What is the best thing about living in Belgium?

Many different countries come together in Brussels, not only to study but to live and work here. It is not too far from home so you can always go visit but at the same time it is nice to be a bit further away because of the weather. Belgium is also called the heart of Europe. This means that we are close to all kinds of places, France for instance.

2. How do you think this school is different from schools in Norway?

A bit more difficult but in a good way, we get to learn so much more. Another great thing is that we practice so many different languages in school. Also I think students at SSB are very ambitious and motivated in comparison to Norway, this is really good because it motivates me to study and do my very best as well.

3. Do you want to study abroad later? Is this because of your experience at SSB?

My studies at SSB and my living in Belgium have showed me that it is possible. It has given me confidence and now I know I can do it. I have gotten to feel what it is like to live and study abroad so it is very possible that I will want to continue doing so in the future.

4. Do you feel that you speak a lot of French/English because of living here?

I talk a lot more English here than I did in Norway; often it is necessary in order to understand each other at SSB. Also I play handball and so athletics outside of school, during these practices I speak French, which is a great way for me to learn.

5. How do you feel that going to a multinational school affects you?

I am Norweigan but after a year at SSB I speak fluent Swedish, I practice it a lot because many of my friends are Swedish. I have become more independent and self confident, I no longer find it scary to get to know new people or talk to people I have never met before.

6. What do you think is important to know about Belgium/SSB before moving here?

That it is a nice environment to live in. SSB is a very good school with different nationalities that come together in a very good way. Belgium is sometimes known as a boring country but this is not true at all. There are many nice cities, the country has a very interesting history and it is a fun country to live in.

7. Do you participate in any extracurricular acitivities? How is it?

I used to go to body work. I wanted to do sports that the school didn’t offer so the school helped me to find clubs outside of school where I could do that. 

Name: Wille Wento

Class: Gym 3

Nationality: Finnish

Years in Belgium: Whole life, 18 years. Lives here with his family.

Programme:  IB

1. What is the best thing about the school?

The best thing is that everybody knows each other and that the school has a good education. Another positive thing is that the teachers care about the students.

2. How do you think this school is different from schools in Finland?

Quite clearly they are more focused on the student here. The teachers are a lot more focused on helping the student success in the possible way. In a bigger school or in a typical school in Finland I don’t think it is like this.

3. Do you want to study abroad later? Is this because of your experience at SSB?

Yes I really want to study abroad later on in life. This is partly because of my experience here, but mostly because I want to continue living in places where different nationalities come together.

4. How do you feel that going to a multinational school affects you?

It has affected me in a big way. Both my parents are Finnish and I speak fluent Finnish because of this. But thanks to my studies at SSB I have become fluent in both Swedish and English. Also, because of living in Belgium, I am fluent in French. This is what has affected me most.

5. What do you think is important to know about Belgium/SSB before moving here? That it is a nice place to live. Also you get to practice French a lot in your daily life here, which can be good for learning more. Another good thing to know is that the school is very Scandinavian; you really feel that in your subjects and studies.

6. How do you think your studies at SSB will affect/benefit you in the future?

Well it will be positive for me because I will continue to speak and use all the languages I have learnt. My studies at SSB have also taught me how to interact with different kinds of people and it will help me when getting to know people of different kinds of social groups.

7. What do you think about the IB-programme at SSB?

The IB is good at SSB as there are such few students and they have a lot of focus on each person. The only thing that is a bit bad is that there are not as many subjects to choose from but for me it was not a problem, as I would have chosen those subjects anyway.

Name: Rebecca Jonsson

Class: Gym 1

Nationality: Swedish

Years in Belgium: Lived here her whole life

Programme: Svenska Samhällsprogrammet

What is the best thing about living in Belgium?

I get to see other cultures, both in school and outside of school, which is very interesting. I learn a lot about other people and how things work in Belgium. Also, since the school has students from all over Scandinavia, I feel that I learn a lot about their cultures and people from those countries as well.

How do you think this school is different from schools in Sweden/Norway?

Well I think the schools have different systems. Since we are so many different nationalities at the school it is important that all of our study plans are combined in the subject. Because of this I, as a Swedish student, am taught a lot of the things that f.ex. Norwegian students learn in their study plans. Also, since the school is smaller than a typical Swedish school, people get a lot closer to each other.

Do you want to study abroad later? Is this because of your experience atSSB?

I think I want to study in Lund, Sweden, after Upper secondary school. I have never lived in Sweden so I would like to try it and see what it’s like. Before I begin my university studies I would like to travel the world. I really want to see the world and learn about other cultures, this I think is because of my studies here.

How are the teachers att SSB?

The school has good teachers.  They really care about every student, this is possible because the classes aren’t too big and it means that we always get help when we need it.  They also adapt the subjects well to the different study plans.

How do you feel that going to a multinational school affects you?

I think I am very open towards other cultures. Swedish people sometimes have a tendency to be scared of other cultures or people from other countries. I am more open and interested in getting to know new people and learning about them.

Do you go to any singing/music lessons at the school? How is that?

Yes I do. I practice Piano, singing and sometimes band practice after school. I think it is very good. There are a lot of instruments and the teachers are great at pushing us to perform better and learn more, which is very motivating. The music facilities and the possibilities to practice and play music is the best thing about SSB according to me.

How do you think your studies at SSB will affect/benefit you in the future?

I have gotten to learn and practice a lot of English. Also I have become very good at getting to know new people. Here at SSB there are new students all the time which means that there always are new people to get to know.