- Architecture M.Sc.
- Belgium, Brussels
- Mamout Architects
- 06/2025 – 01/2026
Application/Finding an internship
I chose the city before looking for architecture offices because the place itself was very important to me. After finishing my Bachelor’s, Brussels felt like the perfect next step – it’s close to my hometown, yet offers a completely different language, culture, and atmosphere. I was especially drawn to its multilingual and diverse character, with French and Flemish spoken and many international residents because of the EU institutions. This creates a very inspiring environment with active, creative communities and people working in fields that interest me most. The city is dynamic and always full of life, offering new experiences every day. I discovered most of the architecture offices I applied to through conversations with students who had already gone through the process, which was extremely helpful when I felt unsure and a bit overwhelmed at first. Since Brussels was the only city I seriously considered, I applied to several studios I liked and after a few weeks received an acceptance, which confirmed that choosing Brussels was the right decision for me.
Accomodation & Living expenses
Before I moved to Brussels for my internship, I had a bit of free time and decided to volunteer at a music and cultural festival to help with the setup. Working together on the festival was a great way to meet people quickly and start creating my first memories in the city. It really helped me to make initial contacts, and in the end I even found my first shared apartment in Brussels through these connections. In terms of housing, I would describe Brussels as fairly average for a European capital when it comes to rent prices. Groceries, however, are relatively expensive, which I didn’t fully realize before moving here. Over time, you get to know the city better and discover alternatives, like the local markets, which have a great atmosphere and where you can buy fruit and vegetables for much less than in the supermarket.
Everyday life/ the internship
My everyday life during the week was mainly shaped by my full-time internship. From Monday to Friday, I worked in the office from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., building models, drawing plans, creating 3D models, visiting construction sites, preparing presentations for clients, and enjoying lunch breaks with my colleagues. The office was quite small, with only four employees and one other intern, which was ideal for my first long internship because I quickly understood how everything worked and gained insight into all parts of the projects. The main working language was French, which was challenging for me at first. I often felt unsure in conversations and meetings, but week by week I noticed clear progress. Using a new language every day took a lot of courage, but it also strengthened my self-confidence and made me more open and independent.
Free time/tips
After work and on the weekends, I spent my time exploring the city and meeting new people. From the beginning, living in a shared flat was important to me because it’s the easiest way to make contacts. At the same time, I also enjoyed discovering Brussels on my own, walking through different neighborhoods and getting to know the city at my own pace. Brussels never disappointed me – there is always something going on. It offers a lot of culture, impressive architecture, many young people, and in my opinion a very diverse nightlife scene, which made my time there both exciting and inspiring.
Conclusion
Going to Brussels for my internship was a great decision, and I can honestly say that I learned a lot and also grew personally during my time there. It was very enriching to step out of my comfort zone and experience completely new things. Already during the internship, I realized that eight months in the city would not be enough, because Brussels has so much to offer. I also made some wonderful new friendships that I want to continue developing, and I feel so comfortable here that I would like to do another internship and even my Master’s in the city. After eight months, the city finally feels familiar – I have a routine, a great social environment, and yet I have still barely scratched the surface of everything Brussels has to offer.
©International Office
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