Study abroad at the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, KU Leuven - At-a-glance

Structure of the academic year

• The first semester begins on the last Monday of September. It has a duration of 13 weeks of classes, ending in the last week before Christmas. After two weeks of Christmas break and 1 week of allotted study preparation, exams run between the third week of January through the first week of February. Students coming to Leuven in the first semester should therefore plan to be here from mid-September till the first days of February.
• The second semester begins in mid-February (in 2011: 2/14) to the end of May (in 2011: 6/28) including two weeks of Easter break. The exam period is then organized for two weeks beginning in mid-June (in 2011: from 06-10 – 07-02). Students wanting to remain with us for the second semester should plan on being in Leuven from mid-February till the end of June.

The KU Leuven academic calender can be consulted at:
http://www.kuleuven.be/about/academic_calendar.html

Facilities and Services

As Leuven is a medieval university town, the architecture dynamically reflects its distinctive Low-Countries heritage, blending centuries-old tradition with both modern and contemporary innovation, a fact beautifully reflected in its architectural wealth. Throughout its many corridors, students are given access to, and fully benefit from, the services offered both by the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies and the University at large. These include:

• an excellent teaching and research staff. One of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies’ primary qualities is found in its ongoing endeavor to weave its teaching and research together in the best way possible. A recent international evaluation commission highly commended the faculty for its teaching and research programs.
• Study support and study guidance: a Study Advisor works closely with individual students and is responsible for offering advice on curriculum options and individual study programs, as well as providing information about exam regulations.
• One of the most extensive theological libraries in the world: the library of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies is respected internationally as one of the world’s top theological libraries. It contains more than 1.2 million volumes and subscribes to more than 1100 current journals and periodicals. The library also has a wide range of bibliographical research facilities to support students in their research.
• An extensive network of university services: housing, financial aid, medical center, counseling services, extensive sports infrastructure, student church facilities, etc. 'Who's who and where' gives contact details of the most  important administrative offices.
• Sunday services: Roman Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical, Orthodox and Greek Catholic are all a part of Leuven’s diverse international flair. The KU Leuven University Parish has an English-speaking international community: http://www.kuleuven.be/up/international/englishupic.html