Hey!
I've studied in Belgium for 2 years (first in Ghent, then in Brussels). In fact, it's the first country I've visited. I really love Belgium : I've been surprised to see how kind, friendly and open-minded the Belgians are. Not to talk about their beers - the Leffe is my favorite - among, in my opinion, the best of the world. Food there is tasty as well. Bikes everywhere, rich and interesting History, a lot of medieval architecture, flat and green landscapes... ho shit I feel so nostalgic. π
I've met my first penpal in Gent (thanks to this website) and he became one of my best friends. It's been 4 years now and we are still in touch!
So far I've visited cities such as Gent, Antwerpen, Brugge, Mechelen... (to name only the most important). Honestly, if I was able to master Dutch language, I would have chosen to live somewhere in Flanders today, probably in Gent.
PS: about the stereotypes... to those who think that the Flemish dislike the strangers, are nationalists or xenophobic, I can assure you that this is bullshit. π