Alex Cochrane has no regrets over his loan move to Union SG, the club owned by Albion chairman Tony Bloom.
The 20-year-old is part of a side that head into the winter break top of the table with a seven-point gap between themselves and second.
Cochrane said the decision to head to Belgium was tough, but that he's reaping the rewards.
“It's a different lifestyle and language, but I have enjoyed it. Like anything it's had its highs and lows, but that's a part of growing up as a footballer. I have loved the experience.
“When I first heard about Union, in all honesty I was a bit sceptical about the move.
“Leaving my family and my girlfriend was a hard decision, but it’s made me a better person and a better footballer. I won’t regret it.”
The language barrier is slowly coming down as well.
“I have learned a little bit of French, I have taken a few classes. I didn't see any improvement until I was on the training pitch and in team meetings and I picked up a bit of what people were saying. I try and use the simple phrases in training like 'man on'.
“I am not sure if I will be able to have fluent conversations with the French lads at Brighton, it might take me a few more lessons!”
A first full-time taste of men’s football has been a real education for Cochrane.
“It's a big change from playing in the under-23s league. Sometimes it might not be pretty, but it's about getting those three points.
“You see players and the manager reacting when you win and the buzz they get from earning those three points.
“There's still a lot for me to develop in my game and a lot of the season left, but this experience is preparing me well for when I go back to Brighton.”
The defender's final message was to players his age who might face the same decision.
“A loan abroad can be the making of you. You see some players who might take a safe option and stay in England. But if an offer comes from abroad, listen and think about it. The experience takes you out of your comfort zone and it's where you learn about yourself and the game. It's a positive option for a young player and one I am glad I took.”