Menu
Expat.com

Tips and advice to thrive in Belgium

Post new topic

Priscilla

Hi,

When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes.

How did you manage to adjust to Belgium?

How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy process?

According to you, what is key for a successful integration process in Belgium?

Thank you in advance for sharing your experience!

Priscilla

milay

First and foremost: do a bit of research on the local culture, then observe local people and how they interact with one another.

Second: learn the language as soon as you possibly can. do not procrastinate on this!

Third: join groups with similar interests as yours i.e. art groups, sport club, etc.

Get out and meet people: in the shops, at your workplace, at school...

Listen to local news on TV or radio even if you do not understand the language yet. familiarization is key. and you'll find out there are a lot of words they use that are comparable to english or spanish.

Last but not least: smile, even if you have no clue what they're talking about.

Barsik85

Thank you for the the informations... I have been in Belgium for five months so far so good.... The only obstacle is the language whether Dutch or French.... My English is pretty good but the problem is the time... To speak the language like local people you need one or two years and here in Belgium let's face it to find a decent good job you need to speak their language.... I have an experience in Aviation for five years (flight attendant) and here French or Dutch is a must to join.... In short am trying my best to learn the language as much as I can in school...

Best regards ✌😉
Nart

jocelyn catamco anoling

How I thrive in Belgium.

The first thing I did is to learn the language and speaks with  the locals.
I regularly read their newspaper even if i didn't understand everything.   Keep watching their
TV programmes to understand better their way of life.  I also learned their food culture.  What they eat in a regular basis and that's potatoes, not rice, not pasta nor couscous.

I experienced that the real Belgians prefer to be with you if you could speak like them and try to be like them. If you couldn't communicate well with them then there is a problem. 

It took time before i feel i am accepted by the locals specially if you have a different skin colour like me.
In the beginning i felt really bad because they're not so open to everyone.  They could judge you quickly.  But the moment they know you and they see you do like them then you're a part of the family.

Hope am able to help you with this.  Good Luck!!! :)

Articles to help you in your expat project in Belgium

  • A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods
    A guide to Brussels' neighbourhoods

    A very safe and laid-back city to live and work in, Brussels has many different sides for expats and tourists to ...

  • Doing an internship in Belgium
    Doing an internship in Belgium

    Students usually have to do an internship to validate their academic training. What's the process of doing an ...

  • Buying a car in Belgium
    Buying a car in Belgium

    Some formalities apply when buying a vehicle in Belgium, both before and after the sale. Here's what to expect.

  • Buying property in Brussels
    Buying property in Brussels

    Compared with other European capitals, buying property in Brussels is very affordable. Consequently, it's ...

  • Buying a property in Belgium
    Buying a property in Belgium

    The real estate in Belgium has the reputation of being relatively cheaper than its neighbors. We'll give you ...

  • Lifestyle in Belgium
    Lifestyle in Belgium

    Belgium is a diverse country that's very friendly with newcomers. What about its traditions, festivities, and ...

  • How to make new friends in Brussels
    How to make new friends in Brussels

    As Brussels is home to such an international crowd, there are many ways newcomers to the city can make friends and ...

  • Driving in Belgium
    Driving in Belgium

    If you're moving to Belgium, you might be interested in learning about getting a driver's license. Read on ...

All of Belgium's guide articles