Moving to Belgium

[LTolarchyk]

Hi. My family and I are moving to Belgium in May 2001. We will be stationed at Kliene Brogel. Would love to hear from any locals about the area, lifestyles, food, activities, cost of living. Anything that anyone would have to offer would be great. We have never lived out of the US! Thanks

[Son_of_Yoda]

Belgium in a nutshell

First of all, let me be the first to welcome you to my country. I'm sure you'll have a great time here and meet lots of interesting people.

Language shouldn't be a problem. As a result of Dutch, Spanish and French conquests during the second millenium in Belgium, we are somewhat polyglot. Most Belgian people speak either Dutch or French fluently and most can express themself in English too. German and Spanish is not so widely spread, but occasionally you run in to people managing them. Let me take the time here to apologise for any writing mistakes I make.

Belgium has a somewhat strange political culture. We have ten provinces, three 'gewesten' (districts) and three 'gemeenschappen' (communities) - if I'm wrong, please correct me, anybody. The districts are the Flemish, the Welsh end the Brussels district, the communities are the Flemish, the French end the German community. There is a federal government and also three district governments. I'm sure you'll learn all about that when you're here.

Belgium has got a lot to offer concerning culture. Musea, cities, theatre, music and so on. Pretty tough to get bored.

People around here are quite friendly and open. You'll have no problem making friends or getting along wit hanyone as long as you behave in the same way.

Our national sport is soccer. As you may or may not know this year we hosted the European championships soccer together with Holland. We didn't do that good but Belgium was packed for three weeks and the atmosphere was great. Other sports people practice a lot around here are tennis and cycling, but you can do a lot more than that.

I'll leave it to that for now. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll do my best in answering them for you.

[Sleepy]

Hello

You made an excellent choice by moving to our country. You also chose a very beautiful living place, with beautiful nature.
Belgium is not very excpensive if you move from America.
You might find one problem here. The paperwork can become a long hard way, because you're a non-EU citizen, but when that bussiness is finished, you can begin a good live in the best country in the World.

groetjes,
Sleepy

[imported_sham]

dear Son_of_Yoda
i am planning to move to belgium too. i am going to be 24 this october. i'm moving to belgium because i have a belgian boyfriend and he is living in Tournai. we are getting married and i have no choice but to live and work there because he can't work here in my country, malaysia.
for your information, i am now in my final year doing my TESL (Teaching of English as a Second Language) degree and i'll gradute in june.
is there any teaching jobs that you know of that would suit my qualification and nationality?
i know that there are many people who are asking for your help and i am very much amazed loking at how you've responded to them. i would be much delighted if you could spend some of your precious time to read my msg and respond to it.
sincerely,
norsham

[Son_of_Yoda]

Hello Sham,

Employment is doing quite good at the moment in Belgium. Of course, not knowing to speak Dutch or French is a bit of a problem. I suppose that will be your first step towards integration over here. But don't worry - there are enough ways to make this happen ! Knowing English is a big advantage. I suppose Brussels will be your main target in finding a position, being the most international part of Belgium and one of the center cities of the European Community.
Nationality won't be much of a problem I guess.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask !

Greetz,
Son of Yoda

[oldtrixx]

Hello out there, I am at work and found this sight. My father is from Belgium, and I visited about 25 years ago, and dream of going back. My father lived near Bilzin(?). If anyone knows a Sillen e-mail me. mhsillen@hotmail.com

[Son_of_Yoda]

Mangolvr,

I can't - email adresses are privat, even for me ;(

Oldtrixx,

There are 33 Dillen's in Bilzen. Do you have a first name ?

Greetz,

SoY