A Range of Choices

Relocation agency or do-it-yourself?

Relocating to Flanders can be a relatively straightforward experience or a more complicated one depending on how it is approached. Working through a corporate human resources department and a relocation agency for example results in much less onerous task for the person or family, while a fully do-it-yourself move involves a great deal more personal effort.

Housing, proximity and schools

Before making any decision about exactly where you might rent or buy a house it is wise to apply virtually the same criteria that you would apply in your own country. These might include, for example:

• Proximity of work and the specific schools you require
• Shopping and transport
• Suitability of a particular neighborhood
• Accessibility to social and sports clubs
• The type of house or apartment required

Taking advice

There are a large number of expatriate organizations ranging from social clubs to sports clubs in Flanders, some of which of which are not only able to offer advice to newcomers or potential newcomers but whose members may also provide a measure of moral support and assistance after the move.

An example of the types of clubs available includes: American Clubs of Antwerp and Brussels; American Women's Clubs of Antwerp and Brussels; Antwerp Indian Association, British and Commonwealth Women's Club of Brussels; Canadian Club of Belgium; Cercle Nordique; Deutsche in Brussel; European Jewish Community Centre; International Christian Women's Club; Irish Club of Belgium; Professional Women's Group; Republicans Abroad; South African Women's Club; Women's International Club of Brussels.
Sport, drama, opera and other areas of social interest are also well catered for.

The book

The American Women's Club of Brussels, founded in 1949 and with a membership of more than 1,000 in recent years, has produced a book named The Hints Book: Living and Working in Belgium. This covers virtually every possible subject an expatriate family may need to know when moving or living here and goes through regular updating and new editions. The contents are generally applicable to all nationalities and the book can be purchased online. In addition, the club runs special classes for newcomers.

The magazine

Another useful source of information is The Bulletin, a weekly English-language magazine published in Brussels. This contains a good range of advertising and articles of interest to the expatriate family. Its owners, Ackroyd Publications, also put out several other useful booklets. These include:

• Newcomer: A service-oriented magazine appearing in March and September. Distributed to families before and upon arrival in Belgium, it is a practical guide that helps new arrivals find their way around
• Expat Directory: An annual directory of essential information, addresses and contact names including emergency services, flight information, clubs and associations, radio stations, embassies and more

The websites

There are a number of Internet sites dedicated to expatriates living in Belgium. These range from the American Women’s Club site to a wide-ranging site, www.xpats.com. An additional place to seek advice and perhaps some guidance may be your embassy.