This interactive **2-hour workshop** is designed especially for newcomers, expats, and internationals living in Flanders. Together, we’ll explore the cultural codes that shape daily life here, drawing on insights from intercultural thinkers like **Geert Hofstede** and **Richard Lewis**. Along the way, we’ll:

* Unpack Flemish cultural patterns and communication styles
* Explore common stereotypes – are they grounded in reality?
* Debunk some persistent historical myths
* Share personal experiences of living and working in Flanders
* Create a safe space for those “I always wanted to ask, but didn’t dare” questions

Whether you’re fresh off the plane or have been here a while, this is your chance to **better understand your environment** – and connect with others on the same journey.
Join us for a lively, welcoming session that will leave you with fresh insights, more confidence, and maybe even a few good laughs about life in Flanders!

Anna Tripp

Internationals and expats in Leuven (by International House)

Expats in Leuven

Social Activities

New In Town

Social Networking

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Culture Exchange

Make New Friends

Fun Times

For over 20 years now, diversity and inclusion have been the central themes in my professional activities. As a staff member of several centers of expertise, I have been able to develop my thinking and working around difference in all possible directions. Sometimes with a focus on cultural diversity, other times aimed at diversity in a broad sense. I have supervised dozens of trainings and workshops, for the most diverse target groups and in very different contexts. I have coordinated practice-based research, worked out methodologies, developed competence frameworks, supported expertise sharing, built networks. All assignments from which I drew much inspiration and motivation.

Because I was active not only as a trainer but also as a consultant and researcher, I practiced myself in always thinking along two tracks: that of practical implementation and that of the vision, the policy that sets a framework around that concrete implementation. When thinking about methodologies, approaches, learning tools, I was inspired by literature, but especially by the skill and commitment of colleagues and people in the field. In addition, regular participation in domestic and foreign study days, conferences and colloquia helped me to draw out my own action framework for a powerful diversity policy. At the same time, I was also able to develop a good view of the activities of other actors in the field of diversity, both nationally and internationally.

Gunilla de Graef

Decoding Flanders

International House Leuven

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Internationals and expats in Leuven (by International House)

Decoding Flanders

Internationals and expats in Leuven (by International House)

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