Language Exchange

Brussels is Europe’s heart, and our meetup is its friendly beat. [Click this WhatsApp groupchat link to join](https://l.gourl.es/l/7a3b3c7b2009b788c295d30b0d0587f17f1b7362?u=7709345) Join us Saturdays at 7:30 PM for a language and culture exchange like no other. With attendees in their 20s and 30s from across the globe, it’s where ideas and friendships flourish. Let’s connect over words and waffles.

What does it mean for something - or someone - to be "strange"? What does it in fact mean for someone to be "a stranger"? Nowadays, can we truly ever experience any thing or person as _"strange"_ as our ancestors presumably did? What impact might our replacing the adjective "strange" and the noun "stranger" with new terms have on our collective social and political cultures? How would our attitudes towards other individuals or groups of people be if we removed all notions of "strangeness" from our assessments of them? Should the fact that we no longer truly experience strangeness be a sufficient reason for us to behave _very differently_ from how our ancestors did? Alien, foreign, unfamiliar, unknown, weird, bizarre, eccentric, inappropriate - or merely different - how are all these common perceptions and judgments interrelated? We can, and do, of course often find ourselves applying the description "strange" not only to people, but to things, ideas, experiences, phenomena... in fact potentially to anything and everything. If, however, nothing in our world and in our individual or collective life-experiences is any longer experienced _truly_ as strange, how is this impacting our relationships to the world, to others, to life, to knowledge, and to the unknown in general? How _big_ is our world actually? Even if we choose to systematically replace the word "strange" with "foreign", how foreign is anywhere or anyone in our world these days? "6° of separation" can also be framed as "6° of proximity"... The 6° phenomenon, moreover, observably applies not only to distances among people, but also to distances among _everything,_ including all our ideas, actions, languages, customs, beliefs, knowledge, etc. not to mention the propagation of toxicity and malevolence... The question then becomes no longer if, but _how_ are we each connected and related to any (and every) other particular person, thing and idea in the world? It can be mind-boggling just how much we do _not_ know (>99%?) about which shared people, places and experiences we in fact have in common with any one of the vast majority (<99%?) of the people we encounter in our daily lives... Just as in our collective culture we are becoming increasingly more demanding when it comes to being informed about what ingredients are in the foods we buy and what the supply chain has been of items we purchase, so too might we want to know more truly and clearly how any given person has ended up in our lives - and all of the hundreds, even thousands, of ways they are in fact connected to us without our realizing? This session will be a celebration of the phenomena of connections, friendships, threats, and, ultimately, of "strangeness". Recommended watching (33.17): https://youtu.be/CYlon2tvywA?si=vUrcibsjQM6cQeCZ Ideas explored in this video: 1) "Small world" problem/paradox/networks 2) Shortcut links 3) The strength of weak ties 4) Propagation of disease 4) Watts-Strogatz modelling 5) Barabási: hubs, natural growth, preferential attachment 6) Prisoner's Dilemma 7) The power of choice Further reading: https://plus.maths.org/content/six-degrees-separation It's A Small World: https://youtu.be/2rTZ9UndNeI?feature=shared Image: photo from kaleidoscopefightinglupus org modified according to my instructions by ChatGPT (requiring much pulling teeth and tons of patience 😬😅)

**Co-work & Co-create together: teamwork makes the dream work**! Join us at the IHL for a fun co-working day! Our goal is to create a space where people can come together and work in a shared environment. Whether you're tackling a professional project, pursuing a personal goal, or diving into a creative venture, we want you here! Enjoy free coffee, tea, water, Wi-Fi and extension cables to keep you connected and productive. Come create and motivate with us! **Agenda:** 20-50 minutes of focused work, followed by a 10-15 minute chat break (tracked by a visual timer), repeat. **What to bring:** Yourself and your work! **What we have:** coffee water and tea for free, an honesty bar for soft drinks (everything is 2€) **Registration:** Required via Meetup so we know how many people to expect! **Maximum capacity:** 20 people **About the volunteers:** Kevin is a self-proclaimed productivity nerd on a mission to work smarter, not harder, while fostering an inclusive community that kicks loneliness to the curb! He knows firsthand how easy it is to turn into a potato and binge-watch cat videos instead of getting things done. That’s why he’s super excited to roll up his sleeves, make real progress on projects, and build connections and friendships along the way—because who says productivity can’t be fun? Having lived in Leuven for five years, he’s ready to share ideas, inspire others, and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive together. Let’s turn those “meh” moments into “heck yeah!” achievements! Kinga is from Poland, but has lived in Leuven for almost 5 years at this point. She knows the city from the perspective of both the student and the professional. She enjoys learning and exploring new topics, and her list of “Oh, I’d like to know more about that” keeps getting longer. The biggest challenge, however, is actually sitting down and getting things done. It’s just way too easy to postpone it until tomorrow. She says, "Since I can’t rely on my motivation, I choose to create an environment that inspires me not to procrastinate."

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ KAWA - Galerie Bortier! Saturday, 20 December 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. It's limited to 65 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. **Galerie Bortier opened its doors about a year ago, and KAWA café is inside the gallery.** **The bar, however, is at the entrance of the gallery. Get your drink there, and then walk into the gallery to the café/sitting area.** Its Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/gallery.bortier/ https://www.instagram.com/kawaclub.bxl/ **The address is:** KAWA - Galerie Bortier Rue de la Madeleine 55 1000 Bruxelles *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

_IMPORTANT: To RSVP you will also need to register as a member [here.](https://forms.gle/PsmYJ3vQKocXQCAY6)_ Join Sunday Vacations for a cozy Saturday brunch at **Aksum Coffee House**, one of Brussels’ most beautiful cafés, where rich Ethiopian coffee, fresh Moroccan crêpes, and vibrant international vibes meet in perfect harmony. This is more than just brunch, it’s a relaxed way to start your weekend, meet new people, and enjoy a soulful spot full of stories and flavors. ### 📍 Where? **Aksum Coffee House – Galeries Sainte Hubert (Just a few steps from Grand Place) ### 🕚 When? **Saturday at 11:30 AM** Come hungry, curious, and ready to mingle! ### 🍽️ What’s on the menu? ☕ Fresh-roasted Ethiopian coffee 🥞 Moroccan-style crêpes & artisan pastries 🥚 Tasty brunch dishes (vegetarian options too) 🧾 Everyone pays their own order at the counter. ### 👋 Who’s joining? Expect a mix of international professionals, friendly locals, and Sunday Vacations regulars. Solo? New in town? Come anyway, this is the perfect place to connect. --- 🧡 **Limited spots** – RSVP early to secure your place at the table. By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

. Find us on Facebook to see what's actually happening. Bring your own knitting or crochet project and join other people who enjoy yarn crafts for a relaxing couple of hours on Saturday afternoons. The 1st Saturday of the month is not an in-person meet-up, but on zoom. All people and all levels welcome, including beginners, whom we are happy to help get started (although we don't run classes). No charge. All you need is some yarn and a crochet hook or a pair of knitting needles. We are very friendly so don't be shy. The venue may change from time to time so please check back on the day before the event to be sure you have it right. We mostly speak English, but people in the group are very international and speak many languages. Looking forward to seeing you.

Hey Folks, Grands Carmes is hosting their 3rd annual winter queer Market this coming weekend. Whether you need a last minute gift for a loved one ( or for yourself) or just want to enjoy some crêpes come enjoy the holiday spirit and support queer artists and places that foster them ! Nb: I'll need to leave around 3:30 pm as I'm catching a train later that day, but you're very welcome to stay until 8pm See you soon, Janai

**Alone for the holidays? We've got you!** Whether you're new to the city or simply have no one to spend the holiday season with, you probably don’t want to spend it alone. At this event, we’ll help you meet new people, with the hope that you’ll find a small group you feel comfortable with—maybe even to spend the holidays together. **You’ll:** * Meet new people in small groups (max 8 per group) * Be matched based on the answers you provided when signing up * Enjoy a completely offline, screen-free experience * Receive a little Christmas gift envelope from us This event is a **concept test of a revolutionary friendship app.** Always find your friends busy, or don’t know anyone in the city? Through the app, you’ll choose the date, time, and venue, and we take care of the rest. We match you with a group and send invites to people who fit your vibe. Just show up and enjoy. For this particular event, you won’t be using the app yet. However, **downloading the app is required to attend**, so if you like the concept, you can start using it immediately. And the best part? **It’s completely free.**

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Special theme: light strategy games (Catan 🐑🪵🌾 or similar). Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 14:00, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

Join us for some friendly Badminton games- all levels welcome! IMPORTANT- in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Friday morning. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waitlist. Refunds will only be people after Friday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our W’app group as well for faster, often better, updates! https://chat.whatsapp.com/Llj4cYv1PVE2LXv86WkXMC?mode=hqrt2

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

[🚨][CLICK ME for instant PAY](https://pay.bancontact.com/p2p/81302bb5-a32b-47dd-afbf-d6495786afe8)[🚨] Get ready to unleash your inner champion (or just have some epic laughs) at our **Brussels Ping Pong Bash** ! **Are you a "Federer of the forehand" or haven't held a paddle since childhood?** this is your chance to rally with awesome people, get a fun workout, and build some serious table tennis cred. **Here's the lowdown:** * **Date & Time:** Sunday, 16:00 PM - 18:00 PM * **Location:** Brussels Ping Pong (Emmanuel Mounier Sport Center, Wolluwe-St-Lambert) - Room 1 (meet us there!) * **The Vibe:** Friendly competition, good times, and maybe a little healthy trash talk * **Cost:** €5 for the entire 2 hours (bank transfer) **What to Bring:** * Your own paddle (and balls if you've got 'em) * Your A-game (optional ) * Your awesome self (don't be late!) **RSVP:** Let us know you're joining the fun asp. Spots are limited, so don't wait! **Important Note:** Please only RSVP if you can truly make it. We want everyone to get a chance to play! This is gonna be a smash hit! Don't miss out! P.S. We're building a community of ACTIVES table tennis enthusiasts, so come ready to make some new friends and share your love for the sport! ‼️Keep this place SAFE : keep it fun. A smatch is good but avoid hurting others‼️ Remember we all began somewhere and it is important to support those at the start of their training‼️

4 tables have been reserved for Sunday, for two hours 14:00-16:00 I will be your host Venue: Woluwe Sports Complex, Krainem We meet in the room with the ping pong tables. • What to bring: Make sure to bring your own bat. • Price: €5.5 for the 2 hours (independent of the number of attendees) You can pay with cash or with a bank transfer on the day of the event. IMPORTANT: * Please RSVP only if you intend to come and respect the rights of others to play * Modify your RSVP (preferably before 6p.m. on the day before the event) in case of changes. If you are on the Waitlist, please check on the day to see if you got upgraded to the attendee list - so that you do not miss the chance of attending the event! Please don’t turn up if you are only on the Waitlist! Enjoy!

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

This meetup is 2:30pm Sunday. Conversation tends toward intermediate/advanced, but everybody is welcome. If you come and don't see us right away, keep looking. We could be anywhere. in the restaurant, or even out on the patio.

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.