Get to know Francesco
Francesco moved to Belgium, from Italy, in 2022 as a trailing spouse.
Once in Leuven, he participated in activities at the IHL almost immediately and started building up his network. Soon after, he started volunteering for the IHL, wanting to provide support to whoever was in the same situation he was when he arrived.
Francesco is an Evolutionary Biologist by studies who currently works in Life-Science.
Fun fact: Francesco's go-to phrase when talking with someone is "how do you call a pigeon, the bird, in your language?" He has a goal to learn the name for pigeon in every language possible. He says that it seems a silly project, but it is super fun when you are part of such a huge international community as in Leuven. It’s a great conversation starter!
Learn about the Sci-Fi Club
As a general rule, we always meet the fourth Saturday of the month at the IHL at 15:00, one month discussing a book that we decided together to read, the month after we'll discuss a movie, and we keep alternating.
As a newcomer, don't feel pressured to catch up with the book we are reading that month, thinking you'll not have enough time to finish it or to start it even. We happily welcome everybody to join the conversation, even if you didn't read the book. So, what are you waiting for? You know where to find us!!!!
Why Francesco volunteers
Francseco volunteered on several occasions with the IHL: hosting board game evenings and cooking workshops. Always with the hope to make somebody feel as welcomed as much as he was when he started attending the IHL activities.
"Currently, I am co-hosting the Sci-Fi Movie and Book Club together with Thomas. I started as an attendee, brought in by my passion for the genre, joining the club at its inaugural meeting and being part of it ever since. I love the atmosphere we create during the meetings while discussing pieces of work, either books or movies, that we experienced as a group, and the fact that everyone feels free to share their thoughts with the others.
It motivates me deeply seeing every month the group of regulars coming together with anticipation to chat about a book or a movie, and seeing the newcomers coming back the following meeting, and then again, and again, until they feel like regulars themselves."
- Francesco
Advice for newcomers
As a newcomer, it can be intimidating to get out and get to know somebody and start building connections. That's where a place like the International House Leuven comes in handy. It requires a small leap of faith, but you'll always land in a safe space, greeted with a warm and welcoming smile. I can guarantee you that you are going to find some activity that will interest you and somebody ready to help you and welcome you in the community. What are you waiting for? JUMP!
Would you like to join the group?
The best source of information is probably the IHL website, which is where you are right now while reading this. There (here?) you can find all the info about the Sci-Fi Club, where and when it happens and what we are going to discuss in that month's meeting.
You can also find us on the app MeetUp where you can enrol for each event, that help us having an idea of how many people to expect at every meeting, I would suggest you to keep an eye on both places and enrol whenever you feel like coming!
The IHL newsletter is also a great source of information about that month's activity, with some tasty tips and curiosities as a side. Highly recommended.
Check out upcoming social events at IHL
Quickfire Quiz
Waffles or chocolate?
Chocolate
Bus, bike, drive or walk?
Bike everywhere, even from my bedroom to the toilet
Favourite thing to do locally?
A nice beer at Malz or enjoying a delicious Pizza on a sunny afternoon at Hal5
Best thing about Leuven?
The international community is great, with tons of interesting people from all over the world living here! On top of that, it's a lively town, you can find many activities that pique your interest: live music, nice restaurants, and great parks. Then, whenever you feel you want something more exotic, you hop on a train, and in 20 min you are in Brussels with a renewed set of possibilities.
Favorite market in Leuven?
The Saturday one in Brusselsestraat
Spontaneous or planned?
Leaning more and more towards a planner, learning the Belgian way.
