Meet Georgi: host of Saturday Morning Coffee Meetup Group

Meet Georgi, who has lived in Belgium for more than 4 years. He is originally from Bulgaria, but has been traveled and lived abroad in the last years, before settling down in Leuven. Georgi's passion is people and creating unique and meaningful interactions that leave a mark.

International House Leuven

14 October 2025

Get to know Georgi

Name: Georgi
Pronouns: He/him
Country of Origin: Bulgaria
Time in Belgium: 2020 and 2022
Interesting thing about home country: Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe with a foundation year 681. Our history is extremely rich, and we left the mark on Europe as a continent not once or twice. One of my favourite dish is called баница [banitsa] which is baked fillo dough that you can fill with cow cheese, eggs, leek, spinach, pumpkin with cinamon and many more [not at the same time of course]. There is no specific moment when you eat banitsa so you can use for breakfast, lunch and snack in between.
Countries Lived In: Bulgaria (home country), The USA, Netherlands, Poland, and Belgium
Activity: Saturday morning coffee meetup
Languages: Bulgarian, English, Dutch
Favourite thing from home country: The food is an amazing mix of Mediterranean and Middle east cuisine with lots of fresh vegetables, cheese and spices.
Favourite thing about Belgium/Flemish life: I love the ease of life in Belgium, that deeply ingrained sense of logic and structure in every activity.
Loves: Cannelloni
Ask me about: Career and work, tips on how to relocate and settle down abroad, video games and e-readers.

Georgi studied Finance and spent significant time studying abroad. He is part of the Erasmus generation and was part of the local ESN board in Leuven during my studies. Georgi loves traveling, but will think twice if the alternative is having a cosy afternoon at home. Currently he volunteers at IHL and wants to take a more active role in the Leuven community and help people connect (professionally and socially).

Learn about the Saturday Coffee Morning Meetups

Georgi co-hosts the Saturday Morning Coffee. There is usually a group of between 10 and 20 joiners who either recently moved to Leuven or sometimes also people who have lived here for 15 years. Locals also visit regularly and help newcomers with their questions. The contrast between the ‘newbies in the city’ and the veterans is always nice, but the connection and genuine understanding of what everyone goes through is very visible during the meetings.

People seek other people and everyone wants to share their experiences and impressions of the city. Saturday morning coffee is a great format for that. As hosts, we do not propose topics but let the table decide the most relevant updates, events or activities they want to recommend. This way we all learn from each other the news from the vibrant Capital of Culture 2030 – Leuven!

"I am very happy I have found the IHL very soon after my arrival in Belgium and had their open door as a newcomer in Belgium/Leuven. The events and information session were a great way to feel welcome and integrate easily. As an international who lived in 4 different countries before coming to Belgium the help and support you receive is irreplaceable. Now, as a volunteer and part of the IHL I am happy I have the opportunity to welcome new internationals coming to Leuven and ensure they can settle down."

- Georgi