Meet Winand: host of Group Hikes & International Potluck

Winand moved to Leuven in 2009 to begin his university studies. For him, however, it felt more like coming home. Both his grandparents and parents met in Leuven, all his siblings were born there, and his family’s roots lie in nearby Meerbeek. So, despite his continued loyalty to his former hometown’s football club (sorry, OHL 🙁), he considers himself a local.

International House Leuven

18 November 2025

Get to know Winand

Pronouns: He/him
Country of Origin: Belgium
Time in Belgium: Since 1991
Interesting thing about home country: We all know that Belgium isn’t fun at all 😆 However, did you know that one of the first mentions of the name ‘Belgica’ was in a book written by Caesar, more than 2,000 years ago?
Activity: Organiser of group hikes (together with Anis and Louie) and potlucks (together with Aishwarya)
Languages: Dutch, English, French (to a lesser extent). Can read Latin (though his skills are getting a bit rusty)
Favourite thing from home country: Leuven ❤️
Favourite thing about Belgium/Flemish life: Chocolate, fries, beer, and waffles. He was born and raised a Belgian, after all.
Loves: Hiking, food, Kheelen, cats (especially his own), history, art, talking (he never stops talking), music, etc.
Ask me about: History, politics, hiking routes and hiking material, biking routes, activities and groups for internationals

Winand has been described as “a concept” due to his so-called omnipresence. He can be found in countless WhatsApp groups and organising numerous activities, as he co-founded the Leuven Social Groups, a WhatsApp community for expats in Leuven. By day, he works at KADOC-KU Leuven, an archive and research centre dedicated to the history of religion, culture, and society. There, he handles communications, produces videos, designs games, collaborates on exhibitions, gives lectures, and much more. Is either full of energy or deadly tired, there is no in-between.

Learn about the Group Hikes

Winand began organising hikes with a few friends in 2022, and before long, many other new groups followed. In 2024, he reached out to the IHL to collaborate on organising activities. Winand says that over the years, he has met countless wonderful people, and those connections have profoundly changed his life for the better.

Advice for newcomers

Use a bicycle to get around Leuven and explore the region, but beware: always use the required bike lights and do not cycle against the direction of traffic, because fines are steep!

Would you like to join the group?

Hikes: join the Group Walk group in the IHL WhatsApp community

Potlucks: Check IHL activity page for the next potluck

It’s incredible how you can meet people from nearly every corner of the world in Leuven. I feel truly fortunate for the many kindred spirits I’ve encountered and the wonderful friendships I’ve formed over the years.

Winand