In this guide to forging connections with Belgians, Colby - a recent graduate from the US - shares his insights into meeting locals, providing cultural context, tips and resources to broaden your own network.

Learn how to apply for a Belgian visa, understand the difference between Type C and Type D visas, prepare your documents, and discover what to do after arriving in Belgium. A practical guide for internationals moving to Leuven and Belgium.

To make the most of your time in the beautiful city of Leuven, it's essential to have the right tools at your fingertips. Learn about helpful apps to use in Leuven.

Discover child care options in Leuven and important information about the registration system for child care centers.

Looking for parenting support in Leuven? Discover Kind en Gezin, Huis van het Kind Leuven, English-speaking parent groups, toddler playrooms, childcare guidance, and resources for international families.

There are many ways to connect with local residents or to meet up with fellow internationals in Leuven. Discover how to meet new people in Leuven.

Leuven is easy to access by bike, public transport, or car. Learn about the many ways to travel around Leuven.

Recently moved to Belgium and not sure where to begin? Follow our checklist to get started. This article covers month 2 of living in Belgium.

Recently moved to Belgium and not sure where to begin? Follow our checklist to get started.

Mariia shares her experience of what it is like to be an international living abroad while her parents age. She offers tips from her experience of what she has learned.

Learn how to obtain a Belgian license plate when moving to Leuven or Belgium. Step-by-step guidance for EU and non-EU vehicles, customs, inspections, insurance, taxes, and registration with the DIV.

Meet Meggan and Helga and discover how they found connection despite coming from different backgrounds.

Meet Mariia from Russia. She shares her experience as a trailing partner and how she navigated some of the difficulties.

Meet Hannelise from South Africa - she moved here for work with her husband and daughter.

Meet Ezgi from Türkiye - she joined the IHL Ambassador Program as a newcomer and later returned as a welcome host herself.

Recently moved to Belgium and not sure where to begin? Follow our checklist to get started. This article covers month 3 of living in Belgium.

Concerned about animal neglect or abuse in Leuven? Learn how to report suspected mistreatment, what happens after you make a report, and how local authorities work to protect animal welfare.

Need emergency pet or wildlife assistance in Leuven? Find out when animals qualify for emergency shelter, who to contact for stray cats or injured wildlife, and what support is available for pet owners facing unforeseen circumstances.

A practical guide on what to do when a pet dies, how to report a dead animal, burial rules, cremation options, and who to contact for assistance.

Dealing with animal nuisance in Leuven? Learn who to contact, how to report issues, and what support is available for concerns involving pets, wildlife, rats, mice, martens, or noisy animals.

Whether you've lost your dog or cat, or you've spotted a stray animal, there are services in Leuven that can help reunite pets with their owners quickly and safely.

Can you feed animals in Leuven? Learn the city's rules on feeding pets, pigeons, and stray cats, and discover how Leuven manages animal welfare and stray cat populations responsibly.

Two internationals share their experience of what it is like to lose a parent while living abroad. They discuss the grief, guilt, and what helped them process it all.

Belgium's elementary school system (basisonderwijs) comprises preschool and primary school education. Children can enter the elementary school system at preschool starting at the age of 2.5 years.

Learn important information about secondary schools in Belgium (particularly Leuven): how they work, and the procedures to enroll your child in a school in Leuven.

Living abroad can be exciting, disorienting, and deeply rewarding. For couples who move or meet abroad, it can stretch their relationships in unexpected ways. We met up to talk about this aspect of international life - here's what we discussed.

Looking for mental health support in Belgium? Learn how to find an English-speaking psychologist, therapist, counselor, coach, or psychiatrist in Leuven and across Belgium. Understand your options, reimbursements, and where to get help.

Moving abroad can be a big shift, but for internationals in midlife, it can feel like the ground underneath your feet has been pulled away. Discover how to navigate your identify when moving countries in midlife.

Grief of identity loss is often felt by internationals who move abroad. Learn what it feels like and how to navigate these feelings.

Winter in Belgium can be difficult. These are our tips for thriving, not just surviving, the colder months.

Searching for a job can bring up many unpleasant emotions. Learn how to recognize and manage them.

A reality many internationals must face while living abroad is that their parents are aging while they are away. How do we deal with the emotions that come from this realization? Read on to see what internationals say.

Mental health professionals share tips to help internationals adjust and thrive when moving abroad.

Learn about health insurance options and how to choose one that fits your needs.

Discover how Belgian health insurance works, who needs a health insurance fund, how reimbursements work, and what healthcare options are available for internationals in Belgium.

Looking for a family doctor in Leuven? Learn how to find a GP in Belgium, understand Global Medical Files (GMD), conventioned doctors, after-hours care, healthcare costs, and essential Dutch healthcare vocabulary.

Need emergency medical care in Belgium? Learn when to call 112, where to find emergency rooms in Leuven, how 1733 works, and how internationals can access urgent healthcare services.

Looking for a pharmacy in Leuven? Learn how to find a pharmacist in Belgium, use prescriptions, access medication after hours, understand health insurance reimbursements, and more.

Looking for a dentist in Leuven? Learn how to find a dentist, understand Belgian dental insurance and reimbursements, access emergency dental care, and navigate your options as an international in Belgium.

All about rental contracts in Flanders and where to go for help.

A plaatsbeschrijving or survey/inventory report is mandatory when you move into a house or apartment.

Learn about the basics of renting in Leuven, finding housing, rental contracts, and cost of living.

Find household assistance in Belgium with this guide to dienstencheques. Learn where to hire cleaners, what it costs, and what to expect.

Discover the different neighborhoods of Leuven to help you decide where is best for you (and your family) to live.

Moving to Belgium? Learn how to transport your belongings, pets, and vehicle, understand customs requirements, arrange parking permits, and prepare for a smooth relocation to Leuven and Belgium.

Set up water, electricity, gas, internet, and TV in Belgium with confidence. Learn how to compare utility providers, transfer contracts, and manage household services in Leuven and Flanders.

Learn about electricity and gas providers in Belgium. Learn how to use the VREG V-Test, understand energy consumption, reduce costs, and choose the best energy contract for your home in Leuven.

Learn how rental deposits (huurwaarborgen) work in Flanders. Discover the different types of rental guarantees, how to arrange one, how to get your deposit back, and what international tenants in Leuven should know.

Learn some tips from local real estate agencies about insights on what was most helpful when looking for a place in a competitive housing market.

Connect with the international community and join the IHL Ambassador Program — a welcoming initiative that pairs newcomers with seasoned Leuvenaars to ensure a smooth landing upon arrival.

Before being able to take-up employment in Belgium, several formalities are to be checked. Get a high-level overview of things you need to consider.

Learn how home insurance works in Belgium for renters and homeowners. Discover coverage options, costs, legal responsibilities, and tips for internationals living in Leuven and Belgium.

Opening a Belgian bank account is an important step needed in order to receive your income, pay in shops and make payments for rent, utilities, and more.

If you are over the age of 18 and have been living in Belgium since the previous year, it is required to file your taxes in Belgium.

Looking for Dutch classes in Leuven? Discover NT2 courses, language schools, registration dates, learning pathways, and practical tips for internationals in Leuven and Flanders.