Community

At IHL, community means connection, support, and belonging. 

We’re more than a help desk, or an information resource; we’re also a welcoming space where internationals can meet, share, and thrive. Through game nights, hikes, coffee mornings, and informal meetups, we create opportunities for real friendships and shared experiences. Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for years, there’s a place for you in our vibrant, inclusive community.

Featured Articles

Welcome Ambassador Program

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.

Connecting Cultures: How an American & Belgian Found Friendship

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

Hikes Around Leuven: Discover Bertembos

Discover Esra's experiences of hiking in and around Leuven to combat grey days: "for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe again"

Leuven wasn’t the reason I came — but it became the reason I stayed

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

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Ambassador program

IHL matches newcomers with a more seasoned Leuvenaar (international or not), to help people find their feet in the area quickly. 

“The Ambassador Program is a win-win for both sides. I’ve met amazing people who have become true friends.” — Helga, Belgium

Welcome Ambassador Program

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.

Connecting Cultures: How an American & Belgian Found Friendship

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

Leuven wasn’t the reason I came — but it became the reason I stayed

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

Check out our upcoming social events

Culture shock: dare or dodge?

Adjusting to a new place and culture can feel happy, overwhelming, lonely, and amazing all at once or in phases. This workshop will cover the different stages of culture shock and provide a place for us to learn from the experiences of those present and how to deal with them.

Every two weeks

Game Night at the IHL

Join us at IHL for a joyful board game evening, accessible to all!
Every other week

After-work Drinks

Join IHL for after-work drinks! It's an evening full of great conversation and delicious Belgian beer with internationals and locals from Leuven.
Every other week

Saturday Coffee Morning

A coffee morning (on Saturday!) for anyone who is looking to make friends, or simply connect to other internationals.
Every other week

Tuesday Evening Philosophy Club

Once a month, IHL hosts a philosophy club where we have exciting discussions about a variety of topics. Join us for one of these fun evenings!
Monthly

Creative Meetup

Bring a crafting project and join a group of friendly internationals for a creative meetup at Maekerij! All types of crafters are welcome to join this event.

Meet the IHL Volunteers

Meet Kasia: host of the 40+ Ladies group

Meet Kasia - host of the vibrant 40+ ladies IHL group. Originally from Poland, she started this bustling group that meets a few times a month to try new things: food, drinks, karaoke or even spa days - the sky's the limit with this group!

Meet Rebecca: host of the Grief Group

Meet Rebecca, originally from the USA and now living in Belgium for 4 years. She hosts the Grief Group at the International House Leuven once a month.

Meet Reinier: host of the Philosophy Club & Afterwork Drinks

Meet Reinier, originally from the Netherlands now living in Belgium since 1984. He's in the IHL band and hosts the the Philosophy Club & Afterwork Drinks at IHL.

Meet Thomas B.: host of Sci-Fi Club

Meet Thomas, a co-organizer of Sci-Fi Leuven, your one-stop shop for the appreciation and discussion of works of science fiction.

Meet Vanessa: host of Written By Women book club

Meet Vanessa, originally from Puerto Rico. She co-hosts the Written by Women IHL book club.

Meet Viviana: host of Written By Women book club & guided walks for Women's circle

Meet Viviana, originally from Colombia and now living in Belgium for 14 years. She hosts the Written by Women Book Club and guides walks for the Women's Circle.

Community stories

Connecting Cultures: How an American & Belgian Found Friendship

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

Hikes Around Leuven: Discover Bertembos

Discover Esra's experiences of hiking in and around Leuven to combat grey days: "for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could breathe again"

Leuven wasn’t the reason I came — but it became the reason I stayed

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

Become an IHL volunteer!
Want to get invovled?
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This page was last updated on: 5 August 2025