Our team
Our team prides themselves on being welcoming, friendly, informative and inclusive. We're here to help the whole community thrive, answer your questions and get you settled in Leuven.
Natalie, IHL Coordinator
Born and raised in Leuven, Natalie knows everyone in Leuven and can find answers to the trickiest of questions. And if you are lucky, she’ll even tell you where to find the best eclairs in Leuven (her favorite pastries!)
How long have you been in Leuven?
Native Leuvenaar, born in Heilig Hart Hospital!What’s your favourite thing about Leuven?
Friday & Sunday marketsWhat do you enjoy about the international community?
It offers me a different perspective on things I take for granted.
Anna, IHL Community Manager
From Virginia, USA, Anna came to Leuven to study and never left. She sets up all our events, and works with an army of friendly volunteers to make them all happen - with 269 events in 2023 it would have been impossible for her to attend them all!
How long have you been in Leuven? Since March 2020.
What’s your favourite thing about Leuven? Visiting Park Abbey.
What do you enjoy about the international community? I get to meet like-minded people with similar shared experiences.
Sophie, Ambassador Programme Manager
A Belgian who lived abroad, Sophie now runs the Ambassador programme. Sophie carefully matches newcomers with an established Leuvenaar to ensure a great experience for everyone.
How long have you been in Leuven? Since 2014.
What’s your favourite thing about Leuven? I love the Saturday morning market in Brusselsetraat where you can find lots of delightful food stands.
What do you enjoy about the international community? For me, the international community is like the ultimate global potluck! You've got people from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their own unique stories to the table, all in search of that special sense of belonging away from home. I love listening to their adventures, immersing myself in different cultures, and giving a warm welcome to all the newbies in our city.
Rebecca, Digital Marketing Specialist
Becca, from Montana, USA, came on a European adventure to complete a masters at KU Leuven, and now works as a freelancer in digital marketing. She helps keep the newsletter and our socials fresh!
- How long have you been in Leuven? Since 2021
- What’s your favourite thing about Leuven? I love how walkable the city is. You can get anywhere by foot within 15 minutes, or 5 with a bike!
- What do you enjoy about the international community? It's really fun to learn about different backgrounds within the international community. While we all come from difference places, we all have something in common: we moved to a new place and are looking for community. I have met some of the kindest people through the international community in Leuven!
Juliet, Communications Specialist
Juliet is from the UK, but grew up in Basel, Switzerland. She came to Leuven when her husband got a new job here, and quickly felt right at home. She helps us in all things communication and project management.
How long have you been in Leuven? Since 2018
What’s your favourite thing about Leuven? How lively the city center is in the summer, with all places to sit outside and watch the world go by.
What do you enjoy about the international community? I love learning the little quirks about different cultures and how we layer pieces of everywhere we have lived into our unique perspective
Jenny, Office Dog
Jenny is from a shelter and loves meeting other humans, though as a big dog she can be intimidating if you don't know her. She visits us regularly, to remind us to keep moving, and hang out for the day in the office.
How long have you been in Leuven? Since 2019
What’s your favourite thing about Leuven? Going on plenty of walks - like to go picking flowers at t'Pluk Geluk.
What do you enjoy about the international community? I love that I have found my forever home among internationals and have now visited three countries outside of Belgium!